Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => What about Track & Field => Topic started by: Sando prince on January 27, 2015, 08:50:24 PM
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For T&T
Olympic icon offers Montreal gold to 10golds24 fund (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/For-TT-290003531.html)
By Garth Wattley
Published on Jan 27, 2015, 7:57 pm AST (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Hasely%20Crawford%201976%20100m%20Gold%20Medalist_1.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Hasely%20Crawford%201976%20100m%20Gold%20Medalist_1.jpg.html)
Hasely Crawford put his Olympic gold medal where his mouth is yesterday.
Catching the audience at the atrium of the Guardian Group offices in Westmoorings completely by surprise, the 1976 Montreal 100 metres champion said he would put up the medal and the gear he wore on that historic day to be leased, in support of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s #10golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund.
“I am offering my Olympic gold medal, my jersey, my pants, the socks and the shoes to you, the Olympic Association,” Crawford said, addressing a stunned TTOC president Brian Lewis at the head table. “You need to work out some form of arrangement where it can be leased to support our young people.”
Crawford’s words were followed by sustained applause from the gathering that was there to witness a cheque presentation by the Guardian Group in support of the Olympic Committee’s #10golds24 project.
Before presentation time arrived however, Crawford made a passionate plea for public support for the Fund.
Recalling his own personal struggles in the build-up to his Montreal triumph, he said: “A lot of people do not understand what an athlete goes through, especially to win an Olympic medal.”
He then gave examples of the current need for corporate help involving, “two of our young, budding athletes, 16, 17,” who, “personally I feel they will be world beaters in time to come.”
Crawford recalled: “Their coach came to me and said, Mr Crawford, one of these athletes needs to have an MRI but he doesn’t have the funding...I made some enquiries and it was done.
“He brought another athlete, we talking about Olympic potentials, she did not have a proper pair of shoes or equipment to train. I’m saying these things so you all could understand how important these things are...
“Ladies and gentlemen, to win an Olympic gold medal is not easy. You need a lot of support, especially our younger athletes...The reason I stay with it is that we have a lot of very, very poor athletes. If we really want to win these 10 gold medals, we need to really come forward and support Mr Lewis.”
Speaking to the Express later about his offer, Crawford elaborated: “I am offering to them (for the medal and gear) to be leased to some company and the proceeds will go towards the Olympic Association.
He added: “It doesn’t make sense me having it in my house, it’s for Trinidad and Tobago.”
Crawford said he has other projects in mind, the full details of which are still to be worked out.
In response, a still shocked Olympic Committee president Brian Lewis, who walked Sunday’s T&T International Marathon to kick off the Welfare and Preparation Fund said: “The gesture is awesome. I’m almost speechless at what Hasely Crawford today has offered to do, not only in support of not only the provision of 10 Olympic medals by the year 2024, but the Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund. I didn’t come here anticipating that was going to happen.”
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TTOC in business
Olympic body gets more corporate help for #10 gold 24 (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/TTOC-in-business-290157711.html)
By Mark Pouchet
Story Created: Jan 29, 2015 at 12:09 AM ECT (T&T Express)
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Brian Lewis’s smile was a bit broader yesterday after four corporate entities handed over cheques to the #10gold24 Athlete Preparation and Welfare Fund.
At the TTOC headquarters on Abercromby Street, Colombus Communications, Southern Sales, Toyota and Deloitte & Touche all delivered undisclosed amounts to the local Olympic organisation for the fund that Lewis launched with his 26.2mile walk in the Trinidad and Tobago International Marathon Sunday.
The investment follows the $250,000 cheque the Guardian Group donated yesterday to the Fund.
Just Tuesday, former Olympic committee president Douglas Camacho appealed to corporate T&T to stop the bandwagon jumping and step forward to help local athletes at the development stage.
Yesterday, Lewis hoped that this would be the start of a long-lasting relationship with the new investors.
“This is a first time for the Olympic Committee, not only because of the rollout of the #10 gold24 and the establishment of the athletes Preparation and Welfare Fund, but in terms of the signalling to the national community the transformation and the modernisation of the TTOC marketing approach,” Lewis said. He added that the TTOC was adapting a new social and digital media initiative to connect with a younger audience.
“We have to be scrupulously honest. The idea is we would love to see at some point it (this relationship) evolve and that you find the experience such a fantastic one that you want to take it to the top partner level but at this point in time it is really about the athletes and no one stakeholder can do it all, because it is not an inexpensive proposition,” Lewis said.
Lewis added that the TTOC is also taking a more proactive approach to fan and corporate engagement.
By expanding to other corporate stakeholders, Lewis hoped to secure more resources to help more athletes.
“What the Fund/project is allowing us to do is to satisfy the demands of our relationship with our top partners but also afford an opportunity to other businesses and corporate entities in the marketplace to engage and be part of what we believe is an absolutely powerful initiative which is to engage the young people of T&T in a contemporary and dynamic way ......I hope your involvement is not a one-off because we have to recognise that this is an ongoing relationship,” Lewis stated.
TTOC secretary general Annette Knot said the TTOC executive was extremely proud of Lewis and his initiative that has garnered so much support.
“The TTOC, we were really proud that Mr (Brian) Lewis decided to make this very bold step with this walk,” Knot said. “ We are very proud of him but I can’t tell you the momentum it has given us, because now we have so many more people very conscious of the Fund. Of course, just the evidence of you being here today says to us that the step he took was a bold step and we are very happy that he did, because we know it will actually transfer from being cheques today to being actual performances tomorrow and going forward.”
Lewis promised the sponsors and the national community that the TTOC will ensure through good accounting practices that all money given to the Fund will go directly to benefitting the athlete and the process will be transparent and accountable to stakeholders.
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Steps in the right direction.
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All aboard
...as #10golds24 bandwagon gets rolling (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/-All-aboard-290484641.html)
By Fazeer Mohammed (T&T Express)
Story Created: Feb 1, 2015 at 8:10 PM ECT (T&T Guardian)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Hasely%20Crawford%20addresses%20audience_1.png) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Hasely%20Crawford%20addresses%20audience_1.png.html)
HOLDING COURT: Trinidad and Tobago’s first Olympic gold medallist Hasely Crawford addresses the audience at the Guardian Group’s office in Westmoorings last Tuesday. Occasion was the Guardian Group’s presentation of a $250,000 cheque to the #10 golds 24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund, an initiative of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC). Looking on from left is Douglas Camacho, Guardian Group Executive Director and Group President Strategic Investments, TTOC president Brian Lewis and Larry Olton, Group Vice President. —Photo: CURTIS CHASE
It’s only natural to be suspicious of Brian Lewis’ motives. This is a country where walking the talk isn’t a priority, especially among public figures. So when the president of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) fulfilled his stated commitment to walking the marathon distance last week Sunday in launching a fund-raising effort targeting the next three Summer Olympic Games, it was time to take notice.
First of all, what planet is this fella on? I mean, in our history of Olympic participation going back 66-plus years, there are only two gold medals to show for it. Granted, the second came at the last edition in London in 2012, but to suggest that Keshorn Walcott’s out-of-the-blue triumph in the javelin could be the trigger for an avalanche (for us) of golden success in 2016, 2020 and 2024 is like the Prime Minister believing this latest matter surrounding the Attorney General will merely blow over after nine days or so.
Anyway, as utterly ludicrous as it sounds, the TTOC boss has already managed to snare some big-name corporate support, with the Guardian Group igniting the flame of private sector interest to the tune of $250,000. I actually thought it was a misprint when the information appeared in the media a week ago. Surely it was $25,000 and not a quarter-of-a-million dollars. Four others have since come on board, although their contributions are yet to be publicly disclosed.
Maybe Lewis should try selling snake oil in his spare time, or bags of party ice cubes to the Inuit of northern Canada. But his biggest coup, so far, was to get Hasely Crawford to sprint onto the bandwagon in pursuit of this ambitious, audacious project.
Anyone with even a passing interest in the life and times of the nation’s first Olympic gold medallist would be aware of his increasing bitterness and deepening sense of hurt over the manner in which he has been treated by successive governments and the general public since beating Jamaica’s Don Quarrie to the 100-metre finish line in Montreal, in 1976.
We can debate long into the night whether or not Crawford’s angst is justified. But right or wrong, it doesn’t change the fact that the man has been vex like hell for all sorts of different reasons for almost 40 years. So for him to announce that his Olympic gold medal and the gear he wore for that historic occasion is to be leased to the TTOC in support of the #10golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund – that’s the official name of the project – is almost as unexpected as Anand Ramlogan being contrite and apologetic about anything.
So what’s really at play here? Granted that as an insurance salesman he would know a thing or two about making an effective pitch, but how does he attract so much significant backing so soon when most administrators in other sports have struggled for years to garner even a fraction of that support?
As we know only too well, credibility is at the very heart of the problem when it comes to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association, custodians of our most popular sport, to the extent that potential benefactors prefer to pay third parties to manage the money rather than let it go to the TTFA directly.
There are three things we claim to crave but really only demand it of others, not ourselves: integrity, transparency and accountability. Could it be that Lewis has convinced enough important people that he is prepared to abide by those three musketeers of effective, progressive governance in pursuit of a dream? If so, he has established for himself a dizzyingly high standard, one that very, very few are prepared to be held up against for at least the next nine years.
Will we even remember this ideal of ten golds by 2024 after the flame of the Games of that year is extinguished? What measurable difference will it make anyway to basic issues like quality of life or higher ideals like a sense of nationhood should the goal be attained or surpassed?
Whether or not you choose to remain sceptical or prefer to give him the benefit of the doubt, Brian Lewis has put himself out there in a manner few of us are willing to do. As encouraging as the early signs are, he must know that it only takes one false move for the whole thing to come crashing down around him. Rest assured, there are some willing the venture of fail for nothing more than narrow, selfish motives.
So stay on the fence if you will, but unless he is exposed as a crook, a thief and a charlatan, I am prepared to get on board for an exercise that could only be for the good of the country.
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Sportification
President Lewis walking the talk (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-02-01/president-lewis-walking-talk)
Anand Rampersad (T&T Guardian)
Published: Sunday, February 1, 2015
Brian Lewis, President of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) deserves commendation for his visibly proactive effort to lay a solid foundation for T&T elite athletes to win at least 10 gold medals by the 2024 Summer Olympics through the Athlete Welfare and Preparation initiative.
Any unbiased observer will quickly acknowledge that Lewis is discharging his responsibilities with passion, optimism and practicality.
He is clear about what he would like to achieve, is passionately optimistic and is making every effort to ensure that these goals are attainable.
