The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN preparation for the hosting of the 50th Jubilee CARIFTA Games, athletes will not be able to utilise the old or new Thomas A Robinson stadiums before Wednesday, according to Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ president Drumeco Archer.

Archer revealed that immediately after the completion of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ Track and Field Championships on Friday, Mondo began their restriping of the new Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

He noted that Mondo is expected to have their work completed by Wednesday when the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) will be hosting their track and field championships through Friday.

However, Archer said the old stadium will not be in use until further notice as Beynon has commenced their resurfacing of the surface and so the athletes will not have access to train or compete there until further notice.

“In spite of our best efforts to coordinate a smooth transition of the stadium usage, with the repairs being done at both the old TAR and the new TAR, unfortunately, we still have found ourselves where neither facility will be available to use for the next two days,” Archer said. “Beynon has completed the resurfacing of the straight away on the outside of the old TAR and this therefore means that they have now moved onto the second phase of their repairs, which is being done at the old TAR.

“Meanwhile, Mondo began its restriping efforts of the new TAR immediately following the BAISS competition and they are going to be completing their striping up until tomorrow (Tuesday). It therefore means that neither facility will be available to use for the next two days.”

While work is being done on the old stadium, Archer said athletes will be allowed to use the straight away on the outside to train. He said athletes will get the opportunity to train on the new stadium as of Wednesday.

He apologised on behalf of the BAAA and the National Sports Authority for any inconvenience caused, indicating that the repairs are necessary to get the stadiums ready for the CARIFTA Games, scheduled for April 7-11.

Beynon was responsible for the new surface that was placed in the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium, while Mondo placed the surface down on the new national stadium. Both are expected to complete their repairs to the tone of $800,000.

The Bahamas Government, according to Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, is expected to spend in excess of $2.8 million in repairs to both stadiums in time for the games during the Easter holiday weekend.

In the meantime, the Local Organising Committee, headed by its chief executive officer Lynden Maycock, has erected a Cultural Village in the parking lot on the eastern side of the new stadium that will add to the attractions being offered for both the participants and the spectators.