The Caribbean island nation of Dominica is marking a major milestone in its sports development journey, as its new multi-purpose sporting complex under construction in Pointe Ronde, Portsmouth is positioned to earn the highest tier of certification from global governing body World Athletics.
The confirmation came from Michael Tovar, Track and Field Director for Mondo USA and the Caribbean, who shared the update after a recent on-site technical assessment of the ongoing project. Per Tovar’s analysis, the complex’s running track is on track to meet all requirements for World Athletics’ coveted Class One certification upon the completion of construction work.
This prestigious certification opens a new chapter for Dominica’s athletic sector: it will qualify the island to host top-tier international track and field competitions, a transformative shift from its previous hosting capacity for smaller regional events. There is one key limitation, however: the facility cannot accommodate Olympic Games due to its planned seating capacity falling short of the International Olympic Committee’s requirements.
Beyond hosting major international tournaments, the certification delivers long-lasting benefits for Dominica’s homegrown athletes. Any results clocked during officially sanctioned events held on the Class One track will automatically qualify for formal ratification by World Athletics, a critical step that allows local athletes to earn world rankings, qualify for global championships, and secure international competitive opportunities that were previously out of reach.
Tovar emphasized that the impact of the new complex stretches far beyond traditional track and field competitions. He noted that the facility is designed to serve as a regional athletic hub, hosting a wide range of activities including elite training camps, specialized skill development clinics, sports rehabilitation programs, and international coaching exchange initiatives. Complementing this, Dominica’s warm year-round tropical climate makes the Pointe Ronde location particularly appealing to overseas athletic teams seeking a mild winter training base to escape cold weather in their home countries.
According to the Government of Dominica, the multi-million-dollar development is being delivered in staggered phases to keep construction on schedule. The first phase currently underway focuses on completing the Class One synthetic running track and all core supporting infrastructure required for operations. Subsequent phases of the project will add an Olympic-sized swimming pool, purpose-built athlete accommodation, and dedicated administrative office facilities to expand the complex’s capabilities.
Fenella Wainham-Sheppard, Parliamentary Representative for the Portsmouth constituency where the complex is located, framed the project as a transformative investment for both the local community and the island’s broader sports economy. She highlighted that the upgraded infrastructure will not only strengthen Dominica’s national sports capacity but also create new economic opportunities by drawing international teams, clubs, and athletes to the island, while providing a platform to showcase Dominica’s stunning natural environment and consistent favorable climate to a global audience.