Thread for Initiatives to improve Track & Field and Other Sports in T&T!

[Socapro]

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/commentaries/Wanted__Caribbean_sports_academy-166210896.html

Wanted: Caribbean sports academy
By Ronald Sanders
Story Created: Aug 14, 2012 at 10:56 PM ECT

This article was written before Keshorn Walcott's Olympic gold medal victory in the javelin and the medal-winning performances by the T&T and Jamaica relay teams on Saturday.

On the basis of the size of populations and medals won, the tiny Caribbean island of Grenada would be ranked in first place in the 2012 Olympic Games in London with another Caribbean island, Jamaica, in second place — though with a larger number of medals. Officially, Jamaica is ranked at 18 and Grenada at 46.
 
At the time of writing at the end of Day 13 of the 16-days Olympic Games, the United States is officially ranked number one with China in second place. But the medal haul of the US and China is drawn from populations of 312 million and 1.3 billion respectively, while Grenada's medal — a gold for Kirani James in the 400 metre race — comes from a population of a mere 110,000 and Jamaica's outstanding nine medals (3 golds, 3 silvers and 3 bronze) from a population of 2.8 million.
 
Using medals per head of population as a measurement, the US would be number 36 and China number 60. When Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is added to this analysis, Grenada and Jamaica perform even better. The United States and China are rated by the International Monetary Fund at first and second respectively as the two largest economies in the world, while Grenada and Jamaica are ranked at 172 and 113 of 182 nations.
 
As I write, there are three more days to go and more medals will be won by several countries, including the two leaders, the US and China, but also by Jamaica.
 
In track and field, Caribbean athletes have shown they are among the world's best. This is cause for much pride by the people of these two English-speaking Caribbean countries and their partner-countries in the Commonwealth Caribbean whose total population is just about five million people. The phenomenal Usain Bolt, who has spectacularly won two gold medals in the 100 and 200 metres events, and Yohan Blake, who took silver, behind him are as much heroes of their neighbouring English-speaking Caribbean countries as they are of their native Jamaica. So too are Warren Weir who gave Jamaica a clean sweep in the 200 metres by taking the bronze, and Hansle Parchment who won bronze in the 110 metre hurdles. The Jamaican women Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce (gold and silver in the 100 metres and 200 metres respectively) and Veronica Campbell Brown (bronze in the 100 metres) are also special heroines upholding the prowess of Caribbean womanhood and taking on the best of the United States.
 
It should be noted that, of the English-speaking Caribbean countries, Trinidad and Tobago also won a bronze medal through Lalonde Gordon who was third in the men's 400 metres event. Other Caribbean athletes, such as Antigua's Daniel Bailey and Barbados' Ryan Brathwaite, creditably made it to the finals and semi-finals.
 
But beyond the marvellous performances by these athletes is a reality that, apart from Jamaica, the development of sports persons in the English-speaking Caribbean countries is woefully poor. Neither governments nor the private sector in the region are contributing to the development of sports in the quantities that they should. Yet, everyone basks in the superb accomplishment of Caribbean athletes who triumph largely because of their natural talent and dedication.       
 
Caribbean countries have been lucky to have unearthed persons with natural talent, but that talent alone will not sustain them in the future against competition from athletes from other countries whose governments and private sector are investing heavily in them precisely because they want glorious results at the Olympics and other international games. For any athlete, while a substantial part of his or her capacity resides in natural talent, they will fail if they are denied financial support, good coaching and tireless training.
 
This has been the basis for China's success. Once identified, its sports persons are taken out of their homes and away from their families to spend years in rigorous training and coaching camps. This is the extreme position. No country has to go as far as separating sports persons from their homes and family for the inordinate length of time that China does, but all countries that want their sports people to do well because of the pride it brings to their people and the joy of seeing them win, have to invest in the facilities they need to become world champions.
 
Jamaica in the English-speaking Caribbean has invested more than any other country in the development of its athletics and sprinting, and it is reaping the benefit. In the case of Kirani James of Grenada, it should be recalled that he is a student at the University of Alabama in the US, where he has benefitted from the skills of a remarkable coach, Harvey Glance, and facilities that are far superior to anything in the region.
 
Even as the London 2012 Olympic events were in full swing, with the host country achieving a record collection of medals, leading sports persons warned the British government not to cut spending for sport. They cautioned that any cuts would have dire consequences for the performance of British sports persons in the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

It is significant that since London was awarded the Olympic Games seven years ago, the national lottery contributed US$390 million to support elite athletes. Little wonder that with a population of 59 million people — a third of the size of the US population and a fraction of China's numbers, Britain is third in the medal winners.
 
The people of the English-speaking Caribbean have every reason to be proud of their athletes and of the impact they are making on the world, but this pride will not be sustained unless governments and the private sectors invest in the facilities these gifted athletes need. To ensure future champions, how about a single sports academy manned by outstanding coaches, located in Jamaica and funded by all the governments and private sectors of the Caribbean community, for the region's elite athletes?

• Sir Ronald Sanders is a business executive and former Caribbean diplomat

[Socapro]

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/letters/Toco_youths_need_sporting_facilities-165939126.html

Toco youths need sporting facilities
Story Created: Aug 12, 2012 at 11:51 PM ECT

I was so overwhelmed by Keshorn Walcott's Olympic victory that tears welled up in my eyes. To hear my National Anthem on the world stage was a great joy for me.
 
I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations to young Mr Walcott on his amazing gold medal achievement at the Olympics. Just as everyone was believing that we were not going to get a gold medal he stepped in and rose to the occasion.
 
At this young age he did what many could never do. He used whatever means was available to him and did his best. I am told he practised day after day, holiday, weekends, anytime he had the opportunity.
 
Keshorn is by no means rich but he used his God-given talent in a very meaningful way. For all of those youths who feel that they should rob and steal to make a living, please take a leaf out of Keshorn's book. Hard work pays and pays handsomely.
 
His parents should also be praised for nurturing this young man. His mother's wish has come true. He will be bringing back that bouquet of flowers for her.
 
To the Government I am appealing to you to build a stadium in Toco and fulfill the desires of the residents because there are lots of athletes who reside in that area and all they need is a push to propel them to greatness.
 
May God bless Keshorn always and may he stay as humble and unassuming as he is.

Jerome T Armstrong
Arima

[Socapro]

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/letters/Start_working_for_Rio_Olympic_glory_-165939156.html

Start working for Rio Olympic glory
Story Created: Aug 12, 2012 at 11:51 PM ECT

After an agonising 36-year wait following Hasely Crawford's triumphant golden 100 metre run in the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, today the whole of Trinidad and Tobago is enthusiastically celebrating young Keshorn Walcott's javelin throw of 84.58 metres to bring home this twin-island nation's second gold medal.
 
Keshorn's achievement is even more remarkable when one considers that the javelin is not one of our strongest or most popular disciplines in track and field.
 
It is usual to hear of other countries, particularly European "power-house" states such as Germany, Turkey, Hungary, Poland, Greece and even Russia, to name a few who have dominated this sport without any serious challenges from countries like us in the Western Hemisphere.
 
Whilst we bask in Keshorn's glory, and indeed contemplate the deserving rewards expected to be showered on this gifted young athlete, maximum attention and encouragement must be given to other young aspiring field athletes in disciplines such as the javelin, discus, shot putt and hammer, as well as the long, high and triple jumps.
 
In anticipation of the next Olympics to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016, the authorities should start organising proper sporting facilities and equipment, along with programmes and qualified coaches.
 
Keshorn Walcott's inspiring achievement of overcoming major hurdles all the way from the remote Trois Roche Village in Toco to London has surely rekindled national pride and joy in all, as we all share in his Olympic glory.
 