The success of modern day sports is dependent upon a number of primary and secondary stakeholders. The primary stakeholders are the athletes who through their respective skills and talent perform outstanding feats to the satisfaction of supporters, sponsors and everyone else who appreciate the value of outstanding performances.
However, it is important to appreciate that the success of athletes is connected to the organizational and managerial skills of sporting administrators. This may be more so in developing countries where economic resources and other infrastructural requirements may be lacking.
Behind the public scenes administrators work assiduously to ensure that all the relevant resources and opportunities are available so that elite athletes can train without undue non-training issues.
Administrators are responsible for the development and implementation strategic plans that will ensure continuous improvement of programmes to achieve clearly identifiable goals.
These plans are not only about the athletes but also the requisite human resource support.
This is required to ensure that athletes are provided with the current scientific training that is available so that they can compete internationally on an equal footing.
The TTOC Athlete Welfare and Preparation initiative is a manifestation of the importance of a dynamic and proactive sports administrator. Achieving 10 gold medals or more will be a costly activity as potential Olympians have to be exposed to the best training and other resources available.
Therefore, instead of sitting back and awaiting for the state to dole out funds, Lewis and the TTOC have embarked upon creatively proactive strategies to raise funds.
Lewis’ appeal has been to both corporate T&T and the general public for sponsorship.
To raise awareness and to personally market the goal of the TTOC he put his body through the grueling demands of walking the 26.2 miles T&T marathon last Sunday from Freeport junction to the Queen’s Park Savannah.
It was a clear demonstration of leading from the front. The goal of this venture was to raise $500 000.
His feat was well supported by family, friends and members of the sporting fraternity.
At the end of the walk he reflected on the wide ranging support he received by stating “I am glad it (the walk) resonated so deeply with the public and it just goes to show there are still wonderful and tremendous people in this country who want to see the country progress.”
Lewis’s effort has immediately had an impact as the country’s first Olympic gold medalist, Hasely Crawford.
Crawford has pledged his support by offering for lease his gold medal and full outfit he wore when he defeated Donald Quarrie (Jamaica) silver medal and Valeriy Borzov (Russia) bronze medal to win 100 metres in 10.06 seconds at the Montreal Games. Crawford reiterated that winning an Olympic gold medal is no easy feat and hence the importance of providing support to young athletes in order for them to realise their goals.
Corporate T&T have also responded positively. The Guardian Group have donated $250,000 and other sponsors have been Columbus Communications, Deloitte & Touche and Southern Sales, Toyota. These gestures may be the cue for other corporate entities to follow.
The TTOC is also appealing to corporate T&T to provide internship, mentorship and work opportunities for elite athletes. This strategy will help provide the athletes with an important living comfort which will allow them to train freely without the burden of having to search for financial support.
Lewis has also used his weekly Guardian column to articulate his ideas about the administration of sports and also the importance of sports as a means of building the social and economic capital of the country. There are important lessons for administrators of other sporting administrators to follow.
There is an indeterminacy about sports so success is not guaranteed. There will be constructive critics and there will be the outright naysayers. The latter is an unfortunate feature of our culture- crab in barrel syndrome- some bask in failures or shortcomings of others. However, one cannot fault Lewis and the TTOC for making a concerted effort to achieve their goals of #10golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Donations to #10golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund can be made at any Scotia Bank Branch the TTOC Account number is 171188 or by cheque made payable to TTOC which can be dropped off or posted to TTOC Olympic House 121 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad.
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Mikel Thomas: Support the Olympic Dream
https://www.youtube.com/v/Q6bbEi1A98s
Training to be an Olympic champion is a full time commitment requiring significant time and resources.
In an effort to further support the athletes of Trinidad & Tobago, the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) recently announced the launch of the #10golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund.
The vision of #10golds 24 (10 or more Olympic Gold medals by 2024) is to further enable national athletes to realize their Olympic dreams. The fund will provide financial assistance to Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games athletes to enable them to train, recover and compete at the highest level.
TTOC President Brian Lewis will launch the fund on January 25th, 2015 by participating in the 2015 Trinidad International Marathon. Lewis hopes to raise $500,000TT for the Fund through his participation.
For further information and more details on how to support please contact us at [contact@ttoc.org, 1(868)625-1285].
We look forward to partnering with you.
Please share/ repost /retweet and join the hashtag.
#10golds24 #walkyourtalk #TTOC #RoadtoRio
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TTOC launches new marketing strategy (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,208162.html)
By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH Wednesday, March 11 2015 (T&T Newsday)
THE TRINIDAD and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC), as part of its new strategic marketing and brand management plan, is adopting an entrepreneurial, vibrant and dynamic market-driven, new business development approach to revenue generation for its programmes and projects.
This includes the strategic vision to achieve 10 or more Olympic gold medals by the year 2024. In an effort to support this marketing plan and vision, the TTOC has set up an in-house marketing department that will handle the organisation’s marketing, branding, new business and commercial development, merchandising and licensing programme. The mandate of the TTOC marketing department is to break down barriers with new ideas and approaches.
“As an organisation we must always strive to celebrate and embrace disruptive thinking and challenge conventional wisdom,” said TTOC president Brian Lewis. “This department will drive the TTOC’s business and commercial agenda, growth and value strategy. We are at a critical juncture, and it is of even greater importance for us to achieve financial independence and strength for the TTOC while at the same time maintaining the TTOC’s identity and not compromising its core Olympic values and ideals.”
For the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the TTOC will be putting in place the required legal checks and balances to protect its Olympic franchise, including the TTOC, the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic team and the legitimate TTOC Olympic sponsors and partners from opportunistic marketing and ambushers. This effort comes as no surprise as sporting organisations including the TTOC move to protect their bottom lines.
In highlighting the issue, Lewis stressed that the TTOC has to ensure that cash flows into, and not out of its coffers, so that the organisation can support not only athletes, but key projects and programmes that aim to develop sport in the twin-island republic.
“It’s one thing to understand what your brand stands for but it matters not unless you protect your brand. Defending your rights and what you stand for is central to what the Olympic movement is all about. Ambush marketing is not a game. It’s a serious issue that can undermine the TTOC’s efforts to fund its 10 Gold medals by the year 2024 Athlete Welfare and Preparation programme and other programmes such as women in sport and sport for all,” he added.
Lewis further stated, “we have to protect our sponsors and partners promotional rights. We will not be turning a blind eye. At this time we want to assure our sponsors and partners that our Olympic team will be protected by the TTOC. At the TTOC we have a duty, obligation and responsibility to develop and use the Olympic brand to its full potential. It’s something we take quite seriously, and our in house marketing department will form a key part of this.”
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Support for Olympic president’s proposal (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,208845.html)
Thursday, March 26 2015 (T&T Newsday)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Brian%20Lewis%20TTOC%2002.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Brian%20Lewis%20TTOC%2002.jpg.html)
TTOC president Brian Lewis makes proposal of Elite Athlete Housing Assistance Programme
TRINIDAD AND Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Brian Lewis’ proposal of an Elite Athlete Housing Assistance Programme is receiving positive support from sports and other stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago.
Lewis, who said that the Housing program would work along similar lines as the Elite Athlete Assistance Program (EAAP), envisions that housing for national athletes would be destined to those who dedicate years of their youthful life to representing their country at Olympic and World level sport. Such athletes must have made tremendous sacrifices in respect of their careers, families and income etcetra.
“Their choice to dedicate themselves to national duty and service through sport ostensibly place them at a significant social and economic disadvantage. This is a situation and a burden that must be addressed. Currently the burden is a de-motivating one for athletes. Representing Trinidad and Tobago at the Olympic and World level should be considered national duty and service,” Lewis said.
The former Harvard rugby player said that unlike the EAAP, the Housing programme would address team sports, which will also be included in his proposed #10golds24 Athlete Housing Assistance program.
Lewis added that there are national athletes who have served TT with distinction for five years or more who need assistance to obtain HDC housing, and this initiative aims to give priority to those athletes similar to the priority given to members of the national security services.
“I am proposing that a similar policy be implemented for national sports men and women who have a history of long and meritorious service. Just as is done with the Elite Athlete Assistance Program, the national sport organisation and the TTOC are well positioned to clarify and confirm those athletes in both team and individual sports that merit favourable consideration under the Elite/High Performance Athlete Housing Assistance Program,” Lewis explained
Lewis believes that a policy for housing for national sportsmen and women, with a priority on those who have represented TT at Olympic and World level in both team and individual sports, is a powerful statement of intent in respect of moving away from intangible praise to tangible reward.
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Lewis makes case for housing for athletes (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/Lewis-makes-case-for-housing-for-athletes-297732021.html)
Story Created: Mar 26, 2015 at 8:53 PM ECT (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Keshorn%20Walcott%20receives%20keys%20and%20plaque%20to%20new%20house.png) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Keshorn%20Walcott%20receives%20keys%20and%20plaque%20to%20new%20house.png.html)
Keshorn Walcott receives keys and plaque for new fully fitted house as reward for his Olympic gold
Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Brian Lewis’ proposal of an Elite Athlete Housing Assistance Programme is receiving positive support from sports and other stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago.
Lewis, who said the housing programme would work along similar lines as the Elite Athlete Assistance Programme (EAAP), envisions that housing for national athletes would be geared towards those athletes who dedicate years of their youthful life to representing their country at Olympic and world level sport.
“Their choice to dedicate themselves to national duty and service through sport ostensibly place them at a significant social and economic disadvantage. This is a situation and a burden that must be addressed,” Lewis said via press release.
“Currently the burden is a de-motivating one for athletes. Representing T&T at the Olympic and world level should be considered national duty and service,” Lewis said.
The former Harvard rugby player said unlike the EAAP, the housing programme would address team sports and Lewis is including team sports in the proposed #10golds24 athlete housing assistance programme.
“The TTOC is preparing a request to send to the relevant authorities with a view to having the proposed Athlete Housing Assistance Programme implemented as soon as possible,” he stated.
Lewis added that there are national athletes who have served the country with distinction for five years or more who need assistance to obtain HDC housing, and this initiative aims to give priority to those athletes similar to the priority given to members of the national security services.
“I am proposing that a similar policy be implemented for national sportsmen and women who have a history of long and meritorious service.
Just as is done with the Elite Athlete Assistance Programme, the national sport organisations and the TTOC are well positioned to clarify and confirm those athletes in both team and individual sports that merit favourably consideration under the Elite/High Performance Athlete Housing Assistance Programme,” Lewis explained
He said that a policy for housing for national sportsmen and women, with a priority on those who have represented T&T at Olympic and World level in both team and individual sports, would be a powerful statement of intent.
