2.6 million euros for renovation of 4 athletics tracks in West Flanders
Figures from the sports infrastructure database show that there are 214 athletics tracks in Flanders. The year of construction is known for approximately 200 of these: 93 percent are older than 21 years. Last year, Minister Weyts launched a call for projects that allowed clubs, federations, provinces or local authorities to participate in a group purchase. The money can be used to renovate the top layer of the track, expand the number of lanes or repair damage.
Four West Flemish tracks will ultimately receive subsidies to start the works, the Sports Minister said. These are athletics tracks where at least one sports club affiliated with the Flemish Athletics League has its home base. In this way, minimal use of the slopes must be guaranteed. The works will take place over the coming months and should be completed by the end of 2024. In total, this involves an investment of 4.4 million euros, of which 2.6 million euros will be matched by the Flemish government.
Attract more members
“One of the objectives of our federation is to attract more sporting members,” says Gery Follens, chairman of the Flemish Athletics League. “We can only confirm that an adapted infrastructure can give a boost here. We hope that this financial boost can be repeated in the future, so that we can also give the infrastructure in other Flemish cities and municipalities a new look.”
“The better our top athletes can prepare for next year’s Olympic Games, the more their performances will appeal to the imagination,” says Minister Weyts. “In this way they inspire young and old to put on their running shoes.”