Trelawny in line for synthetic track

A second synthetic athletics track could soon be installed in western Jamaica, according to Sports Minister Olivia Grange.

Speaking exclusively with TVJ Sports, Grange revealed that a new track and field facility is being considered for the Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium, which was built ahead of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup.

“We’re setting up the enterprise team shortly, in a matter of days, to look at proposals for Trelawny Stadium, which will be at the centre of sports and entertainment tourism,” Minister Grange disclosed.

“And we’re looking, possibly there, at doing another track and field facility in addition to about 22 sporting disciplines,” the minister told TVJ Sports.

There have been increasing calls for more synthetic tracks across the island, with facilities such as the Montego Bay Sports Complex at Catherine Hall being unavailable for several years because of disrepair, while the GC Foster College track is undergoing rehabilitation work.

President of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Keith Wellington told TVJ Sports that the move would make a significant difference in western Jamaica.

“I am delighted to see that the Government is making efforts to install another synthetic track in Western Jamaica,” he said.

Minister Grange added: “It’s quite a massive project, and we’re hoping that the enterprise team will work quickly to sign off or to seek additional information from the developers.”

The synthetic surfaces at the National Stadium, Stadium East, and Ashenheim Stadium at Jamaica College are currently used for competition and training, but all are located in Kingston.

Wellington believes the planned installation at Trelawny will give athletes the opportunity to further develop their skills.

“I think we are woefully short in this section of the island in terms of the opportunity for our kids to train and compete on artificial surfaces,” Wellington reasoned.

“… so the installation of one at the Trelawny Multipurpose venue will make a significant difference,” the ISSA president said.

The Trelawney Multipurpose Stadium was constructed on 76 acres of land in Florence Hall, Trelawny, in 2007 for the ICC Cricket World Cup.