“This country’s athletes-sportsmen and women have earned the right to receive consideration. Dedication to national duty and service through sport must no longer place our athletes at a disadvantage and compromise their constitutional and human rights to the dignity of a roof over their heads.
“Implement a housing for national sportsmen and women aspect of the 100 houses a week distribution drive,” Lewis said.
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28 graduate from T&TOC admin course (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-03-29/28-graduate-ttoc-admin-course)
Published: Sunday, March 29, 2015 (T&T Guardian)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/TTOC%20Sport%20Admin%20Course%202015%20attendees.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/TTOC%20Sport%20Admin%20Course%202015%20attendees.jpg.html)
The 28 graduates from the 21st sport administration course offered by the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) pose for a group photo on completition of the course on Thursday.
T&T Women’s Football Association president Sharon O’Brien was among 28 members from various sporting organisations who concluded the 21st sport administration course offered by the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC).
Some of the other participants included Johann Corneille (T&T Refereeing Association); Stacey Dickson (Big SEPoS Volleyball Club); Kamla Elcock (T&T Volleyball Federation), Trevor Flower (T&T Chess Association), Innocents Hamilton (Special Olympics T&T), Claire Orr (T&T Cycling Federation), Anthony Sanchez (Tennis Association T&T) and Dexter Voisin (NAAA).
The modules in the course included: Role and Structure of the IOC, Ethics in Sport and Fair Play, Communication, Governance in Sport, Constitution, Strategic Planning, Financial Management and Budgeting, Public Relations, Event Management, Sport Medicine, Marketing, Development Pathway and Sponsorship.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, T&TOC president Brian Lewis gave a heartfelt send-off and urged the participants to use the knowledge gained through the course to manage their sporting organisations more effectively.
After the graduation ceremony, participant Ralph Henry expressed gratitude on behalf of his colleagues for the opportunity to build their capacity in Sport Administration.
“We would like to thank the Olympic Committee for implementing this initiative with the goal of raising the standards in sport. It was a very refreshing and eye-opening course in which we were forced to measure where we were as administrators in our various sporting disciplines, with the aim of making the necessary adjustments within our structure and our approach in sports administration so that we will be able to raise the standards to the necessary level for us to have a solid and comprehensive sporting environment for our athletes.”
Another participant, Nikeisha Felix, who hails from a small community on the North Coast, expressed her experience during the four-week course.
“You cannot conceive to understand the empowerment I have experienced during this course. The facilitators were excellent and very informative, the environment was conducive for learning and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. Your organisation has surpassed all expectations; truly your organisation is a beacon to what all sporting bodies should exemplify,” stated Felix.
Participants:-
Nataki Akil Bua (Ventures Hockey Club)
Jean Paul Bartholomew (T&T Coast Guard)
Patrice Charles (T&T Cadet Force)
Johann Corneille (T&T Refereeing Association)
Paul De Leon (Racing Pigeon Commission of T&T)
Shawn Deacon (Newtown Athletics Club)
Stacey Dickson (Big Sepos Volleyball Club)
Kamla Elcock (T&T Volleyball Federation)
Nikeisha Felix (The North Coast Sports Academy)
Trevor Flower (T&T Chess Association)
Innocents Hamilton (Special Olympics T&T)
Shurland Hartley (West Penn Sports and Cuture)
Francis Haynes (T&T Volleyball Federation)
Ralph Henry (Basketball Coaches Association of T&T)
Kenny James (Newtown Athletics Club)
Nadia James (UWI SPEC)
Dwane John (Caledonia AIA)
Mary Lane (Bike Smith Cycling Club)
Selwyn Luces (West Penn Sports and Culture)
Honory Mc Donald (Ministry of Sport)
Peter Brent Miller (EFA Referees Department)
Jenelle Nedd (Ministry of Sport)
Sharon O’Brien (T&T Football Association/TT WoLF)
Claire Orr (T&T Cycling Federation)
Natalie Paul Morris (Memphis Pioneers)
Inshan Ramsaroop (TSTT)
Anthony Sanchez (Tennis Association T&T)
Dexter Voisin (NAAA)
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The modules in the course included: Role and Structure of the IOC, Ethics in Sport and Fair Play, Communication, Governance in Sport, Constitution, Strategic Planning, Financial Management and Budgeting, Public Relations, Event Management, Sport Medicine, Marketing, Development Pathway and Sponsorship.
Solid core. :applause:
However, allyuh at the Guardian ... was it too much to include who delivered the course for the TTOC? After a long list of participants, it seems fundamental not to exclude (or state clearly) who "taught" or facilitated the curriculum. Was it Brian Lewis? Someone else? More than one person?
(Was North Coast Academy the entity Coops was involved with?)
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Twenty-eight graduate from Sports Admin course (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,209516.html)
Friday, April 10 2015 (T&T Newsday)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/TTOC%20Sport%20Admin%20Course%202015%20with%20Brian%20Lewis%2001.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/TTOC%20Sport%20Admin%20Course%202015%20with%20Brian%20Lewis%2001.jpg.html)
Course graduates listen to TTOC President Brian Lewis at end of 21st sport administration course offered by the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC).
WENTY-EIGHT members from various sporting organisations concluded the 21st Sport Administration Course offered by the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) on March 26.
The modules undertaken were - Role and Structure of the IOC (International Olympic Committee), Ethics in Sport and Fair Play, Communication, Governance in Sport, Constitution, Strategic Planning, Financial Management and Budgeting, Public Relations, Event Management, Sport Medicine, Marketing, Development Pathway and Sponsorship.
TTOC president Brian Lewis, gave a heartfelt send off and urged the participants to use the knowledge gained through the course to manage their sporting organisations more effectively. After the graduation ceremony, participant Ralph Henry of the BCATT, expressed gratitude on behalf of his colleagues for the opportunity to further build their capacity in Sport Administration.
“We would like to thank the Olympic Committee for implementing this initiative with the goal of raising the standards in sport.
It was a very refreshing and eye-opening course in which we were forced to measure where we were as administrators in our various sporting disciplines, with the aim of making the necessary adjustments within our structure and our approach in sports administration so that we will be able to raise the standards to the necessary level for us to have a solid and comprehensive sporting environment for our athletes,” he said.
Additionally, North Coast Sports Academy instructor Nikesha Felix, also revealed her experience during the four-week course.
“You cannot conceive to understand the empowerment I have experienced during this course. The facilitators were excellent and very informative, the environment was conducive for learning and the staff was very friendly and welcoming. Your organisation has surpassed all expectations; truly your organisation is a beacon to what all sporting bodies should exemplify,” said Lewis.
Sport Administration Graduates:
Nataki Akil Bua (Ventures Hockey Club);
Jean Paul Bartholomew (Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard);
Patrice Charles (Trinidad and Tobago Cadet Force);
Johann Corneille (Trinidad and Tobago Refereeing Association);
Paul De Leon (Racing Pigeon Commission of Trinidad and Tobago);
Shawn Deacon (Newtown Athletics Club);
Stacey Dickson (Big Sepos Volleyball Club);
Kamla Elcock (Trinidad and Tobago Volleyball Federation);
Nikeisha Felix (The North Coast Sports Academy);
Trevor Flower (Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association);
Innocents Hamilton (Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago);
Shurland Hartley (West Penn Sports and Culture);
Francis Haynes (Trinidad and Tobago Volleyball Federation);
Ralph Henry (Basketball Coaches Association of Trinidad and Tobago);
Kenny James (Newtown Athletics Club);
Nadia James (UWI Spec);
Dwane John (Caledonia AIA);
Mary Lane (Bike Smith Cycling Club);
Selwyn Luces (West Penn Sports and Culture);
Honory Mc Donald (Ministry of Sport);
Peter Brent Miller (EFA Referees Department);
Jenelle Nedd Ministry of Sport);
Sharon O’Brien (Trinidad and Tobago Football Association/ TT WoLF);
Claire Orr (Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation);
Natalie Paul Morris (Memphis Pioneers);
Inshan Ramsaroop (TSTT);
Anthony Sanchez (Tennis Association TT);
Dexter Voisin (NAAA).
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Olympic coverage to cater to Caribbean (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/-Olympic-coverage-to-cater-to-Caribbean-300730501.html)
By Roger Seepersad roger.seepersad@trinidadexpress.com
Story Created: Apr 20, 2015 at 8:52 PM ECT (T&T Express)
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DECISION MAKERS: Cable and Wireless consumer group president John Reid, from left, Trinidad and Tobago minister of sport Brent Sancho, T&T Olympic Committee president Brian Lewis and CANOC Broadcasting Inc (CBI) Steve Stoute chat following a media conference at Hyatt Regency Trinidad yesterday. @Caption:–Photo: ANISTO ALVES
Port of Spain
This is a game changer
That is how president of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) Brian Lewis described the announcement of Cable and Wireless Communications as the official broadcast sponsor and exclusive telecom partner who will provide a Caribbean-centred broadcast of the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.
This was announced yesterday during a media conference at Hyatt Regency Trinidad which was attended by local and Caribbean athletes, including T&T’s Jehue Gordon and Cleopatra Borel.
CANOC (Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committee) Broadcasting Inc (CBI), which is a subsidiary of CANOC, will manage the Caribbean centred Olympic feed, which they have contracted ESPN Caribbean to provide.
CBI CEO Larry Romany, fielding questions from the media, revealed that the feed will be provided to all regional media outlets free of cost.
CBI will deliver Olympic television coverage to the Caribbean on all platforms, including free to air terrestrial networks, cable, digital, mobile and online streaming, 12 hours every day for the duration of the games.
Eleven additional live Olympic feeds will be provided alongside the ESPN feed.
“We are proud to have this opportunity to bring an enriched Olympic experience to our region,” said Cable and Wireless consumer group president John Reid.
The coverage will include feature interviews, profiles and live-action footage of athletes from the region.
Lewis was encouraged by the announcement and said it will only help to grow and strengthen the Olympic movement in T&T and the Caribbean.
“What was announced here is going to make a difference to sport and the Olympic movement in Trinidad and Tobago that is unprecedented,” he said yesterday.
“This represents an important step for the Olympic movement in the Caribbean. The advent of integrated communication across the globe means that athletes and supporters live in a world of immediate access to content on any platform of their choosing,” he added.
“The Caribbean athletes have proven that we can compete and win against the best that the world can produce,” said Lewis.
“CANOC have taken a decision to place our athletes at the centre of what we do. This is testimony that the power of the Olympic Games can unite the region as evident by the coming together of CANOC and the founding of CBI Limited,” the TTOC president added.
Minister of Sport Brent Sancho also said that yesterday’s announcements were huge.
