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Usain Bolt will eventually become a national hero but he should easily have a stadium named after him.
I believe they should construct a football/track stadium next to the Greenfield cricket stadium in Trelawny. A annual Usain Bolt invitational meet would easily pay for this.
My concern it a Usain Bolt Stadiun would end up in a state of disrepair similarly to Catherine Hall after awhile. My first choice would be name the National Stadium to the Usain Bolt Stadium at Independence Park or the Usain Bolt Stadiun at the National Sports Complex.
Then i would say, renovate the Stadium to a World Class Facility.
1. Remove the velodrome and make the running track similarly to the Olympic tract of London and recent years. 2. Add seationg to the area where the velodrome was (2-4,000 seats) 3 Add an Upper Deck immediately across from the Grandstand above the bleachers 4. Make the soccer/football field bigger 5. Replace the bench seating with all individual seating 6. Cover 75% of the seats with roofing
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Karl,
It would take more $$$ to renovate than to built from scratch, remember the national stadium is 50 years old and we know it has cracks in the foundation today.
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Imagine the sports tourism impact if we had a good Catherine Hall Stadium and a good football/track stadium in Trelawny. I easily see a EPL pre-season training options or even Scandinavian team winter training camp.
The one thing that should come out of this is a strong, professional Caribbean leg of the Diamond League or similar tour.
Remember James from Grenada is the Olympic champ in the 400m.
I envision a tour with stops in Bahamas, Grenada, Trinidad, Dominican Republic and Jamaica lasting 4-6 weeks with major TV revenue.
It would take more $$$ to renovate than to built from scratch, remember the national stadium is 50 years old and we know it has cracks in the foundation today.
Bolt deserves his own brand new stadium.
I think he does, deserve his own...Its just scary how short sighted some Jamaican are and how this great idea would be left to look like a pure disaster. Jamaica seem to be best and single tasks and not multi-tasking.
I could see all the benefits of a Bolt Stadium on the North coast near major highways ans hotels. Question is, can the politicians see past the grand idea and towards the continued use and potential???
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I think Usain Bolt feats speak for themselves and sets him apart. Also with UTECH building a campus in Western Jamaica their are also longer academic benefits for Trelawny.
If he was American, it would be all systems go from a marketing stand point; but we Jamaicans cannot think pass the next day.
See what happen to the Cathrine Hall stadium a Mo Bay or Trelawny.... Yeah, that is my point.
Isn't it funny how both pass prime ministers (Patterson & Seaga) now calling for Sport Tourism but they never attempted to make it happen under their years at the helm.
Joke ting, if unuh ask mi.
_________________________
"A leader leads by example, wheter he wants to or not"
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Sensational talents from Trelawny Published: Saturday | August 11, 2012 11 Comments
Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer
TRELAWNY WAS not blessed with anything remotely resembling an athletic stadium for many years and to this day, does not flaunt one of the prized institutions with enviable athletic reputations.
Yet, fascinatingly, the parish has produced more than a dozen notable athletes who have made Jamaica proud over recent years.
Ironically, it was after sprint queens Merlene Ottey and Veronica Campbell-Brown as well as the legendary Usain Bolt emerged on the scene that a facility was erected in the parish, not to accommodate track stars, but for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
Bolt, the world-record holder of both the 100 and 200 metres, is the only man to hold both marks in the history of the sports. He was the 2008 Olympic triple gold medallist and 2009 World Champion in both the 100 and 200 metres.
Ottey, whose prowess and longevity have repeatedly been noised locally and abroad, was born in Cold Spring in the parish.
Campbell Brown, who is running to challenge Ottey's (her idol) amazing endurance levels, was born to Cecil Campbell and Pamella Bailey in Clarks Town. One of 10 children, VCB attended Vere Technical High School in Clarendon before pursuing higher education in the United States.
Remarkably, Veronica is married to another athlete, Omar Brown who was also born in Trelawny. Like his wife, Omar specialised in the 200 metres.
Brown was relatively successful as a junior athlete, copping the silver and bronze medals in the 200 metres and 100 metres races at the 1999 World Youth Championships. The following year he finished fourth at the World Junior Championships.
Marvin Anderson who was born in Trelawny on May 12, 1982, finished sixth in the 200m final at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka where he also won a silver medal in the 4x100m relay team for Jamaica. He is a former student of Duncans All Age and William Knibb Memorial High School, the school that Bolt attended.
Then there is the rising star and Olympic bronze medalist Warren Weir who was born in the parish to Celese Clarke and Uriel Weir. Later, he attended Waterford Primary School in St. Catherine. He earned a place at St. George's College but opted for Calabar High School.
