Once completed, the track will achieve World Athletics Class 2 Certification. This project is considered a significant milestone for the development of sports and athletes in the Virgin Islands by enhancing essential infrastructure for the sporting community. Photo: Facebook

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), left, and Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Sharie B. de Castro (AL) at the contract signing ceremony for the supply, installation, and supervisory services for the resurfacing of the track at A.O. Shirley Grounds. Photo: Facebook

The contract was signed between officials from the Virgin Islands government, the BVI Olympic Committee/Pan Am Sports, the RDA, and Mondo America Inc.

Once completed, the track will achieve World Athletics Class 2 Certification. This project is considered a significant milestone for the development of sports and athletes in the Virgin Islands by enhancing essential infrastructure for the sporting community. 

During the ceremony, the Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, and Sports, stated, “Nearly a decade after hurricanes Irma and Maria, we are taking another major step forward with the complete resurfacing of this track, a significant investment in the future of Virgin Island sports.”

International sporting events 

The resurfacing of the track will enable the Virgin Islands to host major international sporting events. Additionally, local athletes will automatically have their records ratified once the facility is completed, eliminating the need for a validation process.

Meanwhile, the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), expressed optimism about the project's completion, stating, “I look forward to seeing this project completed and to witnessing the next generation of Virgin Islands athletes. Rise to even greater heights on a track worthy of their talent.”