THE Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) has announced a plan to build a health and fitness centre at Sabina Park to help improve the fitness of national players.

Addressing reporters and editors of the Jamaica Observer Sport Club on Thursday, newly elected president Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven said that there is enough space at Sabina Park to facilitate the setting up of a fully equipped gymnasium.

“We intend to have a well-equipped gym at Sabina Park, as you can see we have the physical space there to build a gym”, he said.

“We are looking to renovate that space… we are looking to equip that space.”

Heaven, who defeated Milton Henry comfortably at the November 28 polls to take over the reigns of local cricket, said special emphasis will also be placed on nutrition, plus all other areas of relevant development.

“The players are not only going in to run on machines as we are looking on nutrition, fitness, alertness, and metal fitness. We are looking to provide counselling for the players as well, because at the end of the day, this thing is building you”, he said.

Heaven reiterated that a “fit mind and body will bring you success”.

JCA director Dr Akshai Mansingh also emphasised the importance of the health and fitness centre and he addressed the important fitness for cricketers.

“The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has established a standard of fitness which is documented in a manual that says what standard of fitness are expected,” he said.

Dr Mansingh added that cricket has a standard of fitness which is different from other sports.

“Cricket is played over six hours… periods of sprinting and periods of non-activities. The ability to run a certain distance at a certain time which is to measure strength and to sprint a certain distance within a time frame so that we can see the level of the fitness”, Dr Mansingh said.

“Cricket comprises specific tests such as flexibility, strength, endurance, aerobics etc…, persons who do meet these criteria must meet the minimum standards”, he said.