Dear Editor,
The Kashif & Shanghai final has been slated for the National Stadium because of the “dilapidation of the MSC ground.” It causes me to wonder if the latter venue is safe for the hosting of the Nationals, bearing in mind the number of athletes, officials and spectators who will be using the facility. “Bad state,” “cramped and sub-standard facilities,” “time for people to realize MSC was not fit any more to hold important social, educational, cultural and entertainment events,” were some of the statements made by Mr Kashif Muhammad to support the change of venue. (SN 24.10.08)
Each district team has approximately 100 persons, so it is likely that 1300 persons (13 districts), or if all districts (16) attend, possibly 1600 persons will be at the MSC using that same “dilapidated” structure. With officials and spectators those numbers will increase.
As a teacher, parent, athlete and GTU member, I hope that this letter will guide those directly responsible for organising this event, as this is the premier event for athletes in the school system. Surely if it is unsuitable for K&S, it is quite probably unsuitable for us.
As regards the athletes’ camps, I’m hoping that the host region for these Nationals is already working to eliminate most, if not all, of the snags that usually affect the event. I’m hoping to see adequate sanitary faclilities, plenty, plenty water, security, and garbage receptacles.
Remember: Proper Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.
Yours faithfully,
Althea Daniels-Thornton
