Source: www.newsday.co.tt

By Jonathan Ramnanansingh

THE postponed 2011 Sagicor National Senior Track and Field Championships has been re-scheduled to August 13 and 14, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

This announcement was made at a press briefing by NAAA president Ephraim Serrette, secretary Alan Baboolal and public relations officer Trevor James held at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, yesterday

The championships was originally carded for Saturday and Sunday, but the athletics men were told by the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT) on June 17, that the venue would not be available.

“These dates represent the only opportunity on the International Track and Field calendar to accommodate our athletes with professional obligations. “These dates have also been chosen to allow the completion of the laying of the new track surface at the Hasely Crawford Stadium,” explained Serrette.

The NAAA executives have set a July 2 date for the layers of the new tracks to complete the entire job.

What is critical though, is that the tracks must still receive a full 14 day period of sun to get the required result for the championships.

If everything goes according to plan, the NAAA would make their final decision on July 20.

“In this regard the association sees it as a responsibility to monitor on a weekly basis, the work being conducted on the track surface so as to better advise its planning.

“We will appoint a team to liaise with the SPORTT Company to facilitate weekly inspection of the work done,” mentioned Serrette.

The option of hosting the championships at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Tobago, was turned down entirely due to the fact that the tracks there, were not well equipped for this type national meet.

NAAA’s executive carried out a thorough investigation of the tracks and deemed it unfit. They also mentioned numerous other reasons why the championships were not suitable to be held in Tobago.

Serrette continued, “It is totally out of the question for varying reasons. The Tobago tracks are absolutely no good and are not in the proper conditions to host such an event. Besides the track and its undulating surfaces, one must think of the extra cost for taking all the athletes, officials and necessary equipment needed for the championships. A great move such as this would be very costly to the 49 participating clubs and the individual athletes.

“Also taking into consideration hotels, accommodation, food and transportation, all these additional costs.”

The worst case scenario of the championships not being held at all would force the selection of national teams for the Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC), based on the athlete’s previous track and field performances, to date.

This is indeed a reality because of the start of the rainy season and the still required 14 days of sun for the new tracks.

Serrette apologised to all athletes for all inconveniences caused to athletes local and foreign, sponsors and fans.