It can inspire the younger generation. As our national motto says, "Together we aspire, together we achieve".
 
Colin Ghouralal
Chaguanas

[Socapro]

http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,164816.html

Walcott’s medal hints more money for sports
Wednesday, August 15 2012

THE SUCCESS of Trinidad and Tobago’s London 2012 Olympic team now raises expectations that the Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration will further increase the annual allocation which is given to the Ministry of Sport.

Over the last few years, the allocation for the Ministry of Sport has steadily grown in real terms.

A review by Newsday shows that between 2010 to 2012, the Ministry of Sport allocation has increased by a whopping 54 percent, according to Draft Estimates of Recurrent Expenditure for those years. The record spending levels have appeared to coincide with a record haul in Olympic medals (one gold, three bronze).

But has increased spending in sport really translated in an increased performance of athletes nationally?

According to the documents, a large chunk of that spending has gone to the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago.

However, for the last two years, almost as much money has gone to banks repaying loans for the disastrous Tarouba Stadium mega-project which continues to be a drain on funds which could otherwise be used for supporting athletes.

The allocation in the 2012 Budget for the Ministry of Sport was $406.3 million, an increase from 2011 when the allocation for the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs was $357 million and in 2010 when the allocation was $263.7 million.

The Youth Affairs portion of the portfolio was later hived off last year, but it is estimated that this accounted for about $2 million annually in the ministry’s overall expenditure.

Before 2010, according to the Budget documents, the allocation for the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs averaged $271 million a year. For 2007 it was $264.5 million, 2008: $260.3 million, and 2009: $295.3 million.

While the allocation increased by almost a half between 2010 and 2012, a large bulk of it was ear-marked to finance highly non-productive ventures, such as repaying loans on the long delayed Tarouba stadium.

For instance, for 2011, $131 million was allocated to repay a First Citizens Bank loan for the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium at Tarouba –which is to date still not opened, five years after it was due to be finished. For this year alone, the State spent more on that loan than its entire allocation to the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago, which was $94.4 million.

The allocation to the Ministry of Sport does not cover other sporting ventures – such as the $12 million Hoop of Life basket ball programme – which are funded by other ministries such as the Ministry of National Security.

However, in terms of proportion of the total Budget, which moved from $50 billion in 2007 to $56.5 billion last year, the allocation to Sport remains relatively minuscule, coming in at less than one percent for the entire period 2007 to 2012, according to the figures in the Budget document.


STATE $ PUMPED INTO SPORT

2007: $264.5 million

2008: $260.3 million

2009: $295.3 million

2010: $263.7 million

2011: $423.3 million (revised estimate)

2012: $406.3 million (estimate)

[truetrini]

Crab in a barrel mentality..wait for that Academy.

[Deeks]

If we had a Caribbean team that is fine. But we are independent countries. To each his own. Right?!!!
Don't The WICBC have an academy. How has that worked out for cricket?

[Socapro]

http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,164868.html

Petrotrin to assist athletes with Olympic preparation
By KEVIN SUNICH Thursday, August 16 2012

TWENTY local athletes will be recipients of bursaries from Petrotrin to aid in their preparation to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil.

The announcement was made by Petrotrin’s Chariman Lindsay Gillette at a press conference at the company’s Port-of-Spain office, Corner Cipriani Boulevard and Queen’s Park West, yesterday.

Gillette said the petroleum company has committed to funding to the tune of $2 million dollars ($2,000,000.00), which will be disbursed in tranches of $500,000 per year. Each of the athletes will receive $2,000 a month and $24,000 a year.

The chairman said the programme is designed to help young, talented and deserving athletes. “This is not about elite funding. This is about helping young athletes at the grassroots level to realise their full potential. Therefore in collaboration with the National Sporting Organisations, we will be assisting sportsmen and women in the fields of swimming, cycling, athletics and boxing”, said the chairman.

He indicated that eight of the athletes will come from track and field, four from swimming, four from cycling and four from boxing. Gilette said T&T is destined for greatness and Petrotrin will play its part as the country moves proactively towards this vision.

He made it clear however the athletes will have to meet certain requirements. They must have a realistic chance of making Rio 2016 and must have a high participation in sport and should be talented and deserving of assistance.

He added that they should have a track record to suggest that they are on their way to greatness and should be participating in individual events. They must also have a good overall academic performance and should not be on scholarship or in receipt of Government funding.

Petrotrin’s president Khalid Hassanali said while the 2012 Olympics team made the country proud, there should be no resting on laurels. “Today therefore, Petrotrin, as is its long practice, will be looking forward with deliberate strategy and commitment in preparation for the Rio 2016 Olympics”, said Hassanali.

Meanwhile president of the National Association of Athletic Administration (NAAA) Ephrim Serrette described the initiative as a very good one.

“This will go a long way in motivating the athletes to achieve similar or better results than our 2012 Olympic team. I see this as preparing the athletes who are bordering the elite funding to get them to that level”, said Serrette.

An elated president of the T&T Amateur Boxing Association (TTABA) Cecil Forde said this is the first time that the sport has been given this opportunity. “In all our history we have never had a corporate sponsor that has come on board to take us to the next level. This is going to help us tremendously because we are used to begging for financial help. Most of the time we had to rely on the government, but now we have a sponsor”, said Forde.

The TTABA president said they will embrace this initiative and take their boxers to the next level.

[Socapro]

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/business/Javelin_sales__set_to_soar_-166351416.html

Javelin sales 'set to soar'
By Julien Neaves
Story Created: Aug 15, 2012 at 9:50 PM ECT

LOCAL sports retailers expect a boost in javelin sales following the record-breaking performance of gold medallist Keshorn Walcott last Saturday at the London Olympics.
 
Rajendra Bajnath, owner of Bajnath Sports Centre, Montrose, Chaguanas, told the Express yesterday that he expected an "upsurge" in javelin sales following Walcott's accomplishment.
 
"It has always been an active sport. (Now) it will get a necessary boost," he said.
 
He noted that more people were talking about javelins during the Olympics and just before the finals one or two were sold. Throughout the year, they sell at random times, he said.
 
He said his company used to sell lot of javelins to schools through the Government, but they have not in recent times, adding that the Government may have another supplier.
 
Kenny De Silva, manager of Kenny's Sports Centre at the corner of Queen and Chacon Streets in Port of Spain, said yesterday it was "too early to tell" what impact Walcott's victory would have on javelin sales.
 
"Of course he (Keshorn Walcott) will inspire a lot of young people to go into track and field, but we are yet to see who will take up the javelin," he added.
 
He noted that sales of equipment have been good, and should be boosted as athletes continue doing well, but the current Olympic achievements have not affected sales yet.
 
De Silva said this country's Olympic athletes have been getting better and better as a result of programmes by different bodies and schools. Kenny's supplies javelins to both primary and secondary schools.
 
A manager at Sports and Games, High Street, San Fernando, reported that a couple of customers have come in and were curious about how javelins look. He predicted that there would be some purchases due to Walcott's accomplishment.
 
Prices of javelins do vary at different stores. At Sports and Games, customers can purchase one from $295 - $595, at Kenny's Sports Centre, a javelin for beginners can be bought for $300-$350 and at Bajnath Sports Centre one can get a "good brand" javelin for between $895 - $1,295.
 
Toco-born Walcott won this country's second Olympic gold medal after 36 years with his javelin throw of 84.58m. The first gold medal winner was Hasely Crawford in the 100-metre dash in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Canada.
 