“This is exciting for us as a nation. This really brings Olympic sports to a whole new perspective. I am excited for the athletes because it puts them at the forefront.
“I remember how Ian Morris inspired me as an athlete. That is the kind of inspiration we are looking for. Now you are putting it on a wider scale. You are talking about mobile apps and some of the things our young people are into.
“They are getting to see our current and future stars and athletes and get the opportunity to emulate them as see every moment, before, after and during the event and that only bodes well for sport in this country,” Sancho explained.
And Caribbean fans can look forward to even more coverage of Caribbean athletes in the sporting arena in the future.
“We have already won the rights for Pan Am Games and you will be seeing those games in a very similar way,” Romany said.
“We are working towards getting as many sporting properties as possible and then working with the partners to bring coverage to the Caribbean people,” he added.
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Cable and Wireless earns broadcast rights for Olympics (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,210013.html)
By JOEL BAILEY Tuesday, April 21 2015 (T&T Newsday)
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BRIAN LEWIS (second from right), head of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, speaks to Sports Minister Brent Sancho at yesterday's media conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port-of-Spain, while John Reid, Cable and Wireless Communications' Consumer Group president (left) and Steve Stoute (right), president and chairman of CANOC and CBI, look on.
Author: Sureash Chola
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CABLE AND Wireless Communications (CWC) will be the official broadcast sponsor and telecommunications network for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
This announcement was made at a media conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port-of-Spain yesterday.
The rights for Cable and Wireless to air the Games was made by CANOC Broadcasting Incorporated (CBI), which is a subsidiary of CANOC (Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees). CANOC acts as the umbrella body for all Olympic Committees in the Caribbean region.
Steve Stoute, president and chairman of CANOC and CBI, told the gathering, “CWC will also be the first regional telecommunications partner to broadcast the Olympic Games on mobile devices. Each CANOC member will get the opportunity to partner with CWC if they so desire.
“This partnership will allow CANOC to bring the Games to the Caribbean audiences on cutting-edge technology,” added Stoute.
Elaborating on this point was John Reid, president of the CWC Consumer Group.
“Instead of taking a traditional linear approach to broadcasting, which limits our customers’ viewing choices, CWC will adopt a multi-platform approach to transmitting a wide variety of content,” Reid said.
“For our customers, this experience will be nothing short of spectacular,” he added. “They will have access to a unique variety of live video feeds, offered across a number of media platforms, including radio, ESPN’s live television coverage, video on demand, as well as mobile and Internet streams — all of which can be accessed from each customer’s preferred device.
“The best part is that we will do so at no additional cost to our customers.”
Reid noted, “from historical features to contemporary stories, our customers will have more than 12 hours each day of extra Olympic programming.
Much of this content is going to focus on our local and regional athletes because we want to showcase material that is relevant to our customers. We are proud to enable our viewers to see their hometown heroes in real time.”
He revealed that CWC will offer its commitment to the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) drive for “10 Olympic gold medals by the 2024 Games” Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund. The fund is to garner financial support for TT athletes as they seek to amass 10 or more gold medals by the 2024 Olympics.
“While we’ve already made a donation to this important initiative, we plan to deepen our involvement and will actively look for other similar opportunities to nurture and develop our region’s youth and talent,” Reid pointed out. The agreement was endorsed by TTOC president Brian Lewis, who stated, “(yesterday’s) announcement represents an important step for the Olympic movement in the Caribbean.”
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CWC to beam Olympics to 15 million in region (http://ttoc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4712:cwc-to-beam-olympics-to-15-million-in-region&catid=2:latest-news&Itemid=233&utm_content=buffer3e848&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
Tuesday, 21 April 2015 03:46 (TTOC.org)
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Brian Collins, left, managing director of Flow and Columbus Communications for the Southern Caribbean; Steve Stoute, chairman CBI, Sports Minister Brent Sancho, John Reid, president, CWC consumer group, and Brian Lewis, T&T Olympic Committee president pose for a photo at yesterday’s media conference to announce CWC Communications as the official broadcast sponsor and media partner with CANOC Broadcasting Inc for next year’s Rio Olympics. PHOTO: SEAN NERO
More than 15 million people across the Caribbean will benefit from a strategic broadcast rights deal agreed and signed between Cable and Wireless Communications and CANOC Broadcasting Inc to televise performances of regional athletes at the Rio 2016 Olympics from the opening to closing ceremonies.
The announcement was made by CANOC CEO Larry Romany at a media conference at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain, yesterday.
It means that viewers in this part of the world will no longer be saddled with the North American perspective of the games since this is where Caribbean broadcasters usually access their feeds.
CANOC, a subsidiary of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees, has secured the exclusive Olympic content rights across all platforms to 20 English-speaking countries, as well as non-exclusive rights in ten non-English speaking countries throughout the region.
In an effort to ensure that material packaged met international standards, CANOC enlisted the services of global sports broadcaster ESPN to achieve this. ESPN will also recruit the best sporting minds in the Caribbean to deliver commentary before and after athletes compete.
Romany said the production deal with ESPN will cost US$5 million but he declined comment on the value of CWC’s investment as the exclusive telecoms partner.
Like Romany, John Reid, president of CWC Consumer Group, did not disclose the value of the deal but was clear it was arguably the biggest of its kind in the region.
“This is a coming out event for us. This is a way to prove to the people that we are going to put our money where our mouth is. I think this is absolutely critical for us,” Reid said.
Under the agreement, CWC customers will view the games across 12 of its channels, including its video on the demand service.
Romany said bars and restaurants would also not be blocked from carrying the broadcasts.
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Lewis sends athletic proposal to Sports Ministry (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,210062.html)
Wednesday, April 22 2015 (T&T Newsday)
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Brian Lewis, President of T&T Olympic Committee
TRINIDAD AND Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Brian Lewis issued an official request to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and representatives of the Ministry of Housing and Ministry of Sport, in respect of support for expedited housing for athletes who have performed national service within a defined criteria.
Over the past four weeks, the TTOC boss has been openly voicing his thoughts towards the establishment of a transparent Elite Athlete Housing Assistance Programme.
Lewis’ most recent developments in this regard has seen the delivery of an official proposal to the aforementioned Ministries requesting their immediate attention and urgency towards this unique idea. Primarily, such an initiative will assist in allowing the athlete a successful transition out of sport and back into the real world.
The purpose of the policy proposal is to implement a strategy that rewards the national athletes for their long and meritorious national duty and service at Olympics, Para-Olympics and World Level Championships (Continental and Regional).
The idea of housing assistance for national athletes is based on the reality that athletes, who dedicate years of their youthful life to representing the twin-island republic at Olympic and World level sport, make tremendous sacrifices in respect of their careers, families, and income.
According to Lewis, “the athletes’ choice to dedicate themselves to national duty and service through sport ostensibly places athletes at a significant social and economic disadvantage. The dream of qualifying and becoming an Olympic and World champion commands dedication, sacrifice and money.
Currently the burden is a de- motivating one for athletes.
“Many athletes have served the country with distinction for five or more years and it is proposed they receive formidable consideration for expedited housing assistance. Some athletes struggle to adjust to real life when their sporting career ends.”
The former Harvard Rugby Club player also aligned his proposal with the TTOC’s “10 Olympic Gold medals by 2024” vision - Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund. Lewis is also aware of the various and strict criteria that must be met to ensure such a programme is indeed a success, both for the athlete and country.
He believes that athletes will be required to meet the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) mortgage criteria and will have to honour their mortgage obligations.
The TTOC head added, “the programme will remove one less burden of providing a home for their family and ensure a sense of security when their careers have ended. The HDC we are advised, currently have a programme that guarantees expedited housing distribution to the members of our protective services. The TTOC proposes a similar policy with expedited housing distribution to athletes who meet an agreed criterion.”
In the interest of the criteria remaining transparent, fair and accountable, the TTOC, in conjunction with the National Sporting Organisations (NSO) will clarify, confirm and recommend the athletes that deserve merit for their services for Trinidad and Tobago.
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Lewis: Exploit broadcast rights for athletes’ benefit (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-04-22/lewis-exploit-broadcast-rights-athletes%E2%80%99-benefit)
By Sean Nero (T&T Guardian)
Published: Wednesday, April 22, 2015
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Sports Minister Brent Sancho, centre, shares a photo-call with regional athletes with world champion reputations. From left are: T&T’s Jehue Gordon, IAAF World 400m hurdle champion; Fallon Forde (Bardados); Cleopatra Borel (T&T); Ramon Miller (Bahamas); Demetrius Pinder (Bahamas) and Andrew Lewis (T&T). The occasion was Monday’s announcement by the CBI that CWC would televise the 2016 Rio Olympic Games across 30 territories in the Caribbean. PHOTO: SEAN NERO
Monday’s announcement by CANOC Broadcasting Inc (CBI) that Cable and Wireless Communications has signed as the official broadcast sponsor and telecommunications partner in the Caribbean for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio Brazil, is being described as a game changer for the Olympic movement in the region.
That’s the view of Brian Lewis, president of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) following a media conference held at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad on Dock Road in Port-of-Spain, to announce the deal. CBI, a subsidiary of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), secured exclusive Olympic content rights to all platforms in 20 English speaking countries, as well as non-exclusive right in 10 non-English speaking countries throughout the region.
Under the terms of a deal struck between Cable and Wireless Communications and CBI, millions of people across the Caribbean would no longer view the celebrated Games through the eyes of European or North American broadcasters.
CANOC contracted the services of global sports broadcaster ESPN to generate world class content for Caribbean viewers and the diaspora, too.
The TTOC head, said he was therefore encouraged to witness this partnership, even as the CBI approached the corporate sector at every level to enter into meaningful partnerships on behalf of national Olympic Committees to support the Caribbean’s participation at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
“At the TTOC, we are in the gold medal winning business. Our executive, stakeholder and staff, live and breathe athlete welfare and preparation in their quest for excellence every single day. This may seem a straight forward strategy, but for the athletes in T&T and the Caribbean, each day brings with it challenges along their path to success, perhaps not dissimilar to those in the corporate sector and the commercial marketplace. These challenges test us all in the Olympic movement. It motivates us and takes us well beyond our imaginable capacity,” Lewis said.
“What the TTOC is striving for is to cultivate a system of excellence that clarifies the development pathway and performance management system that holistically fosters, mentors, nurtures and develops Olympians and Olympic champions and world champions, on a sustainable and consistent way.
“Training to be an Olympic champion is a full time commitment that demands both discipline and dedication to maintain competitiveness and to win medals. Elite and high performance athletes competing in individual and team sports must dedicate themselves, time, money and energy to their athletic endeavours.”