Trelawny is also the birthplace of Michael Frater and his older brother Lindel. The younger of the two Wolmerians has been an unassuming warrior for Jamaica making a list of Olympic and world Championship 100 metres finals.
Other noteworthy athletes who hail from Trelawny include Voletta Wallace, Lerone Clarke, Michael Greene, Inez Turner and Debbie-Ann Parris.
Sanya Richards-Ross, the 2012 gold medal winner for the 400 metres in the London Olympics and the World Championships in 2011, was also born in Trelawny. She attended Vaz Preparatory and Immaculate Conception High School, before migrating to the United States.
Disgraced sprinter, Ben Johnson who was also born in Trelawny is perhaps the aberration, marring the enviable reputation of the parish as a producer of fine athletes.
Born Benjamin Sinclair 'Ben' Johnson on December 30, 1961, who represented Canada, he enjoyed a high-profile career during most of the 1980s, winning two Olympic bronze medals and an Olympic gold, which were subsequently rescinded.
He set consecutive 100 metres world records at the 1987 World Championships in Athletics and the 1988 Summer Olympics, but he was disqualified for doping, losing the Olympic title and both records. Born in Falmouth, Jamaica, Johnson emigrated to Canada in 1976, residing in Scarborough, Ontario.
Trelawny is also the birthplace of 2008 USA Today High School Basketball Player of the Year Samardo Samuels, now playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Sherwood Content still in neglect Published: Tuesday | August 14, 2012 0 Comments The Sherwood Content Health Centre was renovated by track star Usain Bolt. - photo by Mark Titus The Sherwood Content Health Centre was renovated by track star Usain Bolt. - photo by Mark Titus
Mark Titus, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
While the birthplaces and special landmarks of many local heroes have been duly recognised by the state, Sherwood Content in Trelawny - the home town of international athletic sensation Usain Bolt - still lies in neglect.
"Absolutely nothing has been done to symbolise his achievements," the track star's aunt, Lillian 'Aunt Lillie' Bolt told The Gleaner yesterday.
"The community has been without running water for years and although tourists continue to visit us on a daily basis to find out more about Bolt, the authorities have failed to capitalise on his success."
Community member Jeremy Downer, a 25-year-old teacher at William Knibb High School, said a sign to mark the locale is welcomed.
"Many (persons) are curious about the yam and come to sample what it is that is said to make Usain go so fast, and although we are not big on farming here, neither is there any structured arrangement or plan to facilitate this, not even a signpost to say this is Bolt's country," Downer stated.
"All it really takes is smart governance. Everyone would benefit and our economy would improve."
In fact, except for road work done on sections of the Martha Brae roadway leading into Sherwood Content, all improvements were done or spearheaded by Bolt.
These include underwriting the $120,000 bill to rewire the Sherwood Content Basic School, and contributing $1.4 million of the $3.5 million used to refurbish the Sherwood Content Health Centre.
Bolt also donated fire-safety equipment to five basic schools in and around his community.
Plans for playing field
The six-time Olympic gold medallist also has plans to renovate the community centre and playing field, but sources close to the situation said he was yet to receive a requested proposal for the project.
Bolt first proved his credentials on the world stage by winning the 200 metres before a home crowd in Kingston at the IAAF World Junior Championships in 2002. He later rose to international prominence after shattering the 100m and 200m world records during the Olympic Games in Beijing, China, in 2008. He repeated the feat during the World Championships in Berlin, Germany, the following year, becoming one of the world's most popular athletes in the process.
But the 25-year-old phenom was not finished, securing his sixth Olympic gold medal and eighth world record, after anchoring Jamaica's men's 4x100m relay team to a 36.84 seconds win, making them the first team to breach the 37 seconds barrier at the just concluded London Olympics.
However, his dream for Sherwood Content is to construct a multi-purpose complex, which would include a museum, that would not only display his achievements, but also provide employment opportunities for residents in the community.
Pit latrines
The sprinter's alma mater, Waldensia Primary School, still relies on pit latrines for its teachers and students, and is without a playing field.
Bolt aside, the community has a strong ecotourism or heritage-tourism potential, having a rich post-colonial history and several dilapidated 19th century houses dating back to the days of William Knibb.
"Well, it is left to be seen, what will happen this time around," commented 'Aunt Lillie' as she supervised work on her soon-to-be-opened gift shop.
"He has done us proud. He wants to do more for his community but it is unfair to even think of him doing it alone."
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In my opinion, Bolt and his team should go completely private with these efforts because the government will shegg dis up easily.
Get complete private financing and build the tourist structures. A basic information stand and a gift shop would easily make a a steady profit each month.
