20 Questions with Shaun Fuentes.
Trinidad Express.November 3, 2007Shaun Fuentes is the Media/Communications officer for the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation, National Football Teams and the Caribbean Football Union. He was the youngest Team Media Officer among the 32 Nations at the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany. Fuentes was appointed to the FIFA Media Committee in 2007 and is the youngest serving member on that committee. In his early years, he was adjudged Best Writer for the 1999 Secondary Schools Football League Season. He has also written for several international and local publications and magazines as it relates to football in Trinidad and Tobago. His contributions can also be seen in The Legacy of the Soca Warriors which captures the country's 2006 World Cup experience with several enlightening images including the front cover. Fuentes also recently created a Soca Warriors Youtube channel to allow fans to get up close with the events of T&T football and its international outings with video recordings of his own. Through his involvement with the game, he has travelled widely coming in contact with various lifestyles and cultures globally all experiences which he hopes to pass on back here in T&T.
1. Your greatest joy?Being part of a T&T representation on the world stage. My passion for country and life. Seeing the needy with a smile on their faces.
2. Your secret fear?Dying on the road or being a victim of crime.
3. The best advice you have received and from whom?Make the best of what you have and try and use that to become better - My parents. Follow your heart and make what you think is the best choice for you - that came from Jack Warner back in 2002 when I had been offered a job to work with an English League club. I had to choose between that or staying with the T&T Football Federation. We had just failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup and things looked grim but I stuck with home four years later I got to experience a World Cup and all the euphoria with it first hand. And here I am today being able to serve at a national and international level.
4. Your most embarrassing moment?Falling near the finish line in a college marathon hahahaha. It was down a hill and I still have the scars to prove it.
5. Your happiest moment?I have a few there are ongoing ones being able to get up each day and have all my strengths and be able to work on my weaknesses. November 16, 2005 - Being on the field moments after T&T beat Bahrain to qualify for World Cup 2006.
6. The biggest turn-on in a woman?Sexiness hahaha and down to earth personality. Of course an easy going personality doesn't necessarily turn you on but it's a factor.
7. The biggest turn-off?Bad hair, posture and egotism
8. The part of your body you like the most?My heart it pumps life into me!.
9. The body part you would like to change if given the chance?None. I'd like being a bit taller though. (laughs)
10. The best book you ever read?Quite a few.
11. On a second chance, what would be your dream profession?A songster being able to command an audience of thousands and be heard anytime of day or night fantastic.
12. The thing most people do not know about you?I used to sing! Yea I was second runner up in Boys Solo 13-15 South Music Festival.
13. Your pet peeve?Dishonest people, those who lack passion and the others who fight down something good especially if they're not part of it.
14. Your favourite food?Too many to list I think but wild meat, "blue food", curry duck and I fancy Chinese and Japanese too.
15. The woman you most admire apart from your mother, wife or lover?I admire women! Respect is a key here too.
16. Your secret personality weapon?I will not let the secret out here but part of it is my willingness to get things done.
17. Your personal credo?Just like most, I have goals and I do my best to go about the right way in achieving them. Humble, built with passion and eager for good living.
18. Your irresistible temptation?My laptop (which doesn't allow me to sleep as much as I want at nights), high energy Soca and good food (laugh). And helping realise the ambitions or benefits of whatever organisation or group I'm involved with.
19. The one place you would like to visit before you die?Space.
20. Your most elusive goal?A one on one with the Almighty.
PHOTO: ROBERT TAYLOR