By adopting a new mind set, said the Olympic Committee official, the TTOC targeted the big goals and big dreams of ten Olympic gold medals by the year 2024.
But to achieve this, he said, a change in culture, whether in T&T or any other Caribbean country was crucial.
Lewis said meeting this target would demand breaking down new barriers with the new and innovative approaches and declared that all within CANOC, and the individual national Olympic Committees must sensitize the Caribbean region about the reality that exists among our national athletes; and we must show that each Caribbean country and the region was fully supportive of our athletes on their journey to fulfilling the Olympic dream regardless of the colour of the flag.
“Today’s formal announcement brings CWC front and centre into the most prestigious global sporting event for the year ahead. I am encouraged by the CWC stated intention to partner with the TTOC and to support our individual achievement and objectives of 10 or more Olympic gold medals by the year 2024. The Olympic Games represents a moment of truth for sports in its many disciplines. Caribbean athletes have for many years, as individuals and as a team and as a collective, shown that we can compete and win against the best that the world can produce,” he said.
“As the executing arm of CANOC on this particular project, the CBI role in seeking to monetise and fully exploit the broadcast rights associated with these Games represent a paradigm shift. And that is a paradigm shift where CANOC and the national Olympic Committees have taken a collective decision to place our athletes at the centre of what we do.
“This is testimony that the power of the Olympic Games and sport, indeed, can unite the region as evidence by the coming together of CANOC and the formulation of CBI Limited (Inc). The steps taken here today by CWC and CBI Limited are meant to place our athletes at the heart of every commercial opportunity arising from these Games and I encourage everyone to see these commercial transactions in that light: being about our athletes, the youth of the Caribbean and the communities in which they come from.”
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Sancho lauds ‘huge’ Cable and Wireless deal (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,210109.html)
Thursday, April 23 2015 (T&T Newsday)
BRENT SANCHO, Minister of Sports, has expressed his delight with Monday’s announcement of Cable and Wireless Communications’ becoming the official broadcast sponsor and telecommunications network for the 2016 Olympic Games, scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The announcement was made during a media conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port-of-Spain. And Cable and Wireless earned the rights to air the Games from CANOC Broadcasting Incorporated (CBI), a subsidiary arm of CANOC (Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees).
According to Sancho, “it’s huge, it’s fabulous.”
Referring to 2012 Olympic gold medallist, javelin thrower Keshorn Walcott, Sancho said, “all of us remembered when Keshorn Walcott threw the javelin and where we were standing, (what) we were doing. This really brings Olympic sports (closer), which I hope is a start.
“It brings a whole new perspective in terms of seeing it,” he continued. “I can speak on the young people of the nation, being able to see sports in a new way, some of their future stars in the 2016 Olympics. And I must commend the team for putting this together.”
He was also pleased that the athletes, particularly from Trinidad and Tobago, will be in the spotlight for an extensive period.
“I’m excited for a lot of the athletes,” Sancho said. “If you look at some of the spin-offs that will come with a project like this, with athletes endorsements, and really putting the athletes in the forefront - which they should be - it’s really exciting time for athletes.
“We’re now taking the step, some of the major sporting countries go anywhere around the world when it comes to sport,” he added. “I’ve said from the very beginning when I got into the chair at the Ministry of Sport, that we have to look at sport as a business.
This (confirms) what we have been talking about and I look forward to more initiatives like this.”
Asked if he sees this move as a way to get local athletes to improve their levels, Sancho responded, “(recently) I ran into Ian Morris, former 400- metre runner for Trinidad and Tobago. And I remembered the first time I saw him was on (my) old black and white TV and how he inspired me as an athlete. That is the type of inspiration that we’re looking for.
“Now we’re putting it on a wider scale. We talk about mobile apps, we talk about some of the things that our young people are into. We’re now getting to see our stars, every moment before, after and during a race. It bodes well for sports in our country.”
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TTOC to host Michael Johnson Performance workshop (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,210985.html)
Monday, May 11 2015 (T&T Newsday)
THE THIRD bpTT Michael Johnson Performance (MJP) Workshop, under the auspices of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC), will take place today and tomorrow at the Olympic House.
The goal of the workshop is to provide participants with insight, information and knowledge of the mental and physical preparation, methods and approaches used in the quest for Olympic and World level success and the 10 or more gold medal by 2024 objective. The 2015 workshop theme is “Perfecting Performance – Striving for Excellence – Faster, Higher, Stronger”. Participants will have the opportunity to gain knowledge from performance specialists Lance Walker and Drew Cuffee. Walker, Global Director of Performance at Michael Johnson Performance, possesses 20 years of performance training experience spanning all levels of competition across 31 different sport disciplines and competition levels. Cuffee earned his Bachelors degree in Exercise Science and a Masters degree in Kinesiology from Hardin Simmons University. He specialises in regeneration and recovery at the Michael Johnson Performance Institute.
The targeted group for the High Performance Workshop consists of strength and conditioning coaches, fitness trainers, sport medicine service providers, and athletes.
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Focus on coaches at Michael Johnson workshop (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,211031.html)
Tuesday, May 12 2015 (T&T Newsday)
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TWENTY-NINE coaches and other individuals involved in sport and the development of local athletes will today conclude their participation in a two-day workshop on concepts and approaches to improving athletic performance. The exercise, a collaboration between the TT Olympic Committee (TTOC) and BPTT, is being run by the US-based Michael Johnson Performance (MJP) organisation, and is taking place at Olympic House in Port of Spain.
Tied to the TTOC’s drive to achieve ten Olympic gold medals by 2024, the workshop, the third of its kind, has as its theme “Perfecting Performance-Striving for Excellence-Faster, Stronger, Higher.”
Drew Coffee, one of two MJP facilitators, is on his third such mission to TT; he explained MJP’s role as one of exposing the participants to new approaches and ideas.
“It’s just about revamping the coaches, enhancing it, not necessarily changing it,” the former Abilene Christian University football player told Newsday. He added that he expects the workshop will serve to “expose a systematic approach to training, and overall, improve athleticism.”
Having done two previous stints in TT in 2014, Coffee observed the approach to preparation and training is not nearly as intense as what is the norm in the US. “Ideally, if you’re talking TT and the Carnival season is approaching, you can see that there’s a high-performance mentality toward getting ready for Carnival,” he argued. “So if we could just use some of that same mentality to, not necessarily train, but drag that into sport, I think that would help reach our goal of ten gold medals by 2024.”
Coffee’s co-facilitator, MJP’s Global Performance Director Lance Walker could not make the trip; yesterday, Walker delivered an online presentation on the qualities a coach ought to possess.
Coffee, a Regeneration and Recovery Specialist, said it was not that MJP had it all figured out. “There are certain things that people are not gonna agree with,” he admitted. “But exposing them to what we deal with is a big thing, because then you can now take that back with you to whatever athletes you’re working with, you can share that with them, with other coaches in the field on the island.”
The participating group includes Gerard Franklin and Kelton Thomas of Tobago, as well as representatives from Volleyball, Swimming, Gymnastics, Hockey, Cycling and Tack and Field, as well as Shayne Cooper, a strength and conditioning coach who underwent three months of training at the MJP Centre. While the workshop ends today, Coffee will remain in TT until June 6, conducting associated work, including practical sessions and spreading the gospel of high-performance culture and training.
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Johnson helps develop T&T coaches
T&T Express Reports
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Michael Johnson Source: Film, Fashion Fun
Former World and Olympic Champion Michael Johnson interacted with over 30 coaches and other individuals involved in sport and the development of local athletes when the two-day Michael Johnson Performance workshop on concepts and approaches to improving athletic performance concluded yesterday at the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee house on Abercromby Street, Port of Spain.
Johnson interacted with participants for about 45 minutes through a live Internet stream.
The workshop is a collaboration between the TT Olympic Committee (TTOC) and BPTT.
Tied to the TTOC’s drive to achieve ten Olympic gold medals by 2024, the workshop, the third of its kind, has as its theme “Perfecting Performance-Striving for Excellence-Faster, Stronger, Higher.”
Drew Coffee, one of two MJP facilitators, is on his third such mission to TT; he explained MJP’s role as one of exposing the participants to new approaches and ideas.
“It’s just about revamping the coaches, enhancing it, not necessarily changing it,” the former Abilene Christian University football player said. He added that he expects the workshop will serve to “expose a systematic approach to training, and overall, improve athleticism.”
Having done two previous stints in TT in 2014, Coffee observed the approach to preparation and training is not nearly as intense as what is the norm in the US. “Ideally, if you’re talking TT and the Carnival season is approaching, you can see that there’s a high-performance mentality toward getting ready for Carnival,” he argued. “So if we could just use some of that same mentality to, not necessarily train, but drag that into sport, I think that would help reach our goal of ten gold medals by 2024.”
Coffee’s co-facilitator, MJP’s Global Performance Director Lance Walker could not make the trip; yesterday, Walker delivered an online presentation on the qualities a coach ought to possess.
Coffee, a Regeneration and Recovery Specialist, said it was not that MJP had it all figured out. “There are certain things that people are not gonna agree with,” he admitted. “But exposing them to what we deal with is a big thing, because then you can now take that back with you to whatever athletes you’re working with, you can share that with them, with other coaches in the field on the island.”
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TTOC hosts 3rd BpTT Michael Johnson Performance Workshop (http://www.ttoc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4773:ttoc-hosts-3rd-bptt-michael-johnson-performance-workshop&catid=2:latest-news&Itemid=233&utm_content=buffer3c624&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
Friday, 08 May 2015 09:13 (TTOC.org)
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The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee will be hosting the 3rd BpTT Michael Johnson
Performance (MJP) Workshop from Monday 11th to Tuesday 12th May 2015 at the Olympic House.
The purpose of the workshop is to provide local coaches and trainers with insight, information and knowledge of the mental and physical preparation, methods and approaches used in the quest for Olympic and World level success.
The 2015 workshop theme is “Perfecting Performance – Striving for Excellence – Faster, Higher, Stronger”. Participants will have the opportunity to gain knowledge from performance specialists, Mr. Lance Walker & Mr. Drew Cuffee.
Lance Walker, Global Director of Performance at Michael Johnson Performance, possesses 20 years of performance training experience spanning all levels of competition across 31 different sport disciplines and competition levels.
Mr. Drew Cuffee earned his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Kinesiology from Hardin Simmons University. He specializes in regeneration and recovery at Michael Johnson Performance Institute.
The targeted group for the workshop consists of Strength and Conditioning Coaches, Fitness Trainers, Sport Medicine Service Providers and Athletes.