Walcott has been showered with gifts from the Government for his feat, including a $2.5 million home in Federation Park, $1 million in cash, 20,000 square feet of land in Toco and a University of Trinidad and Tobago scholarship.

[Socapro]

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Money_for_Youths-166356416.html

Money for Youths
Petrotrin programme for 2016 prospects
By Kern De Freitas
Story Created: Aug 15, 2012 at 10:40 PM ECT

In the aftermath of Trinidad and Tobago's record four-medal Olympic haul, local athletes are already in line to benefit, with Petrotrin announcing a $2 million Athletic Development Programme.
 
At a media conference at Petrotrin's Queen's Park West office building, chairman Lindsay Gillette yesterday announced the new endeavour, which he stressed is for up-and-coming athletes, and not T&T's elites. A maximum eight track and field athletes, four swimmers, four boxers and four cyclists will receive assistance over the next four years.
 
But there are some conditions under which athletes will not only qualify for funding, but keep receiving it.
 
The athletes must have a "high participation in sport" and "realistic chances" of reaching the Rio 2016 Olympics, as well as being deemed "deserving of assistance".
 
They must also have "track records to suggest that they are on the verge of greatness" and "likely to achieve success".
 
Team sports are not included in the sponsorship, while academic performance and behaviour are also criteria being considered for athlete assistance. Persons receiving Government assistance will also be ineligible.
 
The funds will be disbursed in tranches of $500,000 per year, and athletes will be monitored to ensure they continue to meet the Programme's criteria. That works out to $24,000 per year for each athlete, to be delivered through their respective sporting associations.
 
"We are confident that we are putting in place a practical programme which will provide the support where it is most needed--at the individual level," Gillette said following his announcement.
 
Gillette said although the initiative is a new one, Petrotrin's efforts to assist athletes are not.
 
"We don't want to just give out money (to athletes); we want to support them in everything possible." The former T&T senator said athletes require things like nutrition and proper gear, and that funding is usually only forthcoming after big performances.
 
"People wait for an athlete to get a gold medal or a silver or a bronze medal," Gillette reasoned, "before they begin supporting or are ready to get some support in the future, when in fact what an athlete requires is a lot of support before the actual achievement."
 
Gillette also took issue with a recent letter to the editor that called for London 2012 Olympics 50-metre freestyle finalist George Bovell to retire, pointing out that it takes a lot of effort and sacrifice to compete at a high level.
 
"For George to swim sub-22 (seconds), which is 21.77, from a 22.04 (clocking)...requires two years or three years of training on a continuous basis, giving up all your parties, training morning, training noon, training night, sometimes (and) going to different championships. Those (improvements by) points of a second require a lot of dedication."
 
Also at the media conference were National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) president Ephraim Serrette, Amateur Swimming Association of T&T (ASATT) assistant secretary Neal Marcano, T&T Cycling Federation (TTCF) president Rowena Williams and T&T Amateur Boxing Association (TTABA) president, Cecil Forde. The sporting representatives thanked Petrotrin for their assistance, while Serrette said it would allow them to extend their current athlete support efforts.
 
"We have athletes who benefit from the (Ministry of Sport) elite funding, and this would allow the NAAA to reintroduce a programme that we had started a couple of years ago, called 'Poor but Talented Athletes'," Serrette said.
 
"This is going to allow us to reintroduce this programme using the criteria to select athletes, male and female, to benefit from such an initiative."

[Socapro]

http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2012-08-16/sport-needs-more-%E2%80%98pappy-show%E2%80%99

Dirt Under the Nails
Sport needs more than a ‘Pappy Show’
Published: Friday, August 17, 2012
Carla Rauseo

I watched the pappy show that was supposed to be the Olympic athletes’ welcome, but was really only that of Keshorn Walcott. At least I was thoroughly “entertained” by the bacchanal at the airport on this forced, poorly-timed holiday, despite the lack of time I had to organise my schedule and deal with this sudden, inconveniencing change of plans. Of course, nobody else matters now that we’ve won a gold medal…not those who have been unable to organise their businesses for the holiday; not those who needed supplies to help them recover from the floods; not those travelers returning to or leaving Trinidad; not those other Olympians who gave their hearts and souls for T&T and of whom no mention was made in the Prime Minister’s “make some nooooissseeeeee!” speech. We win a gold medal so BRAPSE! Holiday!...so typical of a society thriving on instant gratification, failing to consider the future or the consequences of its actions. While I was thrilled for Keshorn as I watched his gold medal throw, and saw him receive his medal, I was less thrilled for T&T.

I hate to rain on a “parade,” however this extravaganza is quite reminiscent of the return of the Soca Warriors after having played in the 2006 World Cup.  The fanfare, the speeches, the promises, the flags, the soca tunes, the feteing are all occurring again. But look at the aftermath of the Soca Warriors’ return. They were never paid what was promised to them, TTFF was raided and taken to court, and the Soca Warriors have failed ever since. Hasely Crawford won T&T’s first gold medal, but where has he been all these years? In true fashion, as the novelty wore off and the then Trinity Cross was awarded, T&T left him a forgotten citizen, his years of hard work, training in the cane fields, and his accomplishments gone unappreciated. It is only 34 years after the fact that he was made a “sports ambassador.” As a friend complained, instead of using our local successes to effect change in Trinbago’s youth and highlight the rewards of hard work, we pay an undisclosed amount to bring Shaquille O’Neil, who knows nothing of T&T, to “inspire” our youth to near impossible superstardom and fat gold chains.

Ato Boldon joined the UNC in 2006, but as his own website says: “Ato, frustrated by the division in the political party he belongs to, quits the T&T Senate, moves back to LA and goes back to his first love—track and field.” Why couldn’t he go back to track and field in T&T? One cannot argue with his decision, as the corruption, and lack of support and progressive thinking could only frustrate him, so he went where his skills could be used and rewarded. A fabulous aquatic centre was promised when George Bovell III won bronze in the 2004 Olympic Games. Its remains have now become a forgotten, overgrown cemetery of young swimmers’ dreams, in the shadow of high-rise development…a victim of poor planning and political nonsense. In much the same way as these medal-winning athletes have been left on the sidelines, swindled by procrastination, corruption, and negligence, the intense focus on only Keshorn and the disregard for the other equally-deserving Olympic athletes lead me to believe that these other athletes will meet the same fate.

While the development of field events in Trinbago has been discretely “promised,” Mrs Persad-Bissessar made no mention of assistance to the Cycling Federation, to the Swimming Association, or to the NAAA. It is no wonder that I am hugely skeptical of all this fanfare and “big talk.” My patriotism is waning, and I fear it will continue to do so unless we show some developmental foresight, and start using our successful athletes as resources, rather than making them a one time pappy show and an excuse for a holiday and fete. While tangible gifts to our athletes are good, they mean nothing to the future of sports in Trinbago. A far greater gift to our athletes is them knowing that they have been credited with the development and success of sporting programs in their country, knowing that their sport has developed because of what they have achieved. 
 
But sadly, such outcomes continue to be unreachable. The same mistakes are made over and over again, and my red, white and black droops glumly as it slides lower and lower on the flagpole. Can’t we ever learn?

Carla Rauseo, P.T., M.S., C.S.C.S. is a physical therapist and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist at Total Rehabilitation Centre, El Socorro.

[asylumseeker]

Right on, Ms. Rauseo. Talk yuh talk.

[100% Barataria]

Right on, Ms. Rauseo. Talk yuh talk.

