Local track and field athletes will get an extended period to prepare for the National Association of Athletics Administration of T&T’s (NAAATT) next test event which has been rescheduled for February 28 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, Port-of-Spain.

Over the past weekend, the NAAATT hosted two test events to measure the association’s preparedness to resume local track and field competitions. This, according to a release from NAAATT, came after the local athletics season was brought to an abrupt end in the first quarter of last year as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The two test events featured a condensed track and field programme with events designed to minimise exposure of both athletes and officials. There was limited interaction between participants as athletes were limited to one event only and were required to vacate the venue immediately upon completion of their event on both days.

No spectators were allowed and all masking and sanitisation protocols were enforced while athletes competed in three field events – long jump, shot put and javelin throw – while on Sunday, the competition was limited to the 100-metre and 400m sprints.

The next test events were previously set to come off this coming weekend in a proposed scheduled released by NAAATT’s last weekend but instead will now be held a week later at the same venue. which means the meeting planning for the Dwight Yorke Stadium in Tobago has been shifted to March 6-7.

NAAATT cancelled all planned events after the 2020 Carifta trials, resulting in no local competitions being staged for approximately 11 months. The Association had hoped to start this year’s track and field season in November 2020 with the staging of a Cross Country Series. However, that too had to be cancelled owing to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.

With a series of upcoming regional and international meets including the rescheduled 2020 Olympic Games, Carifta Games and World Athletics’ Junior Championships, it was essential that local athletes be exposed to competition whilst adhering to all the necessary protocols.

Olympian javelin thrower Keshorn Walcott and Andwuelle Wright (long jump) are among the local-based athletes who have already qualified for the 2020 Olympics, rescheduled to July 23 -August 8, while others are just outside the relevant qualifying standard.

According to a release: “The absence of local competitions has also negatively affected the chances of several young athletes seeking scholarships abroad, as they are unable to provide the necessarily certified performances in support of their applications.

NAAATT is committed to providing its members with the best opportunities while conforming to the necessary health protocols.

The association will continue to collaborate with the local authorities to host similar events