Wherein lies our Sport?
Published: Wednesday, September 23, 2015 (T&T Guardian)
By Alvin CornealI wish the answer was as simple as the headline, especially when so many of us believe that whenever there is new management at the governmental level, the new brooms will surely sweep clean.
But this apparent new start invites anxiety from all the stakeholders, whether they are national associations, established clubs, professional players, and even from those who may have had a shy at administration previously and would see the present gap to re-enter the catastrophic arena of our sporting disciplines.
Critics are easy to come by, and they are often prepared to be as loud and expansive in their personal opinions. Just think of the current problems which are on the cards such as the West Indies Cricket Board’s dodgy road forward. I wonder how players are expected to enjoy playing cricket when there are so many voices chanting what should be the same tune, but with varying melodies.
The challenge from the general public about the omissions of certain quality cricketers from T&T, the dismissal of cricket captains, the squabble about payments for players of the three systems of cricket which are played today, and the disturbing practice of matters which should be discussed and decided behind closed doors.
These are issues which may not be concluded in a short time or if ever at all.
Push cricket aside, and turn the focus towards our national football programme, where a change of Minister of Sport may provide the solution for the preparation of two national teams, both on an optimistic slope for taking the teams into the upcoming World Cup Finals.
Then there is the whispering group of voices, whose every word in favour of those going to the Rio Olympics next year, is getting louder each day, quite naturally with the hope that our new minister will lend them an air of priority consideration to hand over the huge sum of money which they desire.
Surely, the success of a few in the Pan Am Games and the World Athletic Championships over the past two months has offered the impetus from the NAAA (National Association of Athletics Administrations) and the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) to fill the starting blocks with maximum number of athletes allowed, with the hope that they use the next ten months to improve times, distances, and fitness levels enough to show the world that we have arrived and well on the way to ten gold medals in a few years’ time.
Part of their dream plan is justified and even encouraged by the performances of people like Keshorn Walcott, Cleopatra Borel, Machel Cedenio, a fit Keston Bledman, hurdlers Mikel Thomas and Jehue Gordon, to name a few, and a bevy of women whose efforts seem to appear extremely assertive and with honesty in their desire to reach new targets.
Our cyclists are justifying the support which can take them to the level of a medal in Rio. Njisane Phillip and Quincy Alexander are two young men who do not need anyone to push them to their best. They are not only talented, but mature enough to assist any good coach with the finishing touches to achieve their goal.
Many more may be on the plane to Rio de Janeiro, some only silently mentioned as medal prospects, but certainly deserve similar scientific attention, sufficient exposure to compete adequately leading up to the games and well balanced meals like all the others.
Football needs to have the type of support for any organisational programme planning, which ranges from friendlies that are specially chosen to fit the vision of the coach.
Overseas players must provide commitment from as early as yesterday from their clubs, in the same way that all the larger countries handle it.
We are already aware that certain friendlies are arranged, so the financial arrangements, plus hotel and airline tickets can be ready now.
The possibility of playing matches in the USA should mean immediate discussions with the embassy, where at least 30 players per team, (male and female) can have their visas.
Actually, the visas for the women’s national team should be the responsibility of the TTOC as they are aspiring to qualify for same, but with matches which will lead up to Rio.
As I sit and ponder over the matters of concern which confront our sport, I feel convinced that some serious dialogue between the government and each national association is of paramount importance.
We wish to hear of settled plans, with projects well defined, finances in hand, and well prepared teams. Nothing less will be acceptable.
