Gold medal dreams, bronze medal delivery

Building a state-of the-art competition athletics track in George is a marvellous idea.

- Jacqueline Herbst

Especially if it means regional athletes could be spared the exhausting seven-hour bus trip to Cape Town on alternating years for provincial championships.

To the local youth plagued by entrenched social ills, rooted in deeply embedded disparities in income, education and infrastructure, the recently upgraded Rosemoor athletics track is like rain in a drought.

The benefits of hosting big events also extend beyond athletes, with spin-off opportunities for vendors and local businesses.

The World Athletics (WA) class 2-certified track, based in the heart of this historically disadvantaged area, is more than just a sports facility; it's a symbol of hope and a springboard for opportunity. It should offer kids a safe space to train and dream beyond their circumstances, while promoting health, discipline and purpose, and opening doors to education, competition and careers. At the same time, it could restore pride and dignity in a long-overlooked community.

The benefits of hosting big events also extend beyond athletes, with spin-off opportunities for vendors and local businesses.

The pomp and pageantry of its official opening on 23 June suggested to me that a new era for sport in George and the Garden Route had arrived. The high-profile PR stunt created the impression that things were on track and everyone involved knew where they were going with this landmark project.

White elephant?