Public schools will close on Easter Monday so students can support the final day of the Carifta Games.The athletics competition is being held at the National Stadium between April 6 and 9.Announcing the closure in the House of Assembly, Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith said: “This decision was taken so that the entire school system can support the final day of the Carifta Games.“It is no secret that events of this magnitude require a large number of volunteers, and our teachers, senior students and Department of Education administrators will be able to provide vital support to this event and to our athletes.”She said the games will attract a large international audience and feature Bermuda’s best student athletes, many of whom are public school students.“Members are quite aware of our belief that all of our students deserve support and encouragement.“Just as we support academic achievement and creative talent, so must we support those gifted athletes who, following their successful Carifta experience, may one day represent our country at the Olympics. Our athletes are role models for their peers and I think that it is most appropriate for us to recognise excellence in all spheres,” she said.Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 10.