A major new project

By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Grenada has a major new athletic stadium.

The $40 million, Chinese-built stadium opened this weekend at an official ceremony.

The 8,000-seat facility replaces the original athletics stadium which was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

“This is my first time seeing the stadium in its full capacity not only crowd wise but also building wise because I came down to recruit Kirani [James] when he was 16 and a half years old and the stadium had been hit by the hurricane,” said Glance, who coaches Grenada’s world champion sprinter. “So I am truly, truly impressed with what the Chinese people have done.”

Glance attended the opening alongside James, who was invited to perform the ceremonial lighting of the torch.

The construction of the new stadium was completed in 22 months by approximately 120 Chinese and Grenadian laborers.

“They have laid out a great foundation,” said Glance. “It’s is mind blowing, really, when you have seen it for as long as you have seen it in its state and now you see it at its full capacity, it is just nothing short of outstanding.”

Kirani James lights a ceremonial torch

The stadium will serve as the venue for a number of upcoming local, regional and international sporting events, including the popular InterCol Sports Meet, the 45th edition of CARIFTA Games, and the CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 football tournament.

“Looking forward to seeing a lot of meets here,” James said. “We have CARIFTA trials and CARIFTA Games here, so the athletes and this track kind of level the playing field a little bit with the larger Caribbean countries.”