For real, excellent post by Rauseo

[Socapro]

http://www.newsday.co.tt/businessday/0,164880.html

Fund athletes’ training
Thursday, August 16 2012

WHILE Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) securing its first gold medal in an Olympic Games in 36 years, plus its winning of three bronze medals, were reasons for rejoicing, what is clear is that the nation’s athletes could have been even more successful had adequate public and private sector funding been available through the years for advanced training programmes and facilities. Keshorn Walcott, who won gold in the men’s javelin final, became the first TT athlete to win an Olympic Games medal since Hasely Crawford’s triumph in 1976 in the 100 metres at the Montreal Games in 1976. Additionally, Walcott is being hailed as a potential gold medallist in the 2016 Brazil Olympic Games. We wish to salute, unreservedly, all of our athletes who won medals at the London Games and to offer words of encouragement to all other TT athletes, who qualified for the finals of their respective events.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, reacting on Saturday night to Walcott’s gold winning performance would declare it was a priceless gift to the nation in the year of TT’s Golden Jubilee of Independence. Since the Games began, both public and private sector entities have published and/or broadcast advertisements in the print and electronic media hailing our athletes and wishing them all the best.

Although it may be argued that these advertisements are largely self-serving, no one should dismiss the impact that they have on viewing and reading audiences. Both the public and private sectors should seek to see the greater and clearly more positive advantage to athletes and potential athletes through the funding of modern training programmes and facilities.

Athletic success does not fall from the proverbial sky nor come from wishful thinking, but is as a result of constant and proper training and positive thinking. One Caribbean nation, Jamaica, has long recognised this. So has Cuba. Outside of the region, in the United States, for example, scholarships have been and are being awarded to promising athletes, and indeed several of our budding athletes through the years have been beneficiaries of these programmes.

While it may be difficult to quantify these programmes’ percentage of the Gross Domestic Product of the US and Jamaica and Cuba as well, nevertheless their benefits go far beyond actual expenditure. In the meantime, as the global economic downturn eases, the positive international exposure which will come as a result of high profile athletic success will better position TT’s non-energy goods and services in the international marketing place.

Government, in addition to direct funding, can be involved as well in indirect funding through the offering of tax incentives to both majority and minority owned public sector and wholly owned private sector companies in TT wishing to assist in the funding of training programmes and facilities referred to earlier.

Governments in TT have been somewhat tardy in funding athletic training. Admittedly, over the years there has been the construction of several stadiums. Understandably, massive training programmes will require a not inconsiderable degree of specially trained personnel, inasmuch as in the initial stages qualified TT coaches will not be available in adequate numbers.

There will be the need to hire foreign coaches on contract, both to train local athletes and train national swi-shing to be coaches as well as upgrade the efficiency of TT instructors. It is of critical import that the business community, whether in the public or private sector, do more outside of the glare of prominent international events like the Olympic Games and the World Cup to make a tangible and longer term investment in the development of sport in this country. It is an open secret that major sporting teams like Manchester United tour countries outside of Europe for their pre-season training. We should seek to take advantage of these opportunities to improve our standard of play. In the same breath we call on Government to state clearly who will fund its controversial Hoops of Life Programme and how will the programme be managed.

[Socapro]

http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,164989.html

Daniel happy with Petrotrin investment
By KEVIN SUNICH Saturday, August 18 2012

TRINIDAD and Tobago shooting champion Roger Daniel has endorsed the initiative by Petrotrin to invest in the country’s sportsmen and women.

The 2012 Olympian said, “This is great news for athletes, since this does not happen all the time. It is excellent that Petrotrin is getting involved in terms of preparing our athletes. We need corporate T&T to get more involved to help support the athletes.

The preparation journey is not an easy one and it takes a lot of money”, said Dainel. On Wednesday Petrotrin committed to investing $2 million dollars ($2,000,000) which will be in tranches of ($500, 000 ) over the next four years.

Some twenty athletes, eight from track and field, and four each from swimming, cycling and boxing will be given bursaries of $2,000 a month to help with their preparation for the 2016 Olympics.

These athletes, however, must satisfy certain requirements including having a realistic chance of qualifying for 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil by means of having a track record that suggests they are on the verge of greatness.

The athletes must also participate in individual events and they must not be on scholarships, as well as receiving any funding from government.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist said most of the time athletes would have to cut out certain elements of their programme since they did not have enough funding.

“Each athlete has a different programme and with this the financial aspect is also different. This is something that the public do not understand, but when an athlete does not perform how they want, they criticise them.”

Petrotrin’s chairman Lindsay Gillette said it is not about elite funding, but rather about helping young athletes at the grass root level to realise their full potential.

The 2010 Senior Central American and Caribbean (CAC) gold medallist said the 2012 Olympics did not go according to how he planned. “I went into the games with plan A and when I saw that things were not going according to that I pulled out plan B. However, I was unable to get the results I was looking for, but that is life.”

Daniels who placed 35th in the Men’s 50M pistol and 36 in the 10M Air pistol, said while he was disappointed with his performance, he has a lot to take with him from the London Games.

“Despite your ability to perform, you must always stay positive and push hard. Once you lose focus and try to do other wise you will not get your desired results.”

The soldier who was among the T&T Olympians distributing hampers to flood victims on Thursday said he has his eyes set on Rio 2016. “I am going to start my preparation very early for these games. I have to put in the hard work now if I am to accomplish my goal of winning an Olympic medal”, said Daniel.

[Socapro]

http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,164987.html

Crawford says more 2016 funding critical
By STEPHON NICHOLAS Saturday, August 18 2012

FORMER Olympic gold medallist, Hasely Crawford, is urging more corporate entities to come on board and support the push for gold at the Rio Olympics 2016 following the announcement by Petrotrin that they will be making a four-year investment towards that regard.

The petroleum company has committed $2million to fund 20 local athletes with each receiving $2,000 per month for the next four years to aid in their training. Earlier this week, Lindsay Gillette, Petrotrin chairman, noted that this country is destined for greatness and said Petrotrin will play its part in helping our athletes fulfil their potential. Speaking to Newsday yesterday, Crawford lauded Petrotrin for the initiative and called on other companies to follow in their footstep.

“Any support we can get is great. I am hoping that a lot of corporations will get involved but I need to commend them (Petrotrin) for taking the first step. We have a lot of programmes that we have planned that we can now be able to implement,” he said. Meanwhile, the 1976 Men’s 100m champion, believes the historic golden throw from javelin king Keshorn Walcott will have a tremendous impact on the sport in terms of generating funding.

Walcott, who at 19 years old, became the first person in 60 years from the Western Hemisphere to win an Olympic field event with a powerful 84.58m throw last Saturday in the Men’s javelin.

“Because of Walcott, people are now understanding what it takes to get there in the sport. It has opened the eyes of corporate TT. BP TT must also be commended for their role as well,” he said. Crawford also noted that with Walcott winning just this country’s second Olympic gold in 36 years, there will be an undoubted resurgence in the sport and in particular field events.

“When I won gold in 1976, there were a number of kids who were named after me and in fact I met some of them at the airport on Monday (for Walcott’s return home). There were also a lot of people wanting to get into sprinting and now there will be a resurgence in youngsters wanting to do javelin, shot put and other field events. They want to be like Walcott,” he declared. Crawford pointed out, though, that with the new influx of athletes getting into the sport, funding is pivotal to keeping them there and focussed on their development.

“The majority of athletes are poor and some extremely poor. Not many people know this but we have been dipping into our own pockets to assist athletes with supplements and massages and so on. Funding is important because you can’t do anything without money but I am certain more companies will get involved,” he concluded.

[Socapro]

http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,165025.html

I never wanted to be TT’s lone gold medallist
By COREY CONNELLY Sunday, August 19 2012

FORMER Olympian, Hasely Crawford, who won the Men’s100-Metre dash at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada, has cleared the air on circulating rumours that he wanted to be Trinidad and Tobago’s only gold medallist.

