Local runners to be ‘enlightened’

In 2004, the sprinters, hurdlers, and joggers of Saipan received the gift of the state-of-the-art track and field facility at the Oleai Sports Complex, and soon they will receive another, as the oval readies for prime-time athletes.

According to site coordinator Tony Rogolifoi, the rubberized surface would be supporting the laps of local athletes at night with the installation of a top-of-the-line lighting array. Though the date for illumination has not been officially announced, Maeda Construction was awarded the contract to let there be light.

“We’re waiting for the Department of Public Works to finish the paperwork before they can proceed with the project,” said Rogolifoi.

Maeda is no stranger to providing local recreational enthusiasts with improvements to their facility. Currently they are busy erecting the new baseball facility atop Capitol Hill.

When the lights become operational, the facility will be able to allow for runners to compete without having their energy stores depleted by the heat of the Saipan sun, as well as allow for the possibility of the Commonwealth Football League to host night games for the 2005 season.