Officials close track facility due to non-compliance of rules

The Division of Sports and Recreation is now restricting public usage of the Oleai Sports Complex track and field facility until the conclusion of the upcoming Micronesian Athletics Championships.

This according to DSR director Tony Rogolifoi, who cited several reasons that resulted in the closure, which is effective immediately.

Among the issues include vandalism after a small portion of the rubber track was cut off by an undetermined sharp object, possibly a knife. Rogolifoi said that a small section located before the star off point of the 100m race area now has a black hole.

Rogolifoi added that individuals were also riding bicycles on the track, leaving marks on sensitive surface of the track.

“It’s just destroying the rubber,” he said of the incidents.

Also, Rogolifoi was approached by the Northern Marianas Athletics with regards to practice time for athletics prepping for the MAC. The facility was previously off limits to the public from 4pm to 7pm.

“We’ve put up signs on the gate to inform the public about the time…at such time the facility is closed,” Rogolifoi said. “The sign is being disregarded. The entrance is locked yet I’ve seen people jumping over the fence and getting on the track to walk, like they don’t care, and it’s very disruptive to the training of these athletes, who are putting hours of work to represent the CNMI.”

Rogolifoi also stressed that using the track while athletes are training can be very dangerous for not only the athletes, but the public as well. He also cited that construction on the facility is also ongoing and can be hazardous.

“These athletes are also throwing the discuss and javelin, so it is very dangerous. An athlete can also be working on sprints and has his or her training disrupted because someone crosses his or her path,” he added.

Rogolifoi further asked for the public’s support as the athletes will be going up against top guns from Guam, Kiribati, Nauru, FSM, Palau, and the Marshall Islands.

“Lets support them so they can represent us the best they could,” he said. “An alternative for the walkers is to use the Beach Road Pathway.”

With the big event coming, Rogolifoi said time is also needed to prepare the facility to host the MAC.

“That’s the main thing…to prepare the facility for the main event, so we’re asking the public for patience and support,” he said.

The MAC will be held on Dec. 14 and 15.