Basseterre, St. Kitts (August 12, 2005): The need for a professional and internationally certified sprint track was emphasized by Minister of State with responsibility for sports Hon. Richard Skerritt during an interview with SKNIS.
Minister Skerritt pointed to the successes of sprinter Kim Collins who captured gold in major contests such as the 2002 Commonwealth Games and 2003 World Championships. He noted that Collins achievements on the international circuit are impressive considering the lack of proper training facilities available during his youth.
Highlighting the policies of the government, which are grounded on the principles of people empowerment, Minister Skerritt outlined the willingness of government to upgrade the sporting facilities to include a proper track.
Government has always wanted to put down a proper certifiable track to international standards. Its not a small undertaking. Its a fairly expensive undertaking, he explained. Kim has justified it (the construction of the track). He has made it an absolute must for this country, sometime in the near future to raise local standards in preparing our local athletes.
The minister of state added that the country is also obligated to have an internationally certifiable track as it prepares to host a major regional track and field competition in 2008.
Having, now the requirement for hosting the CARIFTA Games in 2008 has simply set a deadline for us so it means that sometime before 2006 we absolutely must start the process of constructing an international track, he said. This government has already indicated its commitment to that.
The local athletic association has recommended the 400-meter athletic track be constructed at Bird Rock.
