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Repair works for the protuberances on the track at the main sports ground of the Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground (TKOSG) have been completed. The Architectural Services Department, the main contractor, the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) were satisfied with the repair works upon inspection. The running track in the main sports ground will be re-opened for jogging from next Monday (October 5) after the staging of National Celebration activities.
A spokesman for the LCSD said, "After thorough inspection on the whole track, the areas that needed rectification were limited and mainly near the starting point of the 100-metre running track and a few positions near the long jump and triple jump pit areas."
The protuberances on the track were believed to have been caused by humid conditions during construction which meant the glue was unable to stick firmly to the synthetic surfaces, thereby causing the track to protrude.
The spokesman said that the areas under repair were small and would not affect IAAF certification. To preserve the track at optimum condition before the East Asian Games, the Architectural Services Department and the main contractor would conduct regular inspection of the whole track every week to closely monitor the situation while the LCSD staff would inspect the venue each day and to pay closer attention to its usage.
LCSD has put up notices and banners in prominent positions informing the users that they can only wear running shoes when entering the track. Staff deployed at the entrance to inspect track users' footwear will deny access to the track to people who wear spikes and improper shoes and confine their activities to the hard-surfaced areas. In the meantime, only the third to eighth lanes are open to protect the inner track.
The spokesman called on people to follow the house rules when using the ground. He added, "Venue management staff will continue to enforce the rules and regulations to stop improper use. The department will also closely monitor the track to ensure that it is maintained in a good condition."
Ends/Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:30
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