"The preparations have reached 95-percent completion, as all athletics equipment have been stored at the arena's warehouse and could be deployed whenever the need arises," the technical delegate for athletics Dwi Priyono informed ANTARA at the Mimika Sports Complex, Papua, on Monday.
The match organizer has readied all necessary sporting equipment, including the starting block and photo finish instruments, the technical delegate remarked.
"Earlier, the athletes had tried the starting block and tested the photo finish instruments. From the testing results, we have determined that the instruments are ready for use," Priyono noted.
In connection with the unfavourable weather conditions in Mimika, the organising committee has set a benchmark to determine whether the match could be held amid rainy weather.
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"As long as the rain does not impede the athletes, we could continue the match. However, if the rain reduces the sprinting athletes' visibility or long jump athletes' leap, we can suspend the match till the weather is favourable," Priyono stated.
If the day's weather continues to be unfavourable till night, the match will be postponed to the next day, he noted.
Priyono also confirmed the enforcement of strict health protocols on athletes and officials. Spectators are also necessitated to observe health protocols by wearing a mask and maintaining physical distancing.
The organizer will routinely disinfect sporting equipment used by athletes, and hand sanitiser dispensers are available across the sports arena, he remarked.
The technical delegate urged residents to not be deterred by the strict health protocols and encouraged them to observe the match at the arena.
"Despite athletics not being as interesting as the other sports disciplines, such as basketball, we encourage residents to come and support their athletes, as we also need their cheer and support," Priyono remarked.
Athletics at the PON XX National Games will be held on October 5-14, 2021, at the Mimika Sports Complex and Freeport's Kuala Kencana Complex. A total of 23 men's and women's athletics numbers will be held, with 46 gold, silver, and bronze medals for each number up for grabs.
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Translator: Fathur Rochman, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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