NSC manager accepts playing field’s conditions but…

Acknowledging that there is work to be done at the Sion Hill Playing Field, manager of the National Sports Council Cecil Charles says one just has to bear with the conditions, until better can be done.{{more}}

Charles’ response came after the heats for Team Athletics SVG’s national club championships were aborted last Saturday.

The postponement came after a unanimous decision by coaches not to have their athletes run on the surface of the playing field, which they felt was unsuitable.

Heats for the championships are normally held at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, but that venue was unavailable because of the hosting of the National Lotteries Authority Windward Islands Under-15 cricket competition.

Charles said that prior to Team Athletics SVG receiving the green light to use the Sion Hill facility last Saturday, he asked games secretary of the local athletics body Rawlson Morgan to “look at it.”

Charles disclosed that he also requested coach Michael Ollivierre to do likewise, to ascertain its suitability.

“ …We are looking at bringing the conditions back and I don’t think anybody would go there and expect to get perfect condition…until such time, there is absolutely nothing we could do about it,” the NSC manager told SEARCHLIGHT on Saturday.

The Sion Hill Playing Field was re-laid in 2006 in preparation for Cricket World Cup 2007, using a sand base; however, it was dug up in 2011, and the sand was removed.

Since then, the facility has been used sporadically, with the hosting of the national cricket competition and the secondary schools’ competitions, resuming this year.

Charles noted that there is need for some holes to be filled on the outfield.

“…If there are pot holes, that is understandable. The field has been out of commission for some time and there is need for some mould to level off some areas. We have got some from IADC (International Airport Development Company); however, we do not have a truck to do that and we have been liaising with the Community Development Division to assist us in that regard,” Charles outlined.

The NSC manager said that restorative work has been ongoing at the Sion Hill Playing Field. (RT)