Synthetic Track ready for ‘Nationals’ test – Williams

– footwear issue being addressed

By Michelangelo Jacobus

The 57th National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track & Field Championships, commonly known as “Nationals” looms large as it is just a matter of 72 hours away from its historic move to the National Track and Field Facility (NTFF) at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.
Guyana Times Sport spoke with Operations Manager of the facility, Trevor Williams recently and discussed the readiness of the facility in hosting some 1500 student-athletes over the next week.
Tried and Tested

Williams pointed out that over the past year, the NTFF has played host to several international sport events, none more prestigious than the South American Junior Championships in May earlier this year. As such Williams posited; “We are ready; in terms of the level of activities on the (synthetic) track, we’ve had three international meets as well as heavy local competitions which demonstrate that the facility is on par with what is required for an event of such magnitude.” He further pointed out that the only foreseeable problem would be the ability of the officials at “Nationals” to successfully marshal the events in a timely manner, however, he revealed that in the buildup to next week’s event, the organisers “seem to have everything under control”.
Nevertheless, Williams and his team at Leonora will be on the lookout for any mishap as they seek to ensure that the “Nationals” are a resounding success.

Footgear
It has been a niggling issue to some while others view it with mixed thoughts and feelings; that issue is whether or not the athletes who will not have the necessary foot gear needed for the synthetic track will be at a disadvantage.
Williams put paid to this as he noted that it was something that was discussed for years prior to the “Nationals” move to Leonora; this he noted would not be a disadvantage as in the years gone by schools in the area have continually used the synthetic track to run off Inter-house and Inter-school meets without any injury or issue where footwear is concerned.
While some regions have bought footwear for their athletes, not all of them will be equipped and Williams pointed out that some of the athletes are more comfortable running without footwear even if they are provided for.

Business End
The Championships commence with an opening ceremony on Sunday at the NTFF. The following day the cycling championships will be held at the National Park in Georgetown followed and the Swimming leg of the event on the same day at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal. The highlight of the premier Schools’ Sports Event, the Track and Field, will be held at the NTFF from November 28 to December 1. The defending Champions of the “Nationals” is the Upper Demerara/Kwakwani District.