by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Delwayne Delaney, President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Athletics Association, views the refurbished Kim Collins Track and Field Stadium as a significant investment—a major step forward for the advancement of youth and athletics in the Federation.
“We feel that we have a good crop of young talent that we need to nurture and ensure that they are well taken care of in every aspect, so that they can blossom and bloom to their full potential. So the track, as I mentioned, is one that is welcome. We want to thank the Government for ensuring that this is possible. As we move into the 2025-2026 season, we have something to look forward to, not only in meets but also training-wise and that sort of thing. Not having a track, for instance, technical events like hurdles and having the right marks and that sort of thing, you can only get that, the accuracy, at a certified track. These are some of the upsides to having the track being reopened.”
Delaney confirmed that the Kim Collins Track has been approved by World Athletics, ensuring that the facility meets international standards and allowing athletes to train and compete in an environment that mirrors global competition.
“As I mentioned in my remarks, although we have a track in Nevis, the Kim Collins Stadium is the recognised track by World Athletics. To have a certified track holds well for track and field. It holds well for our athletes, not only in St. Kitts but also in Nevis, given the options and the ability to move from one facility to another. So it holds well for our scholastic meets that we are looking forward to in the new season. Also, we want to add new meets to the programme for the 2025-2026 season. We know that having a facility of this sort will assist the up-and-coming young talent that we have.”
Beyond local athlete development, the level-2 certified track opens opportunities for St. Kitts to host regional competitions. This not only elevates the country’s profile in athletics but also brings significant economic benefits through sports tourism.
“The different levels just means what events can be held at the stadium, which means that we won’t be able to hold a World Championship, simply because different things need to be in, and not necessarily anything to do with the surface itself. For instance, Jamaica has a Level 2 as well, because there are different things that need to be there, whether it be the amount of long jump pits, the ability to do certain things at the facility. So, it is not necessarily because it is a Level 2 that certain things can’t happen or certain records can’t be broken and that sort of thing. No, that is not the case.”
Delaney added, “The track, from my knowledge, is of a good standard, a very good standard. When I walk on the track, it feels good. It is known to be easier on the athletes in terms of the wear and tear. Time will tell as it relates to the quickness that’s in the track by the athletes. We’re hoping that they can perform well on the surface, the new surface. It is widely used in Europe and in Jamaica as well. We look forward to what that track will bring.”
The opening of the refurbished Kim Collins Track and Field Stadium was held on July 12, 2025. The renovation of the facility included track resurfacing, improvements to the lighting and drainage systems, repairs to the stands and restrooms, as well as other amenities.
