IPL awaits JaVA proposal for sand courts at stadium

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

The board of Independence Park Limited, which manages the National Stadium complex, is awaiting a proposal from the Jamaica Volleyball Association (JaVA) for the construction of sand courts at the facility.

Major Desmon Brown, general manager of Independence Park Limited (IPL) and the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), made the disclosure while speaking to The Gleaner, and also advised that the president of the JaVA, Major Warrenton Dixon, is expected to present a proposal to the IPL board for consideration.

" ... There were discussions re the international body providing funding for the construction of some sand courts and the possible enclosure of the new outdoor court. The local president is to prepare a proposal to be presented to the IPL board for consideration," said Brown.

The SDF has already spent in excess of $4 million towards the construction of the courts in what has been underlined as a move to aid the continued development of the sport in Jamaica.

Only recently, JaVA was involved in a ribbon-cutting exercise to unveil their spanking new courts at Independence Park.

Brown noted that the IPL has been meaning to construct a volleyball court within the National Stadium complex for a while, but had found it difficult to secure funding up until this point.

Funding assistance

"It has been a long time now the desire of IPL to construct a volleyball court within the Stadium complex to assist in the development of the sport. Previous requests for funding assistance to the SDF in this regard were not successful.

"The National Association approached IPL in 2010 indicating that they had an offer of a court surface from the international body, but a proper base would be required. IPL once again requested assistance from the SDF, advising them of the offer from the international body and the request was approved by the SDF board," Brown said.

The SDF provided the funds for the construction of the perimeter fence and base upon which the specialised surface, which was facilitated by regional authorities North Central America and Caribbean Association, was laid.

Reason for decision

"The decision of the SDF board was based on the fact that there were no volleyball playing facilities provided by the state for the development of volleyball in Jamaica, and the continued development of the sport to a great extent depends on ready access to adequate playing facilities. In addition, the offer of the court from the international body was a plus to the sport locally," said Brown.

He noted that he was expecting the new court to have a positive impact on the efforts of the local association.

"The SDF remains committed to the development of all sports in Jamaica, which is demonstrated by its continued assistance in the development of playing facilities, but also with its support for the development of their technical and administrative operations," Brown said.

"A significant impact is expected. A facility is now available to host games at all levels."