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TTOC begins Management Course (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/-TTOC-begins-Management-Course-303192901.html)
Story Created: May 9, 2015 at 8:53 PM ECT (T&T Express)
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) held an orientation for its Advanced Sport Management Course (ASMC) yesterday at the Olympic House. The ASMC participants will be exposed to an intensive six-month programme designed to stimulate change within National Sporting Organisations (NSOs).
A release from the Olympic Committee yesterday stated that ASMC can be considered as a continuing vocational education and training from the Sport Administrators Course. Participation will enable industry professionals to explore six modules: Organising an Olympic Sport Organisation, Managing Human Resource, Managing Strategically, Managing Finance, Managing Marketing and Organising a Major Sporting Event.
Throughout the programme, participants will use a case study approach to analyse their sporting organisation. According to the release, the purpose of this approach is to allow participants to identify current issues within the sporting landscape, apply theoretical knowledge and suggest solutions and recommendations for overcoming these issues.
The target audience for this course were executive members and senior officials from NSOs. The 15 sporting organisations represented are: football, judo, karate, rugby, volleyball, basketball, badminton, athletics, chess, cricket, sailing, swimming, netball, squash and the Paralympic Committee.
The programme is carded to conclude in November.
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Coaches urged to be ‘rebels’ (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/article/20150514/SPORTS/150519823)
Published on May 14, 2015, 12:23 am AST (T&T Express)
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New ideas: A section of the participants at the just- concluded MJP High Performance Workshop at Olympic House in Port of Spain.
LANCE WALKER, Global Performance Director, at the Michael Johnson Performance (MJP) Center, urged his listeners to become rebels by thinking big, being passionate and creating solutions instead of complaining. Walker was speaking during the closing session of the two-day bpTT/TTOC MJP High Performance workshop which concluded at Olympic House in Port of Spain, yesterday.
Participants also heard from MJP founder and Former World and Olympic champion Michael Johnson who said: “Teaching athletes is an important component of coaching athletes”.
During the afternoon period, Drew Cuffee (regeneration and recovery specialist) engaged attendees in a practical session; introducing the MJP system that focuses on exercises surrounding dynamics, power, movement, force, metabolics and regeneration.
TTOC President, Brian Lewis, told the workshop that the TTOC is determined to create regular learning opportunities for high performance coaches and trainers in Trinidad and Tobago.
“Like Lance (Walker) said, we need to be a network of rebels not troublemakers for there to be transformation in TTO Sport” said Lewis.
Lewis pointed out that a similar type of workshop would cost between $2,000 - $5,000, but the TTOC offers the workshop for free as the focus is on capacity building.
The workshop was well received by participants.
“It was impressive and first world with lots of invaluable information. I will be tapping into the resources offered. Thank you, BPTT, MJP, Drew, Lance and TTOC for the opportunity” said Claire Orr, TT Cycling Federation assistant general secretary.
Those attending the High Performance Workshop which had as its theme: “Perfecting Performance – Striving for Excellence – Faster, Higher, Stronger” received a certificate of participation.
The participants were: Nicole Fuentes (TT Gymnastics Federation), Sean Morrison (TTVF), Gerard Franklin (Tobago), Mark Alexis (Tsunami Swim Club), Rheeza Grant (TTVF), Brij Parasnath (Caribbean Sport Specialists), Shurland Hartley (West Penn Athletics), Claire Orr (TTCF), Roger Frontin (TTCF), Edward Marchan (Paralympics), Josiah Morales (Eagles Aquatics), Curtis George (West Penn), Jenelle Nedd (MOS/NAAA), Ronald Rogers (UTT/TTCB), Kiron Simmons (UTT), Angel Ottley (UTT), Reynold Lovell (UTT), Shayne Cooper (NAAA), Rodney Liverpool (TTDF), Terron Abner (Marabella Family Crisis Centre), Jo-Ellen Redhead (MOS), Antonia Burton (NAAA), Gregory Seale (Movement Mechanics), Ashlee Alonso (Movement Mechanics), Courtnee-Mae Clifford (TTVF), Nataki Akii-Bua (Ventures Hockey Club), PaulVoisin (NAAA), Colin Syriac (Bike Smith Cycling Club), Jeffrey Claverie (QPCC) and Kelton Thomas (TTBBFF).
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Carnival mentality good for success says US expert (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-05-24/carnival-mentality-good-success-says-us-expert)
By Sean Nero (T&T Guardian)
Published: Sunday, May 24, 2015
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TTOC president Brian Lewis, left, chats with Drew Cuffie, regeneration and recovery specialist at the MJP Centre, trainee athletics coach Shane Cooper and volleyball coach Sean Morrison.
PHOTO: SEAN NERO
T&T has what it takes to produce more champion athletes with greater consistency on the world stage, but the people in the spotlight just don’t realise the way to achieve these feats, rest in their way of life. That’s the view of Drew Cuffie, performance specialist at the US-based Michael Johnson Performance (MJP) Centre.
Cuffie, who specialises in regeneration and recovery at MJP, said while local athletes habitually look externally for sources of inspiration to ultimately achieve victory there were cultural dynamics that would infuse them to be world beaters. In a T&T Guardian interview at the T&T Olympic Committee’s (TTOC) office on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, on Monday, Cuffie said MJP coaches have worked in Brazil, Puerto Rico and China and offered advice on ways to improve athlete performance, rather than try to impose US culture on their international associates.
“It’s about revamping the culture, enhancing it…not necessarily changing it. Ideally, if we are talking about T&T and the Carnival that’s approaching, you can see there is a high performance mentally towards getting ready for Carnival. So if we could use some of that same mentality to train and drive that into sport, I think that will help reach our goal of ten (Olympic) gold medals by 2024,” he said.
Cuffie was on local shores to work both with athletes and coaches for one month in keeping with an agreement reached between MJP and the TTOC. It followed a two-day bpTT/TTOC MJP High Performance workshop. The terms of that deal between TTOC and MJP required a specialist from that facility travel to T&T twice a year for the specified period to impart knowledge.
Coaching professionally over the past four years–two of which was at the Michael Johnson Performance Centre–Cuffie has been MJP’s ambassador to this country for the past year. He conducted workshops back in May and October in 2014. Double Olympic medallist Richard Thompson, Olympic medallist Emmanuel Callender, IAAF World champion 400m hurdler Jehue Gordon and Jarrin Solomon, another Olympic medal achiever, were among eight local athletes that have benefitted from the expertise of the centre’s faculty, so far.
Para Pan gold medallist Shantol Ince, hurdler Mikel Thomas, sprinter Michelle-Lee Ahye and cyclist Njisane Phillip completed the elite list. Apart from T&T athletes, young coach Shane Cooper was reputed to be the only national to date, to have studied at the centre. Cuffie said the MJP team hoped to receive more national coaches.
“We are still in the infancy of this project. Even though 2016 is around the corner, the overall goal is 2024. We have to keep that in mind and continue to work on it,” said Cuffie.
“Since I have been here, I have seen coaches that kind of do it all, where you have other professionals who specialise in different areas. Why not pool and use those resources? Hopefully the goals of the workshop will expose a systematic approach to training and then overall athleticism. While I’m here, I’m to show athletes, the coaches a way to help them improve athleticism.”
Cuffie is from Arlington, Texas, USA, where he played cornerback for Abilene Christian University (ACU) Football Team. During his college career ACU won two Lone Star Conference Championships. He received his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and his master’s degree from Hardin-Simmons University in Kinesiology. Drew has been the assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Abilene Christian Football, softball, baseball, and soccer, golf and cross country teams.
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$$ for medals (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150522/sports/for-medals)
By Mark Pouchet (T&T Express)
Published on May 22, 2015, 9:08 pm AST
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TTOC president Brian Lewis
Trinidad and Tobago athletes will be compensated if they win a medal at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
That's because the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) is introducing a cash for medals initiative starting with the Pan Am Games in July.
Contacted yesterday, TTOC president Brian Lewis says the exact amount corresponding to each type of medal is still being worked out by the TTOC executive. He added the level of Games --Olympic Games medals will be awarded more than Pan Am Games medals-- will also be considered and determined.
But Lewis said the idea behind the introduction of the medal bonus is to encourage local athletes to raise their game.
"The thinking is to create the kind of environment needed to drive performance. One has to strive to high performance and performance based systems and one of the ways we want to do that is to introduce the medal bonus starting at the 2015 Pan Am Games," Lewis said. "It's a commitment I intend to honour while we continue to work on other elements
The former Harvard rugby player said for now the bonus will be strictly for medals and will include individual, relays and team sports.
"It is a starting position and we will review the quantum as we go along...I can say already say that the Olympics will definitely have a medal bonus higher than Pan Ams," he said.
Lewis added the incentive is part of the 10 Olympic golds by 2024 initiative. "I think it is very exciting in the context of what it does it signals to the athlete we are serious about creating a high performance environment," Lewis said.
Lewis added it is part of a number of other initiatives the TTOC is currently undertaking or discussing to undertake including another developing Sports Science and Sports Medicine Service network of sports medicine people, athletic trainers, physiotherapists, and a bio mechanic; the pursuit of a local Olympic Training Centre (discussions ongoing with the SPORTT company, UTT etc) in consultation with a high performance centre like the Michael Johnson Performance Centre in Texas; and internships and career placement programmes for athletes modelled after the IOC Athlete Career Programme.
"Obviously we can't solve all the problems immediately but we want to move the bar higher and what we are saying to the athlete is we are creating an incentive, To me the most important resource is the T&T athlete, at this particular point, and we are very much focused on high performance and creating that environment and opportunities for the athletes," Lewis said.
Lewis added it is all part of a "strategic, structured and systemic approach" the TTOC is adopting as the TTOC looks "to impact the athletes in a very tangible way"
"We can't continue to put so much burden on athletes, If we cannot be totally professional, we still have the facilities and resources where we can provide the athletes with support services they need and if we can create performance based incentives, create the opportunities for the athletes, it will be developing a win-win for the country, for the IOC, the NSO and corporate Trinidad and Tobago. With the Rio Olympics 14 months away, it is also important we need a sense of urgency to continue to push for these initiatives to come on stream as we look to Rio, Tokyo 2020 and beyond," Lewis concluded.
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Lewis says Ministry, Sportt must do more for track and field (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-06-01/lewis-says-ministry-sportt-must-do-more-track-and-field)
By Sean Nero (T&T Guardian)
Published: Monday, June 1, 2015
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Brian Lewis, President of Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC)
TTOC president Brian Lewis has called into question the willingness and commitment of the Ministry of Sports and the Sports Company of T&T (SporTT) to validate legitimate efforts by the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) and its corporate partners to promote the growth and sustainability of track and field in T&T.
