media_artricles :: 2016

South is part of T&T too

Grateful Persad appeals for ‘Ramjohn’ upgrade

Simplex Athletic Club coach, Gunness Persad has congratulated Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Darryl Smith, expressing gratitude for the brand new warm-up track at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

"The improvement of the Hasely Crawford Stadium is welcomed," Persad told the Express.

"All athletes use there, and will benefit. It's also good to hear that they're planning to build dorms."

But the veteran coach has appealed to the Sports Minister to pay attention to the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella as well.

"Congratulations, Minister Smith, but south is part of Trinidad and Tobago as well. The gym at Manny Ramjohn needs to be upgraded. We need a well-equipped gym, and we need a jumping pit and throwing area as well.

"Since about 2012," Persad continued, "there have been no lights at Manny Ramjohn. So, there's no night sport at that stadium. And the two practice fields have no seating accommodation and no lights. About 100 metres away from Manny Ramjohn, there's a recreation ground with lights. In fact, there are lights in all the recreation grounds in the area, but none at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium."

At the official re-opening of the Crawford Stadium warm-up area, last week, Minister Smith spoke about plans to furnish the other stadia in Trinidad and Tobago—Manny Ramjohn, Larry Gomes, Ato Boldon and Dwight Yorke—with dormitories, as well as proper warm-up tracks.

"I'm glad for the training track and dorms at Manny Ramjohn," said Persad, "but I hope it comes to fruition. We have been hearing that for years, and nothing is happening."

Persad, who is also a national coach, has developed many top T&T athletes at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, including Olympic 400 metres finalist Machel Cedenio and double Olympic sprint relay silver medallist Keston Bledman.

Both athletes are now based in Florida, but train at the Marabella venue when at home.

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