Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) High – Performance multipurpose outdoor field upgrading and construction is progressing well, despite the uncertainties posed by the Covid-19 outbreak in the country.

The turf preparations include a 4 lane 60-meter running track, and the main sporting field (4500sq meters) that will cater for all field sports including touch rugby, hockey, rugby league and other outdoor conditioning sessions. The work on the turf is scheduled to complete in two (2) months.

According to the Happy Isles Landscape & Turf (HILT) Construction, the initial phase and installation of synthetic grass has progressed well since their commencement in mid-December 2021.

“We are now six (6) weeks into the work, and so far, progress to mark out the field as constructed has been progressing well as expected. We have required an overall of twelve (12) weeks of construction, and now we are into the maintenance and repairing stage following its basework and grass germination process,” HILT Turf Specialist Assistant Drake Chow said.

“We are on track. Only the issue being the lockdowns which has caused minor delays on the maintenance work on certain parts of the turf. We continue to make sure the grass grows getting rid of the local weeds and repairing until that stage where athletes can use it."

Meanwhile, SINIS Executive Director Aaron Alsop stated that this is a key facility for outdoor field-based sports to have access to a safe training location for national teams.

“For far too long, there has been limited field training space for national programs. This field will ensure that National teams can access a quality training field, along with the 60m running track, all under lights with changerooms. Not to mention the other training facilities onsite at SINIS such as the gym, indoor space and sport medicine clinic. We are really a one stop shop for all sports."

When complete, the High – Performance facility will include quality lightings, fencing and security, providing a safe training environment for both male & female athletes from all sports.

Source: SINIS Media