MAJOR upgrades at the Central Sports Complex in Veldenvlei will for the first time see the athletics arena cater for field items.
Thanks to Lotto funding, the enclosed area inside the tartan running track is being revamped to provide facilities for shot put, javelin, hammer throw, high jump, long and triple jump, discus and steeplechase.
Work is far progressed and completion is due within the next two months.
The positioning of the 100m and 200m sprint section has also been moved from the northern to the southern side of the oval track for the benefit of spectators.
While road running has always had a firm following in Zululand, the improvements will give a huge boost to track and field athletics in a region where top junior performers relocate or quit after completing school.
‘The excellent athletics facility has hardly been used owing to the fact that it lacked the infrastructure necessary for field items,’ said uMhlathuze City Director: Parks, Sport and Recreation, Erns van Biljon.
‘Hopefully we will now see a resurgence of athletics, with many young local stars going on to make their mark in provincial and national events.’
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