Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 11, 2009 Sports
– seeks government assistance to use part of Durban Park
If the Vice President of the Bedford All Stars Sports Club, Wayne Walcott, gets his way, local athletes will soon have a spanking training facility with modern equipment.
This follows a request by Walcott and other sports enthusiasts, to the Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn for use of a plot of land on the Durban Park to construct the facility. The request was also carbon copied to the Minister of Sports, Frank Anthony.
Walcott has since received a reply from Mr Benn informing him that the matter is receiving attention. Mr Benn has also informed him that he has forwarded the letter to Director of Sports, Neil Kumar, for consideration. The Bedford All Stars executive is now making an impassioned plea to the sports authorities to expedite matters so that works on the project can begin as soon as possible.
A plot of land on the Durban Park totaling some 2 acres has been identified for the project. The facility would be built west of the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU). The area is currently covered with thick bushes but Walcott said that Minister Benn has promised to clear the area once the relevant approval has been given.
Quizzed on the funding of the facility Walcott revealed that he has spoken with several businesspersons and they have committed themselves to the realization of the project. He said that works would begin as soon as he receives approval from Kumar’s office.
Walcott said that his team is currently doing a feasibility study to ascertain the cost of the project. He said that so far he has been able to procure promises from local as well as overseas businesspersons.
Walcott feels that there is need for a facility of this nature since local athletes are in dire need of a place to hone their skills. He said that he has envisaged a facility that will focus on all round development of the athletes. Plans are also in train to launch an academic programme to facilitate the transition of athletes to college life. He said that most of these institutions are demanding a minimum of five subjects at the CXC Examinations before acceptance.
Walcott said that members of his organization have already drafted a developmental plan and are studying the logistics. He also disclosed that the central aim of the project is to provide local athletes with a modern facility comparable to those found in other Caribbean countries.
He plans to install washrooms with changing areas as well as a few bleachers to facilitate spectators. He said that plans are in train to construct a synthetic track. However, since the cost of the synthetic track may be prohibitive, its construction will be deferred to a later date. However, Walcott is adamant that the funding for the first phase of the project could be realized. He is presently awaiting the green light from Director of Sports, Neil Kumar.
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