Representative of Mondo America Inc, Mr. Michael Tovar, has commended the extraordinary collaboration among Government, sporting institutions, and development partners that has made the track resurfacing of the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground possible.
Speaking at the contract signing ceremony for the Supply, Installation and Supervision Services for track resurfacing on Wednesday, 17 June, Mr. Tovar described the initiative as one of the most remarkable examples of stakeholder collaboration he has witnessed during his 25 years in the sports infrastructure industry.
“This rarely happens. While it may seem straightforward, seeing everyone gathered here today represents a tremendous effort and the coming together of many different agencies and institutions to make a dream become reality,” Mr. Tovar said. “I have been doing this for 25 years, and this is the first time I have seen so many different entities work together so effectively toward a common goal. Congratulations to everyone involved.“
The project is being funded through a partnership between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) through PanAm Sports and will be implemented by the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA). The initiative will deliver a new internationally certified track surface at the Territory’s premier athletics facility.
The project will involve the manufacture, shipment and installation of a new internationally certified track surface supplied by Mondo America Inc. The overall process is expected to span several months, including approximately two months for the manufacture of the specialised track system, followed by an additional two months for international shipping and delivery to the Virgin Islands. Upon arrival of the track system, works will commence to remove the existing track surface and install the new World Athletics-certified system.
Mr. Tovar noted that the benefits of the project extend well beyond the installation of a new track surface. He shared that the completed facility will create new opportunities for the Virgin Islands to host regional and international athletics competitions, while providing local athletes with a certified venue capable of supporting internationally-recognised performances.
“Once this track is completed, the Virgin Islands will be able to host major international events,” he said. “More importantly, because this will be a certified track, any qualifying records achieved here can be automatically ratified under international standards. That is a tremendous opportunity for athletes throughout the Territory.”
The A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground serves as the primary athletics facility in the Virgin Islands and is used extensively by athletes, schools, sporting associations, and community groups. The resurfacing project is expected to restore the facility to World Athletics Class 2 certification standards, improve athlete safety, and extend the long-term life of the facility.
Mr. Tovar also highlighted what he believes is one of the Territory’s greatest assets, its natural environment.
“The Virgin Islands is a special place,” he said. “You are blessed with an environment that many destinations around the world would envy. Here, athletes can train while surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and the sea. That is something unique. Use it, promote it, and share it with the world.”
His comments echoed the broader vision expressed during the ceremony, that investments in sports infrastructure can serve not only local athletes but also position the Virgin Islands as a destination for training camps, competitions, and sports tourism.
As work prepares to commence on the resurfacing project, stakeholders have expressed optimism that the upgraded facility will strengthen athletic development, support future generations of athletes, and create new opportunities for the Territory to showcase its sporting talent on regional and international stages.
