WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao Athletics Federation (CAB) has decided to temporarily stop organizing official competitions at the athletics track of the Sentro Deportivo Kòrsou (SDK). According to the federation, the condition of the track has deteriorated to the point that hosting competitions is no longer safe or responsible.
The Trupial Classic held earlier this month was the final official athletics event on the current track, according to CAB. The international competition attracted athletes from six Caribbean countries. Although the event was completed successfully, the poor condition of the track was once again clearly visible, the federation said.
The decision means Curaçao athletes will temporarily lose the opportunity to compete in official home events. The impact could be especially significant for young athletes, who may now have to travel abroad to gain competition experience or participate in qualifying events.
The problems with the SDK athletics track have been known for several years. In 2023, the track was inspected on behalf of the Dutch Athletics Federation. Earlier reports indicated that the findings showed the track was unsuitable and unsafe for official competitions.
The inspection report itself has not been made public, and there has been no confirmation that World Athletics has formally rejected the track or withdrawn any certification. The decision to stop organizing official competitions was made by the Curaçao Athletics Federation.
The track was constructed in 2012 and was expected to have a lifespan of approximately ten years. Since then, athletes, coaches and sports clubs have repeatedly raised concerns about holes, uneven surfaces, falls, injuries and a surface that has become too hard.
The government announced earlier this year that the SDK athletics track will be completely replaced. According to Minister of Sport Sithree van Heydoorn, preparations for the project have been ongoing since 2025.
The required budget has reportedly been approved, while quotations have been requested and evaluated. The project is currently in the administrative preparation phase.
However, no specific start date for the renovation has been announced. As a result, it remains unclear when Curaçao will once again have a safe athletics facility that meets international competition standards.