may.24.2009

Steve Stoute,president the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) is happy with Trinidad and Tobago's progress for the Caribbean Games.

Yesterday, the CANOC Executive Committee visited each of the Trinidad venues--namely the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Jean Pierre Complex and Woodbrook Youth Facility in Port of Spain, as well as UWI SPEC and Saith Park in Chaguanas-to assess their readiness to host the Games.

After a close look at all the major facilities: including the track, seating, electrical system, gym, medical facilities, roofing and foundation, Stoute gave a favourable review of what he had seen for the three Port of Spain venues. "There were some concerns that the venues may not have been ready at the time, but things are on stream, and basically we should be ready," said Stoute .

While there is still a lot to be done at the Stadium, the Jean Pierre Complex and the Woodbrook venue, which will host track and field, netball and boxing respectively. At the 'Hasely Crawford', the roof of the main stand has been replaced, and, according to SPORTT (Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago) project manager Earl Wilson, the repairs on the concrete tiers that make up that stand, are "70 per cent" done.

The electrical work is on schedule and the PA system has been redone, and the plumbing revamped.

The Jean Pierre Complex and Woodbrook Youth Facilities have less repairs scheduled, with the Complex having its outdoor surface repaired while the indoor surface is being replaced. The concrete tiers are also being repaired before seats are re-inserted. The Woodbrook court louvers need replacing and there are other minor adjustments to be done before it can be transformed into a boxing centre.

Stoute was happy with what he had observed. at the venues.

"We're impressed with works being done. Seems like an all out effort is being made to ready the venues for the Games," Stoute told the media.

He also commended T&T for taking the "initiative" to host the inaugural regional Games, with five different disciplines: boxing, track and field, volleyball (indoor and beach), netball and tennis.

"We laud T&T in taking the initiative in hosting the Caribbean games," he stated. "It's something we talked about for a long, long time. CANOC is indebted to T&T for stepping up to the plate and hosting the Caribbean Games. It's also a win-win situation, with the legacy work being done here."

"With the participation of Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic in boxing and volleyball, you will see sport of a very, very high standard," he added.

The CANOC team will conclude the tour today with a visit to the venue for the tennis competiton at Shaw Park in Tobago.
 
Source: www.irb.com