AGN ask City of Tshwane to host SA Senior Track & Field Champs at revamped Pilditch Stadium

Athletics Gauteng North (AGN) has written to the City of Tshwane to permit them to host the SA Senior Track and Field Championships next month. AGN would like to celebrate the re-opening of the upgraded Pilditch Stadium by hosting the country's premier athletics competition. In addition to its request to host the SA Champs, AGN has also requested the City of Tshwane allow them to host Athletics South Africa's (ASA) Olympic Squad for a three-day training camp (24-26 April) at the refurbished venue.

After receiving a much needed facelift, The Pilditch Stadium is ready to open its doors for athletes to compete again. But due to the Covid-19 pandemic challenges, it could cost the capital city hundreds of thousands if not millions of Rands to host the event because of the number of participants. In a letter seen by #TheTopRunner, 17 regional athletics federations representing all 9 provinces will be in attendance. The plan is to accomodate 3500 athletes, who will compete in batches, divided into small groups in order to comply with the Covid-19 protocol and requirements.

“We recognize that the City has made a huge investment in the upgrading of the facility, we as AGN and ASA pledge to maximize the use of the stadium by hosting regional, local, national, and international athletics meetings. This will assist in promoting the city as a sports tourism destination," reads part of the letter. While AGN's proposal would see them incur some costs to put on the prestigious annual athletics meet, the majority of the expenses would be carried by the local government.

Some of the costs to be carried by the city include the following: The utilization of Pilditch Stadium and provision of relevant equipment; urgent identified maintenance work e.g. floodlights, ablution facilities, leaking roof, replacement of the damaged ceiling in the VIP area; finalization of the snag list from the appointed contractor; assistance and activation of Events JOC and Compliance Committee; emergency medical services; Metro Police and SAPS, Metro Police Band for the singing of the National Anthem; busses to shuttle athletes from various hotels/accommodation in Tshwane; waste management and cleaning services; electricity and backup generators to name but a few.

AGN would be responsible for hosting a gala dinner with Regional Presidents and Team Managers as well as marketing, publicity and live broadcast of the event and all related media events. The SA Senior Track and Field Championships are scheduled to take place from 15-18 April.