Track resurfacing moving forward

A road grader moves around the track oval at the Oleai Sports Complex last Monday. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The resurfacing work at the Oleai Sports Complex’s track and field facility continues despite the uncooperative weather the island has been experiencing this month.

Tony Rogolifoi, executive director of Northern Marianas Sports Association, which coordinates the project with contractor Tang’s Corp., said that a subcontractor has started the asphalt work at the facility this week.

“Heavy equipment from Hawaiian Rock has been here since Monday and I believe they will be in charge of laying out the asphalt along the track oval,” said Rogolifoi in an interview with Saipan Tribune last Tuesday.

“As for the materials that we will be used to resurface the track, they are on the way and could be here by the end of this month. I am trying to contact the contractor to get more updates about the project, but he has yet to return my calls. However, I am confident they will get the job done on time,” Rogolifoi added.

Tang’s Corp. has 150 days to complete the project after the issuance of the notice to proceed, which was released last Nov. 15, 2016.

The asphalt is the first (base) layer of the track, which will have three layers. After the base, the contractor will have the seal layer, which involves the pouring of specialized glue and grinding (drying the surface). The third is the surface layer and this is where rubber particles bound with latex or polyurethane are poured. The layering process will take months, depending on the weather, while cleaning is required after the materials have been spread out.

$1,200 assistance for Mini Games
Meanwhile, NMSA has decided to provide financial assistance ($1,200 each) to athletes and officials participating in the Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu this December.

NMSA president Michael White said the amount was agreed upon by NMSA board to help defray the cost of the CNMI’s delegates to the quadrennial competition. The Commonwealth will only participate in rugby sevens and athletics contests in the Mini Games and participation costs, including airfare and accommodations, are estimated between $2,000 and $2,500.

White added that sports federations sending athletes to Vanuatu must provide NMSA with updates (written report) about their training, itinerary, and other information related to their participation in the Mini Games, beginning next month.