Coaches call for synthetic track for track and field

Two of St Vincent and the Grenadines accomplished track and field coaches – Godfrey Harry and Michael Ollivierre – are running in the same lane when it comes to the pursuance of a synthetic track for their country .

At present, the sand-based Arnos Vale One Playing Field is the premier facility and the host {{more}}of the major track and field events.

But Harry thinks things should be different.

“I will accept training on a grassed surface, but not for competition… We need a synthetic track,” Harry commented.

Harry has put forward the Grammar School Playing Field as a suitable venue for such an undertaking.

“You can put down at least a 300-metre synthetic track there, with at least four to five lanes. Once you can get it, get the place lighted, so we can have meets in the night,” Harry suggested.

Acknowledging the multiple uses of the Grammar School Playing Field, Harry advanced, “You can still play small-sided football games, but it will be mainly for track and field.”

Concurring with Harry was Ollivierre, who were both present at the Carifta trials at the Arnos Vale Playing Field last Saturday.

“Don’t expect anyone to make the standard here today on this sandbank,” Ollivierre quipped, in reference to the Arnos Vale surface.

“Look at the sport … We have to give them something to aim for….They need a lift … What else can you tell them about to motivate them (the athletes) than a track to run on,” Ollivierre said.

Harry and Ollivierre have joined a growing list of Vincentians who are calling for the authorities to lay down a synthetic track here.

Kineke Alexander, this country’s most decorated female athlete and 2013 Sports Personality, has also made a plea for a track.

Hopes of St Vincent and the Grenadines realizing a synthetic track were heightened in May of 2012, when Michael Tonvar of Mondo Track visited here.

At that time, the Sion Hill Playing Field and the site for the national stadium at Diamond were visited as possible venues. However, nothing concrete has emerged since.(RT)