Thousands of Costan Rican fans turned out for the reopening of a state-of-the-art football stadium donated by the Chinese government.
Around the Estadio Nacional stadium's perimeter, laser beams lit up the night sky, acrobats hurled themselves through the air and PAs blared dance music to create a carnival atmosphere in the Sabana neighbourhood of the capital, San José.
Inside the national team played out a goalless draw with Argentina, for whom Lionel Messi was a late withdrawal through injury.
Yenia, a 27-year-old psychology student, said: "I'm delighted with what they've built. It's so important for our country's infrastructure and for Costa Rican sport." She had no qualms about paying the $100 ticket price, despite predicting a 3-1 defeat for her team.
A tout offering tickets for 150,000 colones (roughly £190) apiece said he had sold several, testament to the excitement surrounding the match.The project was funded and built by China as thanks for Costa Rica's former president, Óscar Arias, formally establishing ties between the two countries.
Not everyone was convinced by the gift. Jason, a 31-year-old laboratory technician, said he was "very proud of the stadium, which we could never build ourselves", but had reservations about his government's association with China. "I don't like the fact that we have relations with a Communist country. Though clearly there are many financial incentives China can offer that [others] can't."
Axel, 47, a San José-based writer, said: "If the Chinese give, they expect something in return. We are close to agreeing a free trade deal with China, and this is nothing but a sweetener. Also, China violates human rights, whilst we defend human rights, so it is very important to China's image to show they have a country like us on their side."
The project has brought instant returns to the local area, with property prices rising tenfold since construction plans were announced. High-rise blocks of flats dwarf the stadium, allowing wealthy residents a view of the pitch and athletics track within.
Policemen milled about as the well-behaved crowds streamed towards the turnstiles. "We don't expect violence, only petty theft", said one officer, noting the contrast with the rioting that has plagued domestic football in Costa Rica in recent years. No such rivalries abound tonight, with scores of Costa Rican fans sporting Argentina shirts.
Although the match failed to live up to the hype, there are high hopes for the home team's prospects. "We're just going to get better and better", declared eight-year-old Ruben. Lovely Layout The grand view of Costa Rica National Stadium. The stadium, co-built with China's assistance in March 2009, will soon open, becoming the largest stadium in Central America, with a capacity of 36,000 seats
An aerial view of the National Stadium at Briggs Park. The bleachers have been completed, the ten floodlight poles have been erected, the cycle and running tracks are ready for use and work on the grandstand is moving rapidly. In the foreground (right) are the swimming and diving pools and, extreme left, the arena for games such as basketball and netball.(Circa 1961) 2011
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Karl,
The national stadium and a Usain Bolt Stadium is two separate items.
Bolt, home parish of Trelawny have the land space and need the revenue from such a stadium. Trelawny should have put up a signs throughout the parish saying "Welcome to Trelawny, the home of Usain Bolt", tourist would make the trip just to get picture beside the sign alone. The signs would pay for themselves in a matter of days.
In regards to the National Stadium, the bicycle track needs to be removed ASAP, but we know this can not be done until 2014 at the earliest.
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Bolt guest of honour as Man U win
Published: Sunday | August 26, 2012 1 Comment Sprinter Usain Bolt poses for pictures with a shirt showing the world record time for the 100 metres sprint at Old Trafford yesterday. AP Sprinter Usain Bolt poses for pictures with a shirt showing the world record time for the 100 metres sprint at Old Trafford yesterday. AP 1 2 >
MANCHESTER, England (CMC):
Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt created a stir at Old Trafford yesterday when he made a typically flamboyant appearance for the English Premier League game between Manchester United and Fulham.
The 26-year-old, an avid supporter of the famous north England club, was the guest of honour and watched from the directors' box as the hosts beat London outfit Fulham 3-2 to take their first points of the new season.
Sporting his three gold medals from the recent London Olympics, Bolt took to the pitch before kick-off to greet the Old Trafford crowd and was greeted with chants of "sign him up, Fergie, Fergie, sign him up" as he struck his trademark pose.
gifted athlete
Bolt said during the Olympics that his dream was to play for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
The gifted athlete was presented with two Manchester United jerseys with his name and the numbers 963 and 958 imprinted on either.
Bolt clocked 9.63 seconds to win the 100 metres final in London earlier this month and holds the World record of 9.58 set in Berlin three years ago.
He posed for photos with new Dutch signing Robin van Persie and veteran winger Ryan Giggs, and also tweeted a photo of himself and United legend Sir Bobby Charlton standing together and another with him sharing a laugh with Sir Alex.
Bolt won the 200 metres at the Lausanne Grand Prix in Switzerland last Thursday.
2011
