The re-certification of the Dwight Yorke Stadium (DYS) track in Bacolet, Tobago is scheduled to be done from January 28 to February 2. Word of the re-certification came via a release by the Sports Company of T&T (SporTT) on January 8, one week after the December 31, 2023 expiration of the current certification.
According to the release: “The certification of the track for athletes training and competing is a requirement of the World Governing Body for Track and Field, World Athletics (formerly the International Association of Athletics Federation-IAAF.”
It further explained that “during this period of closure, clients of the Dwight Yorke Stadium, including athletes, clubs, and associations are advised of the cancellation of all scheduled events, including training sessions.”
The release ended by saying that the stadium will re-open on February 3.
Meanwhile, the certification of the Hasely Crawford Stadium (HCS) track also ended on December 31, 2023, 12 years after the current surface was laid down.
President of the National Association of Athletic Administration of Trinidad and Tobago (NAAATT) George Comissiong told Guardian Sports Media that because the track was last relayed back in 2011, World Athletics has instructed that a new surface has to be installed at the HCS. However, Comissiong pointed out the NAAA was able to convince World Athletics to extend the certification at the DYS track (installed in 2014) as it was newer than the HCS.
As a result of the end of the certification of the HCS track times and distances recorded at the venue will not be acknowledged by World Athletics. Athletes who may achieve the standards for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France (July 26 - August 11) and the 2024 World Under 20 Track and Field Championships in Lima, Peru (Aug 27-31) at meets held at the HCS will miss qualification as their performances will not be ratified.
When contacted by Guardian Media Sports, the Communications Department of the SportTT said no date of the commencement of the installation of the new track at the HCS could be given at the moment until all the required procedures are completed.
Guardian Sports Media also contacted World Athletics via email for an update on the recertification of the DYS track.
However, Comissiong said he is projecting that the relaying of the HCS track will begin in early March after the staging of the Carifta Trials (March 2-3).