During a Sunday Newsday interview on Thursday at his home in Federation Park, St James, Crawford responded to critics, whom he claimed, said that he wanted to be the country’s only gold medallist, following Keshorn Walcott’s overwhelming success in the recently-concluded Olympic Games in London, United Kingdom.

Walcott, 19, of Trois Roche village, Toco, did the country proud when he attained a gold medal in the javelin competition at the Games with a record- breaking throw of 84.58 metres. He became T&T’s second gold medallist after some 36 years.

Deeply upset by the statement, Crawford, who has been a long-standing member of the National Amateur Athletic Association (NAAA), said he had sat down for lengthy periods with other members of the association’s executive to try to develop track and field in this country over the years.

“Late in the night in Couva we have been planning for the Olympic Games (London). Is that someone who wanted to be the only gold medallist?” he asked.

“Wanting to be the only gold medallist is of no value to me. If I was getting millions of dollars for that, of course.”

If he had wanted to be T&T’s sole gold medallist, Crawford said, “It would be an indication that we were not doing something right if we cannot produce a medallist after 36 years. It upsets me. That is so far from the truth,” he said of the statement.

Crawford, who turned 62 on Thursday, said he had also followed and supported the careers of sprinters Darrel Brown, Marc Burns, Richard Thompson and others over the last decade

“Most of them never came for advice in the way they should but I made sure I was there for them. Is that a person who want to stay the only gold medallist?” he asked.

Crawford, who had attended the London Olympics, said it was joy to see Walcott perform in the javelin toss against some of the world’s heavyweights.

The former Olympian said he later instructed permanent secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Ashwin Creed and NAAA President, Ephraim Serette, to prepare for the country’s next gold medallist.

“A lot of people did not expect him to win but everything went in his favour, including the breeze, when he threw. Is as though God was in this thing,” he said.

Crawford added, “The Olympic Games is a spiritual thing. To win a gold, the mental, spiritual and physical must become one at that moment. It happened on that day for Keshorn.”

He added, “When you are competing you evoke a spirit. It’s a fact. Here it is a junior ,19, the world record holder and you beat them (European athletes). You telling me there is no spirit in that?” he asked.

[Socapro]

http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-08-19/roberts-promises-18b-sporting-facilities

Roberts promises $1.8b in sporting facilities
...we will fight for the resources says Sport Minister
Published: Sunday, August 19, 2012

Sport Minister Anil Roberts has given his assurance that he will fight for resources to improve sports in the country. “I will do it,” he said. Roberts said over the next 30 months Government will spend $1.8 billion on sporting facilities. He was speaking yesterday at a simple reception to welcome home double Olympic bronze medallist Lalonde Gordon at the VIP Lounge, Piarco International Airport. Gordon won the bronze medal in the 400 metres sprint and was part of the 4x400 metres relay team that also copped bronze at the recently concluded London Olympic Games.

The young athlete was welcomed home by his mother Cynthia Cupid, Roberts, Brian Lewis of the T&T Olympic Committee and other officials. Gordon received two large framed pictures of himself in the two races. Roberts said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will announce his rewards at a later date. While Roberts showered praises on the Tobagonian for his effort, he said there was much work to be done in the field of sport.

“We have a lot of work to do and as Minister of Sport I will not shirk my responsibility. We have a lot of infrastructure to put in place, a lot of investment into the athletes, into the coaches, into the development, into the science, into the massage therapy and into the sports science centre. “I will do that. I have no fear. We will fight for the resources within the Cabinet and the budget and that will be done so I accept my responsibility.”

Roberts said $800 million will be spent on the National Aquatic Centre, a velodrome and a National Tennis Centre, while more than $1 billion will be spent on 19 regional sporting centres, including air-conditioned indoor netball courts, squash courts, track and field, computer rooms, basketball courts and sports medicine facilities. “So when you divide up all of that investment it is a lot of money.

“However, our coaches must understand that if they do not educate themselves...we could be as good as Lalonde Gordon, born with genetic ability to run a 43.93 (race) but if the coaches do not know how to plan, periodise, how to train, how to push, how to recover and how to get them mentally ready, then we are going to fail,” Roberts said.

[Socapro]

http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2012-08-19/value-analysing-london-olympics

The value of analysing London Olympics
Published: Sunday, August 19, 2012
Alvin Corneal

Since my return home from London, amidst the tremendous welcome party which seems to be still taking place in different parts of the country, the call for immediate assessment of the team’s performances has been mentioned in more than one circle. Without any form of elaboration, it leaves one to wonder how would the definition of assessment and analysis be interpreted by the stakeholders? Are we referring to the actual performances of all the athletes who participated in the Olympic Games or are we reviewing the past four years to determine whether or not the programmes which were placed on the table by the national association of the various sporting disciplines, or even the athletes themselves, should be analysed. There are those who will look at assessment in the context of whether the funds invested into the programme, had satisfactory returns.

Others will review the preparation of the athletes from year-to-year in order to find out if there was need for adjustment in same for the future. Quite naturally, another organised plan for each sporting discipline should be laid upon the table, now that any deficiencies may have been identified in the previous one. With the results which were achieved in a general way, the direction of progress seemed positive, with the number of events which saw T&T reaching the finals and in some cases, earning medals. The technical analyses will be totally different from the administrative picture, and this should come from the technical staff, the sports psychologist, and the athletes themselves. One of the most negative procedures which is sometimes affecting proper analysis is the absence of absolute honesty in information that is given. There is the temptation to make excuses for no good reason in circumstances like this, unknowingly at times, and the results reflect a false picture. And just who will guard the guards?

No doubt there will be reasons and/or excuses why certain things occurred or not, and the truth is the only way to deal with the future. The basic reality is that fortunately, there is a majority of youthful performers coming out of London and they will be the ones to focus their attention upon a well planned future over the next four years. Funding is a huge issue, but this is necessary for any programme which is presented coming out of the assessment and analysis. What is most essential is that there must be an overall view of all the sports disciplines which are working towards the Olympic Games in Brazil. Not only should be look at the events in which we participated, but there are sports like hockey, men and women, football, men and women, water polo, and its time some of the people who love water sports may wish to begin activity in canoeing etc. The price of victory is not cheap, neither is the preparation of teams for the Olympics. Starting tomorrow is too late. There is work to be done now so that time will not be lost. We shall watch and listen with interest to hear of every aspect of the details which will kick start our participation in Brazil 2016.

[Socapro]

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/letters/Sport_needs_corporate_____crowds-166720346.html

Sport needs corporate $$, crowds
Story Created: Aug 19, 2012 at 11:51 PM ECT

Trinidad and Tobago is currently on Cloud Nine. Keshorn Walcott, a virtual unknown even on the national stage, shocked the nation and the world by becoming the youngest ever Olympic gold medallist in the javelin event. And overall Trinidad and Tobago has had its best Olympic performance ever.
 
Besides the pore-raising experience of hearing one's National Anthem at the Olympics, and the absolute pride one feels knowing that your country has produced a locally trained Olympic gold medallist, the announcement of Petrotrin's $2,000,000 investment in sport to prepare our athletes for the 2016 Olympics is great cause for celebration. It is heartwarming that a state company sees the value of investing in sport and preparing for success at Rio 2016.
 
Congratulations must go out to the Petrotrin Board of Directors and its Chairman Lindsay Gillette for taking the lead in our country's preparation for the Olympics.
 
Let us face the facts. As unfortunate as it may be, the majority of our population are not serious about supporting our athletes. Many times our athletes are only supported financially when they succeed. Developing athletes to achieve success is most times self-financed. Petrotrin and its management must be applauded for this investment in sportspersons who are on the cusp of greatness.
 
