OAA calls for help in renovating Oleai track

Oceania Athletics Association officials are calling all sports associations in the CNMI to pitch in and contribute their resources for the resurfacing of the Oleai track and field facility.

Harsh weather conditions and years of use contributed on the wear and tear of the facility, as large patches and bubbles can be seen all over the track.
“I’ve been coming here since 2005. When I first came here for the Micronesian Sub Regional Championship the track was in good order. It has deteriorated and it is now old,” said OAA executive director Yvonne Mullins.

Oceania Athletics Association president Geoff Garnder, front left, is on a two-day visit on Saipan to inspect the Oleai track and field facility. Joining him, from left clockwise, are Northern Marianas Athletics president Rey Tebuteb, OAA executive director Yvonne Mullins, OAA vice president Trevor Spittle, NMA secretary general Robin Sapong, and OAA treasurer Titana Juventin, who pose for a group at the Oleai Sports Complex’s grandstand. (Jon Perez)

“Nobody is to be blamed for the bubbles and patches that formed on the track. The harshness of the weather and the age of the track are some of the factors. It’s deteriorating to the point you can’t use it at all,” Mullins said.

OAA president Geoff Gardner added that the track facility usually has a lifespan of seven to eight years only.

“It is starting to show its age, but technology has advanced in recent years. The product has improved and the way of laying it down and ensuring that bubbles don’t form has improved. There is also the maintenance program that you have to follow to ensure that you get a long life from your track,” added Gardner.

OAA vice president Trevor Spittle and treasurer Titana Juventin joined Mullins, Gardner, and Northern Marianas Athletics officials in inspecting the decades-old track.

“Since this track is being used by other sports, for running and cross training, it will be very good if all sports associations on Saipan work together to make sure the facility gets an upgrade,” said Mullins.

“OAA doesn’t have the resources to be able to provide monetary support right now to resurface the track. But we have a lot of discussion today about the process that they will be following to make sure the track is properly repaired and replaced,” added Gardner.

Mullins said that OAA would keep a close watch on the repairs to be done on the Oleai Sports Complex’s track facility.

“I won’t call it renovating the track facility but rather rejuvenating it for the athletes use. With everyone’s help, upgrading the track is a possible in a very short period of time,” she said. “OAA will keep an eye on the maintenance upgrade, so we can consider if we can come back here to hold other events in the near future.”

Gardner said that the resurfacing of the track could give the facility another 10 to 15-year lifespan.

“Decisions will be made about funding that is available sometime in November and as soon as the dry season comes around, work will start. I will be pleased to see a new track here in the next 6 to 8 months,” Gardner said.