ST.GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC-Grenada’s new Chinese Built National Football and Athletics Stadium has received a Class 1 Certification by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) the world athletics governing body.
The US40 million dollar stadium, recently completed, was reviewed by a team of assessors from the world body over the past few weeks and awarded the highest certification possible.
Grenada’s previous athletic stadium was designated at Class 2.
“This is great news. Exciting news for Grenada and of course we have to be totally excited about this,” declared sports minister Emmalin Pierre,
“What most stands out to me in all of this news is the challenge that it has been over the last two years. This has been very trying, very challenging but to god be the glory”.
The Class 1 Certification means the stadium is qualified to host all IAAF sanctioned events.
The first athletic stadium was destroyed when Hurricane Ivan ravaged Grenada in 2004.
“The old stadium was class two. We have moved up to class one and it tells you that a lot has gone into this. It would have required a lot of commitment. A lot of pushing,” said Pierre.
“What we have to do is maximize the use of this facility. Our ranking is tops we are among the best but we have to maximize the use of the facility to ensure we reap the total benefit”.
Grenada’s new athletic stadium is down to host the 45th CARIFTA games in March as well as the CONCACAF Under 17 Women’s Championship.