Speaking at Wednesday’s launch of the NAAAs Championship Month held at the Radisson Hotel on Wrightson Road in Port-of-Spain, Lewis underscored the power of track and field to continue making positive differences in T&T and wondered why the ministry and SporTT officials were usually absent when listed on the programme to speak. “Given the importance of track and field to sport in T&T, I always find it a bit disquieting that on a number of occasions when I come to speak at this all important launch, I always end up speaking last when on the programme, I see SporTT and the Ministry of Sports is supposed to speak after the president of the TTOC.
But that invariably doesn’t happen. And I think it would be remiss of me not to make the observation, in a very constructive way. Given the importance of track and field and the national senior championships and the events that track and field and the NAAA and their sponsors and partners would put on during the month of June, I think that it would have been most apt to have a representative here from SporTT and the Ministry of Sport,” Lewis said.
He added, “I know that we are all exceedingly busy, but if we are involved in sport, we must give the respect and the acknowledgement that is due, not only to NAAA, not only to the athletes of track and field, but also and most importantly to the sponsors and partners who have given a commitment to support sport through track and field. I think it is important that we all work together in sport, to develop sport and to put a positive image on sport and we need to encourage the sponsors.
This is a very important event and it needs the support of key stakeholders such as the TTOC, the Ministry and SporTT.” State owned National Gas Company (NGC), its subsidiary Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited, insurer Sagicor and Blue Waters have partnered with the NAAA for the NGC/NAAA Junior Championships (June 6-7); NGC/NAAA Juvenile Championships (13-14); NGC/NAAA Combined Events Championships (20-21) NGC/ Sagicor Open Championships (26-28). The Hasely Crawford Stadium in Woodbrook is the venue for all the events listed.
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Lewis, Sancho on same page
Housing for elite athletes agenda must be pursued (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150616/sports/lewis-sancho-on-same-page)
By Mark Pouchet (T&T Express)
Published on Jun 16, 2015, 8:34 pm AST
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TTOC PRESIDENT: Brian Lewis
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee proposal for expedited housing for elite athletes has been rejected. But TTOC president Brian Lewis says he will pursue the proposal despite this setback while Minister of Sport Brent Sancho says he is fighting hard to make it a reality.
In a March 25 correspondence to the Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Minister of Housing and Urban Planning Dr Roodal Moonilal and Minister of Sport Brent Sancho, the TTOC president made a request for expedited access to HDC housing for athletes, attaching a policy proposal for housing assistance for athletes.
The proposal was a two-page document under two headings--one giving first the policy statement and then the second explaining rationale behind the proposal. The TTOC also invited further discussion if more details were required.
But on May 12, the Housing Development Corporation managing director Earlean John, in acknowledging receipt of the TTOC March 25-dated letter, declared that the HDC “takes its directives relative to the allocation and distribution of housing from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.”
It continued: “Consequently, we thank you for your proposal but any implementation of an ‘Elite Housing Assistance Programme’ by the HDC will have to be mandated by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Development.”
Contacted yesterday, TTOC president Brian Lewis praised Minister of Sport Sancho for making representation to his cabinet colleagues. But he said a response coming from the HDC, which he never wrote, seems to be “paper-pushing”.
“The letter didn’t go to the HDC. Considering that the correspondence was sent to the Prime Minister and copied to the Ministers of Housing and Sport, the reasonable expectation would have been to be given the opportunity to discuss the rationale for the proposal,” Lewis said.
Lewis added that T&T elite level athletes make huge sacrifices to represent the country sometimes at personal and financial costs to themselves. “Why must our athletes always have to consider packing up or migrating. The disrespect for what our athletes go through must stop. “We will not achieve 10 or more Olympic gold medals by 2024 if the plight of our athletes continue to be dismissed,” Lewis said.
But Minister of Sport Sancho said the Government is receptive to the idea but since this is the first time a government would be undertaking a venture like this, the issue had to be examined thoroughly.
“We are putting together a holistic plan and last week I had a meeting with TTOC and some other governing bodies as it relates to a 2016 push for Rio. Separate and apart from elite athlete funding we are looking at ways at how we can now generate this machinery, for lack of a better word, that could prepare our athletes holistically and not just throwing funds into their pockets, but also the possibility of housing, preparation and the training that will accumulate into us being very prepared, as my good colleague from the TTOC coined the phrase to be podium ready,” said Sancho, adding that he plans to reveal that plan in another week or two.
On the elite athlete housing assistance issue, Sancho said while he understood Lewis’ frustration and that the culture of the country doesn’t place enough emphasis on sport, he is confident because all the parties involved are receptive to the idea.
“The receptive mess by all parties to make it a reality, as sport minister I am trying hard and want it done – the TTOC president wants it and a prime minister that is receptive to the idea speaks well for us moving forward,” Sancho said.
Sancho added that one of the other projects he is working on is a pilot project of a sports academy at the primary and secondary school level.
But Lewis is adamant the housing issue must come to the fore sooner rather than later.
“The aspirations of 10 or more Olympic Gold Medals by the year 2024 is a powerful motivating impetus,” Lewis said, “The TTOC is of the resolute view that the athletes of Trinidad and Tobago especially those who are giving their all in service of their country require support in a manner such as proposed. That the TTOC did not get the opportunity to present its case does not diminish in the view of the TTOC the merit of its efforts to get acceptance for the proposal.”
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2015 Olympic Day Celebrations at TTOC HQ (https://www.facebook.com/TTOlympicCommittee)
By Trinidad & Tobago Olympic Committee (ttoc.org)
Tuesday, 23 June 2015
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Olympic House at 121 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain (Opposite Lord Harris Square)
Each year on June 23rd, over 200 National Olympic Committees from around the world join together to celebrate the birth of the Modern Olympic Games. This year, the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) commemorates the Olympic Movement at Olympic House from the 23rd to 26th June 2015.
Today (23rd June 2015), the TTOC will open its doors to the public to come learn more about the Olympic Movement and Trinidad and Tobago's Olympic history.
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TTOC Olympic Day school visitors
From the 24th to 26th June, the TTOC will host Preschool and Primary School children from Trinidad and Tobago with the aim to promote fitness, well being, culture and education, while promoting the Olympic values – excellence, friendship and respect – and the three Olympic Day pillars – move, learn and discover.
The children will engage in playground games, learn about the Olympic Movement and T&T’s Olympic History and discover our Elite Athletes and the vision of achieving #10Golds24 (10 or more Gold medals by the year 2024).
This year’s celebration will also have the inclusion of the Drama Making A Difference (DMAD) Company who will use the medium of drama and theatre arts to educate the children about the Olympic Movement and the values.
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Mom and her kids viewing the 'Wall of Fame' at the Olympic House
The tradition of the Olympic Day has a long history. This event was timed to coincide with the date of June 23, 1894, when Pierre de Coubertin and his supporters have revived the Olympic Games and created the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The First World Olympic Day was celebrated on June 23, 1948.
The TTOC expresses thanks to Guardian Group, Lisa Communications, BPTT, Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago, Tobago House of Assembly, Columbus Communications, Flavourite Ice Cream, Blue Waters and Bermudez for being apart of Olympic Day 2015.
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10GOLDS24 CONCEPT (http://www.ttoc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4859:10golds24-concept-&catid=2:latest-news&Itemid=233&utm_content=buffer10871&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
Monday, 22 June 2015 09:20 (TTOC.org)
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10Golds24 aims to cultivate a system of excellence that clarifies the development pathway and performance management system that holistically foster, mentor, nurture and develop Olympians and Olympic Champions.
Training to be an Olympic champion is a full time commitment that demands both discipline and dedication to maintain competitiveness and to win medals. Elite and high performance athletes competing in individual and team sports must dedicate time, money, and energy to their athletic endeavors.
Signaling a new mindset, a new attitude and a new approach where the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) targets the big goal and the big dream of ten Olympic gold medals by the year 2024. Establishing a change in culture entails breaking down barriers with new and innovative approaches. Thus, this approach intends to sensitize the nation about the reality that exist with out National Athletes in an attempt to encourage support of our athletes on their journey to fulfilling the Olympic Dream.
The goal of #10Golds24 was launched on the 26th December 2014. On 25th January 2015, the TTOC President, Brian Lewis, participated in the Trinidad and Tobago International Marathon to raise awareness on funding for the Athlete Welfare and Preparation fund. The Fund is envisioned to be independent, transparent, accountable and non – governmental.
Many of TTO Elite and High Performance athletes are not financially well rewarded and would not have an opportunity to reach their potential without financial support. Financial support or the lack of it across the stages of an athlete's long term development have ended or compromised the dream of many talented young men and women.
The training to compete and to win phases of an athlete's long-term development is particularly critical. As is what happens after their competitive life is over.
The aim of #10golds24 athlete welfare and preparation fund is to provide financial assistance to our nation’s Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games athletes to enable them to train, recover and compete. The fund aims to assist athletes in the following aspects:
Direct support (stipend) and out of pocket expense
Medal bonus
Health and Accident Insurance
Internships with Corporate T&T to prepare for life after elite sport
Life skills training
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TTOC #10GOLDS24 SYSTEM EXCELLENCE (http://www.ttoc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4860:trinidad-and-tobago-olympic-committee-ttoc-10golds24-system-excellence-&catid=2:latest-news&Itemid=233&utm_content=bufferd29a3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
Monday, 22 June 2015 09:26 (TTOC.org)
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#10golds24 has set clear performance targets for Trinidad and Tobago’s high performance system. These targets are challenging and will require new and innovative approaches in order to achieve them. One area that #10golds24 can make the largest gains to meet and sustain these targets is to lead the development of a system that can deliver improved results over the longer term.
Many countries have tried and failed to initiate and implement successful High Performance systems. This failure has been largely due to a “one size fits all” approach with the application of models that are often ignoring critical cultural and environmental factors.
The success of #10golds24 approach to high performance system building will be centered on the alignment and better use of existing structures in conjunction with the integration of new and innovative approaches. To this end, #10golds24 will play a greater role in the development of athletes, coaches and technical leaders.
What is System Excellence?
It is an evidence-based approach centered on creating sustainable and repeatable podium performances by:
• Fostering the systematic development of world class athletes, coaches and technical leaders;
• Ensuring we have the right athletes in the right sports and that they are given the right support at the right time; and
• Ensuring we use our resources in the most efficient and effective manner for the best performance gains.
What is the scope of #10golds24?
It is defined by a three-pronged approach in the areas of:
• High Performance Coaching and Technical Leadership;
• High Performance Athlete Development; and
• High Performance Strategy.
