World Athletics gives Jamaica high marks on National Stadium track

Jamaica’s resurfaced National Stadium track is getting high marks from World Athletics in a correspondence, which was recently received by Sports Minister, Olivia Grange.

 “All synthetic surface field test measurements comply with World Athletics requirements.” This means that the National Stadium track — the beautiful and unique black, gold and green track — is certified. The Class One facility certification means that the record-setting times that can now be run on our modern track will be fully recognised,” Grange said in reading out the letter in parliament yesterday in her Sectoral Debate presentation.

The track, now adorned in Jamaica’s National Colours of Black, Green and Gold, replaces the blue surface that was installed in 2011. The resurfacing project, carried out at a cost of US$350,000, was undertaken due to deterioration and safety concerns.

Resurfaced ahead of global competitions, it continues to draw praise from elite athletes for its speed and performance technology. The resurfacing was expertly carried out by international track manufacturer, Rekortan.

The new track will eventually be integrated into a massive, transformative overhaul of the entire Independence Park Limited, which operates the stadium and the other nearby sporting facilities such as the National Indoor Sports Centre.