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Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange has sought to assuage concerns regarding the resurfacing of the running track at the National Stadium, saying that the work being done is on schedule.
Speaking yesterday after a visit to the National Stadium, Grange said the maintenance work is set to be completed before the upcoming ISSA GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) set for March 25 through to March 29.
“We’re on track based on the work plan and the timelines that have been established,” Grange said.
The track’s resurfacing is being done by Rekortan Tracks, one of the world’s leading track-installation companies.
Rekortan Tracks has installed several of the top running surfaces globally, including four Olympic Games surfaces, Diamond League venues, and the Penn Relays.
“The team that’s here from Rekortan, which includes the vice-president, they are very confident that they will complete the work in time for Champs. They showed me the work plan, walked me through it and indicated some of the issues that exist on the ground,” the sports minister explained.
Concerns were raised regarding the timeline of the resurfacing after reports stated that the schedule had been delayed due to some of the material necessary not being on the island in time to meet their proposed start date.
Grange, however, has stated that the work is now under way and will meet their deadline to ensure upcoming events such as Champs in March and the Grand Slam Track meet in April will be unaffected.
“They said they have found some areas where they have to cut out and treat. They’ll work day and night so that the schedule that has been worked out - we will meet those deadlines.” Grange said.
“They’ve washed the track. They’re gonna wash it again. They are doing the scope right now, looking at areas, special areas, that will need special treatment. I can’t get into the technical terms, but they are working with the coordination of IPL [Independence Park Limited].”
The minister of sport also said that the upcoming March 13 fixture between Cavalier FC and a Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami has been accounted for in their plans and will be left unaffected by the track’s resurfacing.
“Based on the work plan, I noticed that the date for the football is also a part of that plan,” she said. “So they have factored that in, which means that it will not delay the work.”
English (US) ·