GC Foster cleared to host Central, Western Champs

THERE was good news yesterday for teams down to compete in this month's Central and Western Championships as the GC Foster College track will be available to host both meets.

There were doubts surrounding the staging of the Western Championships on its final day, March 21, and the Central Championships scheduled for March 24-25 at the venue due to renovation work that was expected to begin a few weeks ago. The Central Hurdles, Relays and Field Events meet held on Saturday, January 24, had been expected to be the final meet staged there before the renovations.

Earlier, the Milo Western Relays which was scheduled for the venue on Saturday, February 14 was cancelled because of the planned work. However, Chester McCarthy, Sports Director of GC Foster College, revealed yesterday that there has been a delay in the start of the renovation work, making the facility available for both regional championships.

"There will be a delay to the start of work on the track as the equipment on the wharf for this purpose is yet to be cleared, as we are still awaiting the necessary paperwork," said McCarthy.

"Because of this we will be able to facilitate teams from central and western Jamaica to keep their championships at the venue, as we know the importance of these meets for the schools and the development of track and field in the country," added McCarthy, who also stated that repair work will likely begin on March 15, the day after the GC Foster Classics at the venue.

With earlier news about the likely unavailability of the facility, the University of the West Indies track had been named as an alternative venue, which would have resulted in additional travel expenses for teams from both regions.

The head coaches of Edwin Allen High and Holmwood Technical, Michael Dyke and Dave Anderson respectively, were delighted about the new development.

"We are extremely happy for this, as at this time with limited resources it would have been difficult for us to travel to Kingston for the meet. It would have been a big challenge for us at Edwin Allen, and good sense has prevailed," said Dyke, coach of the defending girls' champions at Central Champs.

Anderson was also relieved after hearing the news.

"I am happy that the meet will still be held at G.C. Foster College after all, as there were too many challenges getting to Kingston. When I first heard about that Kingston venue venue I was very concerned, as there are no proper bathroom facilities there to deal with all the teams, and it would have been very expensive travelling to Kingston for both days," said Anderson.