It is hoped that Petrotrin's initiative is met with a torrent of support from other corporate citizens following suit, and even surpassing Petrotrin's contribution.
 
I ask Ministers of Government to mandate state companies under their purview to invest heavily in sport.
 
Smaller companies who may not be able to do contributions at the level of Petrotrin may seek to adopt a club, or sponsor awards at a community event, or assist in supplying uniforms or even using their "sweat equity" by getting employees to volunteer at events.
 
We must recognise as a people that there are many good corporate citizens out there who are gracious sponsors of sport and we thank them for their part in the development of Olympic talent.
 
Unfortunately, we have a bandwagonist culture in Trinidad and Tobago. The time has come for the people of Trinidad and Tobago to invest in their athletes always and not only when they are on top of the world.
 
Our athletes should not have to compete in empty venues. The economy is not so horrible that taking $10, $20 or even $50 to go to a sporting event will throw one's budget off course. We have no problems spending thousands on Carnival costumes. We have no problems going to bars and spending hundreds on drinks to watch an English Premier League football match.
 
But to watch our young talent on the track, in the pool, or even to support the Soca Warriors, is a difficult ask. When they do not perform to our expectations we are the first to say they were not worth a cent.
 
What have we done to bring glory to our country? What did I do as a citizen to support sport? Sponsors also like crowds and if you want less taxpayers' money to be spent on sport, encourage our businessmen to sponsor events by citizens attending sporting events.
 
Jason Andre Wickham
via e-mail

[Socapro]

http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2012-08-22/make-london-2012-starting-point

Make London 2012 starting point
Published: Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Brian Lewis

Olympic success is a gift not a pay check. The record breaking London 2012 Olympic team has given T&T an unforgettable 50th birthday present. By happy coincidence the Olympic Games is the year we celebrate our golden jubilee as an independent nation. It’s a beautiful moment to witness T&T so happy, joyous and positive. Everyone's involved and united in celebrating the country's London 2012 conquerors. Fourteen medals went to 18, one gold medal became two, Hasely Crawford now Keshorn Walcott. That it occurred in the city where it all began must have some special meaning. However, if we are to capitalise on the legacy potential of T&T’s historic London 2012 achievements, we must not get carried away or fool one another. This is just a fling not a long term love affair. Much of what is taking place is already being perceived as shameless and insincere opportunism and bandwagonism. In this respect the University of T&T (UTT), for example, may wish to investigate how they are announcing a scholarship for Keshorn Walcott with accompanying full page advertisements while allegedly ending the scholarships of other young sportsmen and women, some a few months away from getting their coveted degree.

Developing Olympic champions is not a simple or inexpensive undertaking. It requires a deep understanding and passion for systemic sport and athlete development. Getting the structure, the right people in place, a stable platform and foundation is no easy task here in T&T. Ministers of Sport, the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC), NSOs (National Sport Organisations), sportsmen and women-young and old have endured ridicule, rejection, and negativity. Efforts to convince decision makers and those who inform policy to take long term sport development and the economic and business potential of sport seriously, have met with muted responses at best. Lip service abound.
 
Experts are out in abundance with solutions, plans and programmes for Rio 2016 (Brazil) demanding in the process that government provide more money for sport. But where is the money going to come from when houses, hospital beds, schools and police stations are the priority. Is more money the answer or more dedicated volunteers? Sacrifices will continue to be made- careers, financial security, family welfare and health will be put on the back burner to ensure young boys and girls and adults have what they need.

Our young sportsmen and women need people who will serve sport faithfully whether it is a big responsibility or a small unnoticed task. London 2012 must be a starting point, not an end in itself. It should not matter who gets the credit as long as what is needed to be done, gets done. If there isn't grown up discussions about systemic long term sport and athlete development, T& T's historic Olympic medal achievements will be another discarded carnival costume on Ash Wednesday- soon to be a vague memory in the passage of time. In the absence of a strategic and joined up approach rather than a disjointed one  Rio 2016 success will be compromised. It should not be an ego battle for relevance or legitimacy. The London Olympic medals are gifts provided as most gifts are from the heart and soul. They weren’t bought. They came from the love, dedication, courage and passion of the athletes, their families and coaches. The Ministry of Sport, corporate partners, NSOs, the TTOC, and well-wishers, facilitated by providing support, resources and encouragement where and when needed. That it is not an easy journey and will never be need not be said only appreciated. It is certainly an honour and a privilege to represent T&T. When the London 2012 party is over, the long and lonely journey to Rio 2016 will continue on. Will London 2012 change T&T's attitude towards sport on the whole?  The early signs aren't positive. Brian Lewis is the honorary Secretary General of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee http www.ttoc.org. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the TTOC.

[Socapro]

http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2012-08-22/formula-olympic-success

Formula for Olympic success
Published: Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Andre Baptiste

Now that the euphoria has receded we can begin to clinically assess the performance of our athletes at the recently concluded London Olympics. With an overall medal tally of four, a gold and three  bronze, the country as a whole needs to determine whether our athletes let us down or whether we have let them down. First of all, let us get one myth out of the way, Jamaicans—as a group—have no natural God-given ability that sets them apart from the rest of the Caribbean. So nothing in the Olympics happens through divinity, the result earned by every competitor is a result of their hard work and the support that they have secured throughout their career. I have highlighted four words that I will come back to, time and time again. The first word I want to focus on is “and”.  Each successful athlete needs that “and” to achieve their success.  Either of those two factors will not cut it on its own.  The athlete must be prepared to do the hard work necessary “and” they must get the support required to facilitate that success. Support required. This support is not just words of commendation, a national holiday to celebrate success, chest pounding by those in authorities, a motivational song or even media coverage.  We are talking about something much more substantial and something which begins long before the success has been achieved. 

The support required begins with putting the proper infrastructure in place to identify the talented youths among us. Like the Jamaicans, this must begin at the Primary School level.  Once the fire has been ignited and the talent identified, there must be greater support provided to the local clubs in T&T. Most of these clubs such as Memphis, Phoenix, etc are barely etching out a living and relying a lot on private sponsorship to just be able to have the basic amenities available to our budding athletes. There should be government owned and funded facilities to which these clubs are provided free access.  The goal is to be sure that we identify as early as possible our athletes with potential to make it on the international level.  Once this is accomplished, we cannot depend on foreign scouts to offer sponsorships for these athletes to study and run abroad. As a country, we have to be prepared to fund the development of these athletes. Some times this development may not include furthering any studies. We have all heard the story of Njisane Phillip who focused on his cycling to the exclusion of his studies once he found he had the passion for it.  Then we hear the stories about, among others, the Australian, Chinese, Russian athletes whose full time career is improving their athletic ability.  These athletes progress are funded entirely by their national governments.  Why do we think that happens?  Is it for the ego of the government? Is it because of the personal agenda of someone influential in government?  Is it because someone knows someone?  I don’t think so. 

Most of these governments (including Jamaica) see athletic success as the best advertisement of the country.  More people will know Jamaica because of the success of Usain Bolt than because of any investment in tourism promotion. It was much the same when Brian Lara was so fabulously successful during his cricket career.  People could really only relate to T&T when you mentioned that it was the country of birth of Brian Lara. Successful athletes are the best promotional material for any country.  T&T tends to jump on the bandwagon of an athlete’s success after it has been achieved.  Are we surprised then that we have so few bandwagons to jump on?  Success breeds success.  I doubt we have many junior athletes being inspired to work harder by our semifinalists when compared to the junior athletes in Jamaica being inspired by Bolt, Yohan Blake, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, et al.  And to think we had Hasely Crawford! The support of the government does not in any way obviate the need for corporate sponsors to become more involved in the development of our athletes.  Often enough, once an athlete has achieved success at the world stage, corporate sponsors tend to fall over themselves to get a piece of that athlete.  I am sure the athlete would not turn down whatever assistance is provided, but truth be told, they need that assistance much more when their career is in its infancy. 
 
