CATEGORY:CONSTRUCTION
---------------------------

By Trevor Thwaites (Inside Grenada correspondent)


GRENADA - The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 has assured Grenada, the region and the rest of the world the National Stadium will be ready for the big Cricketing Extravaganza next year. The Stadium is originally expected to the handed over to local authorities by the Chinese at the end of the year and officials say that this is still very much on course. According to Troy Garvey, Public Relations Officer of the LOC, “The Chinese will hand over the stadium towards the end of December.”

However, he has confirmed there has been a slight delay in the preparation of the outfield, which is two weeks behind schedule. This, according to Garvey, is due mainly to the late arrival of materials. The six strips and outfield being prepared for the tournament were expected to be tested with first class matches early in September. However, the LOC has confirmed that first class matches will now be played at the National Stadium in early October.

This is prerequisite for the country to host matches in the 2007 World Cup. The pitches and outfield must gain the approval of the International Cricket Committee (ICC) of it worthiness to host matches in the world cup. “Work is in pace to have the facility in tiptop condition,” Garvey said. The Training Grounds at Lasagesse in St David and Progress Park in St Andrew will also be tested to meet the approval of the ICC for the 2007 Cricket World Cup being held at nine venues across the region.

The National Stadium is said to be one of or probably the best facility being used for the World Cup. It has a capacity of 15,500 - 3,000 more than the facility that was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. The LOC says that Grenada will be delivering one of the better packages in the world cup, with a top class facility, first class accommodation for the many visitors expected and non-stop activities and excitement.

Grenada is getting ready to host six matches in the Super Eight Stage of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup from April 10-20.