Principal at the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, Dr Joyce Graham-Royal, says the institution's acquisition of the Sligoville Sports Complex early next year will further position it as the region's premier sporting college.

In an interview with JIS News, Dr Graham-Royal, who was installed as head of the college in August, said the facility will provide the resources the college needs to admit more students to its programmes.

"We are very excited. The addition of the complex will attract more persons who want to come to Jamaica to train because of what we offer here, our world-class coaches and because of track and field," she said.

The Government of Jamaica decided to incorporate the facility into the programme offerings of the G.C. Foster College.

It boasts a 600-seat basketball and netball court, with lighting facilities and fences. It also has a 1,200-seat cricket oval, a 1,500-seat football field, and a six-lane, 400-metre track encircling the football field.

Dr Graham-Royal told JIS News that the location of the complex makes it ideal for sports tourism and specific training exercises.

"We want to establish a sports tourism enhancement academy to include all sporting organisations like the national associations. It will provide a natural background for training, especially for conditioning because of the terrain and where it is located," she stated.

Maintenance

Dr Graham-Royal added that the facility will be maintained through sporting competitions, preseason training for local and overseas athletes and other income-generating activities.

The principal also noted that the Sligoville community stands to benefit as they will receive "health and wellness training from the students and coaches".

The Sligoville Sports Complex was built in 2007 from a US$3-million grant from the Government of the People's Republic of China.