Corporate sponsors need to come out of their comfort zone and get behind T&T athletes from a much earlier stage.  Some will succeed, and some won’t but they need to get behind the young men and women as they seek to accomplish their ambitions. Their journey will do those sponsors proud and not every investment need be about mileage for the company, sometimes the good of the country matters. The second half of the equation is the hard work of the athlete. Bolt indicated that after his defeat at the legs of Blake in the Jamaican Nationals, he got the wake-up call that he obviously needed to step up his game.  And he obviously did that.  Hopefully, our athletes have received a similar wakeup call following this Olympics. T&T’s athletes are not inferior to athletes from any other part of the world. There is nothing that any of them are doing that we cannot also achieve.  Let us resolve to give them our full support and they in turn pledge to work as hard as they physically can to take themselves to the next level. If that social compact is made, Brazil 2016 could be our year for more Olympic gold.

[Socapro]

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/letters/Spend_on_sport_but_do_so_sensibly-167785565.html

Spend on sport but do so sensibly
Story Created: Aug 28, 2012 at 11:01 PM ECT

T&T is swamped with celebrations related to sport, and justly so perhaps, for it's not every day you achieve Olympic gold. But are there not questions that may be asked about this present euphoria?
 
For example, are not the politicians sucking this situation dry so much so that it has lost its flavour? Then, is committing $1.8 billion to sport not a little lop-sided considering urgent needs in other areas, for example, in infrastructure as in Diego Martin, or in equipping hospitals and health centres, or more sustainable care for the aged and the destitute?
 
Who is all this sport for? Is this for urban youth, considering that the facilities may be centred in urban areas, to the disadvantage of rural youth whose interest may be in sports such as cricket and not in swimming, gymnastics and athletics which would be the likely emphasis in this development programme? Or is this for depressed youth, a way to keep them out "trouble"?
 
But what if for such youth Keshorn Walcott's achievement creates the illusion of everyone achieving or that sport is the way to glamour and riches instead of seeing such achievement as a symbol of excellence for which they must strive and which is only possible through hard work and sacrifice. Won't there be more frustration since everyone can't be a Keshorn?
 
To avoid such thinking, should the development of sport not be centred in schools where the young person can combine his sporting prowess with his education, thus allowing him to make an intelligent choice about his capacity in sport, or otherwise?
 
Should these expensive sporting centres be avoided and the money redirected to schools where there would be "teaching" coaches who would combine qualification for sporting activity with academic achievement?
 
Sport is key in developing a nation, especially its youth. Sober thinking away from the present splash, glitter and excess at this time of Independence should put us on the path of true, sustainable development in this important area of our national life.
 
Dr Errol Benjamin
Via e-mail

[Socapro]

http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2012-08-27/ttoc%E2%80%88yet-receive-london-reports

T&TOC yet to receive London reports
Published: Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Shernice Thomas

The T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) will officially evaluate and discuss the performances of all of T&T’s Olympians at the London 2012 Games at an executive committee meeting early next month. TTOC secretary general, Brian Lewis, said yesterday that the TTOC will receive a compilation of reports from the team managers of the six sporting disciplines in which T&T was represented at the London Games which were: Athletics, boxing, sailing, swimming, shooting and cycling. According to Lewis the reports will include analyses of each athlete’s performance during their period of competition in London, in order to determine areas of improvement to determine the way forward for Rio 2016 Olympics.
 
“The TTOC is all about accountability. We have a systemic process to go through after the completion of any games whether it be the Olympics, the Pan American Games, CAC and Commonwealth Games or any of the other games that the TTOC is in charge of overseeing. So the work of the TTOC is an ongoing basis, it doesn’t just all stop after the Olympics.” “This year we were represented in six sports, so we will have six reports from the team managers who would also receive inputs from some of the athletes’ coaches. The reports will contain the team manager’s analysis of each athlete and the entire team as a whole, and based on that they would also make recommendations on what can be done differently in the future to achieve better performances.”

In stating that the targets for the 2016 Brazil Olympics in Rio de Janeiro will also be discussed at the executive meeting, Lewis revealed that the team fell short of the TTOC’s target for London by just two medals as they predicted a total of six medals for the local team. However, one of the TTOC’s expectations was met with the winning of a gold medal.
 
“We will discuss the targets for this year and 2016 and we already have a skeleton project for 2020. This year, the TTOC’s target for London was six medals with at least one gold medal, we weren’t sure from which discipline it would come, but we knew we wanted at least one gold medal.” For the Rio Games, the TTOC has placed the expectations even higher including two gold medals and representation in at least two team sports.

 “For Rio 2016, our target is eight medals with at least two gold. And of the eight medals, we want 50 per cent to be won by women. In 2016 we would also like to be represented across ten sporting disciplines, with two of them being team sports.” After the executive committee meeting, Lewis stated that another report will be presented to the TTOC’s general council at another meeting soon after in September, where a final summary on the Olympic team would be given.

[Socapro]

http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2012-08-27/it-time-end-party

It is time to end the party
Published: Monday, August 27, 2012
Dr Cliff Bertrand

T&T’s track and field, in spite of our Olympic performance, is largely “hit and miss” and “luck and chance.” America drops the baton, we pick up a medal. Canada messes up, we pick up a medal. There is no professional approach to organising. There should be a three-tiered structure within a coordinating body. Planning, implementation and accounting. There should be a secretary responsible for each level. Planning should be in advance of proposed games. It should be standardised time-wise. Venues should be identified, booked and properly prepared. Sponsors should be solicited, brochures packed with relevant information:  events, participants, winners/defending champions from previous meets readily available to the public.

Implementation would depend on skill and experience of personnel employed for the effort: track judges, starters, recorders, timers, announcers and other officials. The 2013 World Championship is in Moscow. It’s time to end the party and get down to serious business. Examine who should have been in London. Who did not make it? Of those who made it, why did they failed to deliver or delivered hardware for our nation. Where was the psychologist when both male and female relay teams lost opportunities to be more effective? There were less than amicable conversations on the 4x100 men and 4x100 women in London. A “red flag” for an independent investigation. 

Why did Thompson and Callendar lobby to omit Sorillo from the 4x100 relay?  Michael Bascombe, a sports analyst for Grenada TV commented after the Crystal Palace run: “Sorillo did a decent job on first leg at the recent Grand Prix in London with a 0.126 reaction time, very nice run by the guys and clean exchanges.” Richard Thompson’s reaction was “our exchanges can be improved.” It was a loaded statement. Why was Sorillo denied a chance to get an Olympic Medal? “You cannot change team in an Olympic Games!” This was a surprising comment to justify one’s position, when Jamaica and USA each earned six medals. T&T four! Why did coach Hypolite, with a final say, refuse to let  Sorillo run  the 4 x 100m relay? He permitted Callendar to compete. Callendar placed fifth in the nationals. Burns was fourth ! Sorillo finished third,  entitling him a position on the team. Bledman had a hip injury.

This raises some interesting questions: Can athletes trust officials who do not observe the rules?
The following is not the solution, but recommendations for the NAAA.
 
