New Mondo track for HC Stadium

This was revealed at a ceremony to congratulate the Trinidad and Tobago’s CARIFTA Games athletes for their performances in Guadeloupe over the Easter weekend.

The team returned home recently with a bagful of medals — gold, silver and bronze led by impressive runner Garvin Nero.

Dr Ian Hypolite, the team’s physiotherapist declared at the function that Trinidad and Tobago had narrowed the gap on their Jamaican rivals.

According to Ken Doldron, president of the National Amateur Athletic Association (NAAA) the original completion date for the track was July 5. But he said because of the efficiency of the contractors, the work could be completed three weeks in advance.

Fifteen year old middle- distance runner Nero broke three records at the Games, including clocking four minutes and 78 seconds in the 1,500 metres.

Nero also completed the 3,000 metres race in eight minutes, 53.43 seconds which was another record time for Trinidad and Tobago. He followed that up with another new record in the 800 metres.

The Fatima College student said on Friday at the VIP Lounge of the stadium that he was surprised at his achievements. “I got the silver medal in the 1,500 metres last year and although I had worked hard in the event, I had no plan going into the race,” Nero said.

“In the 3,000 metres event my plan was just to stick with the bunch because I didn’t know what to expect.”

The young man said he is confident going into the Central American and Caribbean Junior Championships scheduled for the Hasely Crawford Stadium in July.

For his CARIFTA achievements, Nero received three LIAT airline tickets to any of their destinations.

In addition, LIAT also pledged their support for the National Amateur Athletic Association (NAAA) and their programmes. Doldron said the airline has agreed to assist the TT team with travelling arrangements.

The NAAA have also received renewed sponsorship from the National Gas Company (NGC) and Petrotrin.