Source: www.guardian.co.tt
By: Keith Clement
The long-awaited running track at the Hasely Crawford Stadium has been installed and will get its first test today, when the Hampton International Games get going from 2 pm. Yesterday, members of the media were invited to tour the facility and got testimony from some athletes about the new IAAF Certified Class 1 Synthetic Athletic Track that cost TT $9,229,607.00. With the completion of the track, the stadium, which is T&T’s premier international facility, has been upgraded from a Class 2 track to a Certified Class 1, which—according to Errol Ashby, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Sport Company of T&T—will enable the best athletes in the world compete here for local fans. “This will also help in boosting the sport-tourism market in T&T,” according to Ashwin Creed, the acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Sport. “This track is value for money. This track has a 15-20-year life span and we have gotten an eight-year guarantee. This track is the best installed in T&T ever.”
He pointed that the track installation project was scheduled to be completed by June 15, but the intense precipitation over the last few weeks severely hampered the progress of the German contractor, Porplastics. Creed pointed that both the Ministry and the SporTT did their research and Proplastics presented the best offer. Ashby, pointed out: “The process of tendering and selection was done above board and the right company was selected, there’s no doubt about that.” Ashby also said that no entertainment events are booked for the stadium for July 30, 31 or August 1, despite radio advertisements which have said otherwise. Creed said: “We’ve done our research in relationship with regards to sports and culture being staged at the same venue and we are prepared to address that. In fact, the Sport Company is in the process of purchasing a new type of covering for both the track and the playing field.”
Felix Sanchez of the Dominican Republic, the 2004 Olympic Games gold medallist in the 400m hurdles, said that the track is excellent. “It’s just like the one at home.” Sanchez, who is here for hampton games said: “The track is very bouncy and nice, as its harder it will get faster, that’s good.” Meinolf Meier, Specialist Engineer with Porplastics has ensured the integrity and durability of the track’s structured surface and under layer support. Ashby said now that the new track has been installed the SPORTT company, remains committed to ensuring that this significant investment in the Stadium’s infrastructure meets the highest international standards and yields the maximum return on the funds allocated.
Information about the track being installed
System Description Class 1 Track
•Total System Thickness 13 -17mm
•Certified in accordance with IAAF
•Water Permeable
•Spike Resistant
•Structured Surface
•Excellent conditions wet or dry
Class One certification makes the track worthy of hosting IAAF international athletics meetings, including those in the World Athletics Series, Olympic Games or Area Permit Meetings.
Tender Process
Five firms were invited to tender for the supply installation of an IAAF certified Class 1 synthetic running track and after a comprehensive evaluation Porplastic of Germany was selected. Porplastic is the world’s leading manufacturer with over 40 years experience in the development, manufacture and installation of IAAF Certified running tracks. Porplastic gave the best assurance of state of the art, cost effective, durable and environmentally friendly, IAAF certified running tracks.