1. Present a strategic plan for development
 
2. Liaise with Primary and Secondary schools associations
 
3. Bring all coaches together in interactive conferences
 
4. Accept the Cuban coaches as part of the developmental process
 
5. Incorporate the business community.
 
6. Recommend playgrounds for development
 
7. Meet with the Government in conversations
 
8. Seek to have already existing fields open for practice.
 
If any of these recommendations are already in train, consider those which are not.

[jason23]

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Monderoy_wants_to_build_T_T_distance_running-171958491.html

[Socapro]

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Monderoy_wants_to_build_T_T_distance_running-171958491.html

Monderoy wants to build T&T distance running
By Kwame Laurence kwame.laurence@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Sep 29, 2012 at 11:01 PM ECT

Sheldon Monderoy wants Trinidad and Tobago to be represented in more track and field events on the global stage, and is keen to play his part in achieving that goal.
 
The 40-year-old former middle distance runner is the owner of Live Stream Finland, a successful internet video company in Finland.
 
"The company can be run from anywhere in the world, because it's internet-based. I want to be back home for the sole purpose of building a programme."
 
Monderoy told the Sunday Express he would like to coach an elite group of about 12 middle and long distance runners.
 
"I would visit sports teams, and look for those who show some form of ability. We can do tests which we don't do in Trinidad and Tobago. For example, the VO2 Max test, which is very important. Also, there are jumping tests--how high you can jump, in order to assess stride length. That was never discussed as athletes in Trinidad. That's part of the expertise at international level."
 
Monderoy has T&T records in the outdoor 1,500 metres (3:45.09), mile (4:02.43) and 3,000m (8:14.16) events, as well as the indoor 1,500m (3:47.36), mile (4:04.35) and 3,000m (8:24.33 on an oversized track).
 
The sextuple national record holder said the success of T&T javelin thrower Keshorn Walcott at the London Olympics was an eye-opener.
 
"What we saw with the gold medal is that if we have expertise available to those who have the talent, they can go further with it. A Cuban coach (Ismael Lopez) turned this guy into an Olympic gold medallist. It's about finding athletes with potential. There are diamonds in the rough out there.
 
"When I was in school," he continued, "we discussed the brain drain, where talented professionals went to different countries, and were not returning. Society needs people who can contribute positively. Rather than just be a sponsor, which is something I can also be, I'm getting to the stage of life where it's not about financial gain anymore, but what life is about. I want to help develop track and field in Trinidad and Tobago--it's about developing the country."
 
Monderoy said he is willing to move back home by the end of the year to start his proposed middle and long distance running programme.
 
"When I was an athlete, I got help form Robert Amar. I'll never forget that. Somebody helped me, and it's my turn to help others. If I come home, it would have to be under the right conditions that would be conducive to development."
 
At the University of South Florida (USF), in the United States, Monderoy was coached by Bob Braman, the man who steered Florida State University (FSU) to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Outdoor Track and Field Championship titles in 2006 and 2008.
 
And in Finland, T&T's best-ever miler trained under the guidance of 1972 Olympic men's 1,500m champion Pekkha Vasala, as well as Lasse Mikkelsson, head of that country's distance running programme.
 
"Thinking about my own experiences and the level of coaching I have had, my expertise is going to waste. I have the knowledge and I'm willing to return home. The brain drain situation is reversed--now we have professionals who have left and want to return to pass on what they've learnt and help others.
 
"Middle and long distance running," he continued, "haven't had great success in T&T, but I don't know if people have the patience. We tend to quantify success by medals, and not on development. In T&T, national records aren't given the significance they should. We have to be a bit more realistic. We have to look at how we review and gauge success. Success needs to be evaluated on progress--where athletes started, and where they reach.
 
"When I ran the (national record) 4:02 mile, the headline in the Guardian was 'Monderoy beaten'. This shows that we're counter-productive, and how we view progress and success. We need to adjust our attitudes towards sport.
 
"I was in excellent shape to go below four minutes in the mile, but one thing that really affected me was a radio interview. Somebody called in and said 'Monderoy would never win a medal'. That stayed with me. I felt no matter what I did, it would not be appreciated."
 
Monderoy said Tonya Nero, Jamaal James and Gavyn Nero are among the athletes who could benefit from his proposed coaching programme.
 
"That Nero girl is definitely a high potential athlete. Her 2:43:14 is a very good marathon time. And to drop from three hours (3:04:09) to 2:43 is a very good improvement. She just needs the right training now."
 
Nero will represent T&T at the World Half Marathon Championships, in Kavarna, Bulgaria, on Saturday.

[Controversial]

i must say socapro, we have to thank you for your yeomans work in the t&f thread... 

[jason23]

http://www.trackalerts.com/index.php/news/lead-stories/7753-after-walcott-s-success-call-to-continue-national-throws-programme-in-toco



Created on Wednesday, 10 October 2012 01:28 | Written by Clayton Clarke | Print | Email

Keshorn WalcottKeshorn WalcottTOCO, Trinidad - With the recent Olympic gold medal success of Keshorn Walcott in winning the men's javelin title at the London Olympics Games in London, long standing Toco track and field maestro John Andalcio is calling for the continuation of the National Throws Programme in the village.   

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In a letter to the National Association of Athletics Adminstrations (NAAA) recently, Andalcio called on the organization to continue to provide funding for Ishmael Lopez Mastrapa, the Cuban coach who prepared Walcott for his Olympic success and several other junior athletes to national and regional glory, in recent years..

"Recent athletic seasons have yielded tremendous results for the athletes from the North Coast region in general, with outstanding performance from the throwers including Kyle Preudhomme, Hakim Smith, Jamel Paul and all-rounder Cherisse Murray", Andalcio said.

"Walcott has consistently broken the National record with fantastic performances over the last two years, despite being a relative novice in the event. This was achieved in no small part with the assistance of Coach Ismael Lopez Mastrapa and great sacrifices by the region's athletes and club officials."

The IAAF certified multi-event coach and official contends that the cost of having Mastrapha travel to Toco is considerably less than the expenses incurred for Toco athletes, who travel to Port of Spain to train.

"Two weekly sessions are proposed for Tuesdays and Thursdays where Coach Lopez will work with selected athletes from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm" he continued. "A small stipend of $200.00 per session is requested to compensate for his effort and to cover expenses e.g. defray the cost of transport to and from Toco, and the provision of lunch."

"This arrangement makes it much cheaper for the NAAA, since it has cost approximately $700.00 per session, when the club has had to transport its athletes to the Port of Spain training venue. The club also had to wait for a year to get some reimbursement."

The retired school principal is also seeking resolution to the recent split in the Toco TAFAC athletic club. Andalcio said one athlete was threatened that he will not receive assistance (from the NAAA) to train if he doesn't join the new break-away club in Toco.

"The athlete has returned to training with Toco TAFAC and has been threatened by Nerril Serapio that he will not receive the assistance he needs if he joins the new club." Andalacio said the threat was repeated by another coach of the new club, Anna-Lee Walcott-Stewart.

The long time coach of Toco Secondary said the issue is worrying, as Serapio made reference to reporting the athletes to NAAA Secretary Allan Baboolal if they don't align with the new club. "This action seems to suggest that Allan Baboolal has some influence on the developments in Toco and is acting in cohort with forces set on destroying the proud name of Toco TAFAC."

He added, "Toco TAFAC is hereby seeking the protection of (the athlete) and the assurance of the General Council that he will not be discriminated against if he chooses to remain with Toco TAFAC."

Meanwhile, at the recent NAAA General Council meeting, clubs called on executives to pay coaches the outstanding monies owed to them and also to change the nation's abbreviation from TRI to TNT or T&T.

Member clubs also recommended the following: Budgets prepared, plans for funding and constitutional changes by the next General Council meeting in October.