… makes certain suggestions

THREE-time Jamaican Olympian Grace Jackson, yesterday got a first hand view of the synthetic track that is under construction at Leonora, West Coast Demerara and made certain suggestions to Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport officials who accompanied her there.

Jackson, who is in Guyana along with Trinidad and Tobago’s four-time Olympic medal winner Ato Boldon for a three-day workshop which ends today, said the facility is a very nice one and she was glad to have the opportunity to see it.
According to Jackson who represented Jamaica at the 1984, 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games, a facility similar to the one being constructed at Leonora has been built at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus in Jamaica and all that is needed for that facility to be completed is the spectator stands.
She suggested that Guyana source moveable discus equipment and provide a small land space for shot put and discus events. This she said would preserve the international football size pitch which is in the middle of the track.
Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Alfred King asked Jackson for the source where the ministry can get the equipment and she promised to not only assist with the sourcing of that particular piece of equipment but whatever else is needed.
Jackson said the stands are already taking shape and that is very good, since once the two stands under construction are completed and the track is marked, things can start happening.
The Olympian queried if the two stands under construction will be the only two stands at the facility, but the ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) Steve Ninvalls was quick to point out that two more stands are to be built on the southern part of the ground.
Jackson then suggested that instead of waiting another year to complete two more stands, use temporary seating. “Don’t build seating accommodation for thousands of people when you can’t attract them, use temporary seating in the meanwhile.
She said building such a facility is a positive move that shows testimony that the government is serious about the development of sports.
“You have a facility that offers the opportunity for others to come in and support what you are trying to do.” Jackson stated.

(By Michael DaSilva)