What does it mean for sports?
• #10golds24 will be working with national sport organisations to create High Performance Coaching and athlete development and Technical Leadership plans.
• High Performance Athlete Development plan will initially focus on Podium Pathway and Gold Medal Profile components.
• Coaching and Technical Leadership plan will initially focus on succession through alignment with the Podium Pathway.
• National Sport System partnership
Integrated Sport Science
Integrated sport sciences can be defined as sports medicine and other team management professionals that support coaches and athletes/teams. These may include a physiologist, sport psychologist, biomechanist, nutritionist, physical therapists/athletic therapist, and a physician. Additionally, a performance analyst may be part #10golds24 to support the use of various new innovations in video and technology for the purpose of performance enhancement. Other professionals (including sport administrators) may be included depending on the nature of the sport and the specific needs of the coaches and athletes.
#10golds24 works regularly with the coaches and athletes to ensure athletes receive world-class care and support for their training, recovery and competition programs.
The goal of #10golds24 is to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago athletes are healthy, fit and psychologically ready for optimal performance.
The delivery of sport sciences and sport medicine services is always athlete-centered, and coach driven, thus requiring continuous communication and integration between the coach and the team of experts that support the athlete and/or team.
#10golds24 pursues excellence and facilitates a sport innovation and applied sport research program. The overall goal of this approach is to increase the frequency of Trinidad and Tobago’s podium appearances at Olympic Games through strategically designed programmes.
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NLCB AND TTOC PARTNER TO DEVELOP LOCAL OLYMPIC TALENT (http://www.ttoc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4897:nlcb-and-ttoc-partner-to-develop-local-olympic-talent&catid=2:latest-news&Itemid=233http://buff.ly/1HCudOe&utm_content=buffer42b3a&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
Friday, 03 July 2015 12:06 (TTOC.org)
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Port of Spain, July 3rd 2015 – On Friday 3rd July, the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) and the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) revealed a landmark joint venture with the launch of “Going for Gold”, a brand new game which will raise funds for Trinidad and Tobago’s potential Olympians.
The NLCB has long supported sports development in Trinidad and Tobago, and the Going for Gold game is an important representation of the country’s sponsorship of the TTOC and its #1GOLDs24 initiative. #10Golds24 aims to cultivate a system of excellence necessary for the advancement of T&T’s local Olympic talent. The NLCB and TTOC anticipate that the Going for Gold game, which was designed by GTECH, will be instrumental in raising public awareness and stimulating further national support of the athlete’s cause.
“Today marks another huge and transformative step”, exclaimed TTOC President, Brian Lewis.
“Let me further add that we have also agreed with the NLCB that our partnership will include advertising and promotional support, internships for our athletes, training, education and ongoing professional and life-skill capacity building support and opportunities”, he concluded.
Launched in December 2014, the #10Golds24 programme aspires to make the dream of the country achieving 10 Olympic gold medals by the year 2024 a reality. The athlete welfare and preparation fund provides financial assistance to the nation’s promising sports men and women. It also provides them with the developmental tools critical to fostering a Champion mindset. The NLCB and TTOC anticipate that the Going for Gold game will be instrumental in raising awareness and stimulating further national support of the athletes’ cause.
Camille Forde, director of the NLCB, was enthusiastic about the game’s potential to augment the impact of #10Golds24. “It is our hope that the interactive element of Going for Gold will stimulate renewed interest and care for Trinidad and Tobago’s athletes,” she said. “The NLCB is passionate about supporting the achievement of our talented young people, and Going for Gold can play a significant role in helping our game-buyers feel invested in our Olympic dream.”
The NLCB looks forward to its continued partnership with the TTOC, and is confident that funds raised from the Going for Gold initiative will make a notable difference in the lives of T&T’s budding Olympic Champions.
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Going for gold
NLCB, TTOC launch new scratch lottery to help athletes (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150703/sports/going-for-gold)
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 3, 2015, 8:37 pm AST
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Brian%20Lewis%20centre%20with%20National%20Lotteries%20Control%20Board%20officials%20Candy%20West%20right%20and%20Brian%20Sawh%20left%20at%20launch%20of%20ldquoGoing%20for%20Goldrdquo%20scratch%20lottery%20game.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Brian%20Lewis%20centre%20with%20National%20Lotteries%20Control%20Board%20officials%20Candy%20West%20right%20and%20Brian%20Sawh%20left%20at%20launch%20of%20ldquoGoing%20for%20Goldrdquo%20scratch%20lottery%20game.jpg.html)
Going for Gold’ lottery launch: National Lotteries Control Board officials, Candy West, right,
and Brian Sawh, left, and Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee president, Brian Lewis,
at yesterday’s launch of the “Going for Gold” scratch lottery game. --Photo: Ian Prescott.
THE National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) has partnered with the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) to produce a new instant scratch money game, from which part of the proceeds will go to the development of sport in Trinidad and Tobago.
From Monday, 500,000 tickets of a new NLCB scratch game titled “Going for Gold” will be available at locations throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Costing $10, the game offers players the opportunity to win several top prizes a maximum of $100,000.
Yesterday the new game was launched at Olympic House, Abercromby Street, Port of Spain, where TTOC president Brian Lewis stated that it is a brave new step in trying to raise funds for sport development. Also present at the launch were NLCB marketing officer Brian Sawh and Candy West, a money game supervisor at NLCB.
The TTOC successfully pitched the idea to NLCB, to assist Trinidad and Tobago athletes in winning ten Olympic gold medals by 2024.
The TTOC head spoke of the organisation stepping outside of its comfort zone, taking risk, and developing new partnerships with the sole goal of funding sport development. They wanted to break the dependency syndrome with an attempt to generate its own funds
“As the (TTOC) president I have real positive expectations from this game,” Lewis said.
“This is an effort to raise a revenue stream to support sport and is in no way associated with illegal gambling,”stated Lewis, who noted that in England, Barbados and a lot of other countries sport is funded by Lotto revenue.
“If people understand what we are trying to do, they (NLCB agents) will sell this in record time,” said Sawh, who anticipates selling out the first batch in three months, if the public buys into the idea of putting a few dollars towards local sportsmen, while at the same time getting a chance to win a big cash prize.
“For every 500,000 tickets we sell, the TTOC may receive between $250,000 to $300,000,” West added.
“It could generate income of a million dollars or more over a year,” a very optimistic Lewis stated, while also declaring that all proceeds generated will go directly to a 10 Olympic gold medal by 2024 fund.
Lewis further challenged “those who like to talk sport” to start making a contribution. He admitted having less than favourable results from an earlier TTOC effort to gather funding through public donations to a Scotiabank account.
He challenged those who had not made a single dollar donation to the TTOC’s Scotia Bank account, to take a chance at winning $100,000 and at the same time contribute to local sport development.
“I grew up with Alex Chapman (former TTOC president) and bingo. I hope this game rolls over until I am gone,” Lewis said.
“If the game is successful it (tickets) could move within a month. If not, the game can drag, and they (NLCB) can shut it down.”
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‘Going for Gold’ scratch cards boost Olympians (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,213624.html)
By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH Saturday, July 4 2015 (T&T Newsday)
In search of an increase in financial assistance towards the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s Athlete and Welfare Preparation Fund, president of the local Olympic fraternity, Brian Lewis, unveiled a landmark joint venture with the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) to aid the growth of this initiative.
At Olympic House on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, yesterday, Lewis, NLCB chairman of marketing Brian Sawh and Instant Money Game supervisor, Candi West, disclosed their historic project which aims at generating approximately $1million per year towards the Athlete Fund and boosting the TTOC’s aim of achieving ten gold medals or more by 2024.
Together, the trio launched ‘Going for Gold’, a brand new NLCB sanctioned scratch game which will raise funds for Trinidad and Tobago’s potential Olympians. On Monday, 500,000 scratch tickets carrying the logo #10Golds24 will be on sale to the public for $10 at approximately 800 NLCB registered outlets nationwide. With a grand prize of $100,000, buyers of these tickets will be directly investing into the Athlete Preparation Fund. There are multiple other prizes customers can win in this scratch game and organisers have stated that chances are estimated at one-in-four. The first tranche of tickets is expected to run over a three-month period and will be renewed upon completion. This is a bold step in realising Lewis’ dream, having launched the #10Golds24 in December last year and then taking part in the Trinidad and Tobago International Marathon in January 2015.
On this historic drive, Lewis explained, “The importance of continuing and trying different initiatives is very important given the determination to create the environment that will allow our athletes to achieve their goals and objectives. We want to cultivate a system of excellence which clarifies the development pathway.”
The NLCB and TTOC anticipate that the ‘Going for Gold’ game, which was designed by GTECH, will be instrumental in raising public awareness and stimulating further national support of the athletes’ cause.
Camille Forde, director of the NLCB, was enthusiastic about the game’s potential to augment the impact of #10Golds24. “It is our hope that the interactive element of “Going for Gold” will stimulate renewed interest and care for Trinidad and Tobago’s athletes,” she said. “The NLCB is passionate about supporting the achievement of our talented young people, and “Going for Gold” can play a significant role in helping our game-buyers feel invested in our Olympic dream.”
“With this idea, we are getting the public more directly involved in paving the future of our Olympians,” added Lewis. “We have had the Fund open since last year and have not attained what we have projected for thus far. This is why we must adopt and implement new ideas with a positive mind-set.”
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TTOC, NLCB sign Olympic deal
...$3.2m 'Going for Gold' scratch promotion (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-07-04/ttoc-nlcb-sign-olympic-deal)
By Andrew Gioannetti (T&T Guardian)
Published: Saturday, July 4, 2015
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Brian Lewis, President of Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC)
Brian Lewis, president of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) says there may have never been a better time and opportunity for the public to do its part in supporting the TTOC’s quest for ten or more Olympic gold medals by 2024, than by supporting the partnership between the local Olympic body and the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB).
Lewis made this case yesterday when the TTOC and the NLCB announced an indefinite arrangement, which sees Olympic hopeful athletes benefit from part monetary proceeds earned from a new “instant win” scratch card launched by the NLCB titled: “Going for Gold”.
NLCB’s part of the bargain is specifically to aid the TTOC in achieving its goal of securing ten or more gold medals by 2024 by crediting an account created for the athletes with some of the money earned from the scratch cards.
The new game will become available to the public on Monday. They cost $10 each. The $3.2 million in prizes range from $10 to $100,000 individually. According to the NLCB, the odds of winning is one in four.
Thus far, the NLCB has printed 500,000 scratch cards and will continue to print new cards depending on the rate of sales. Represented by board member Brian Sawh and lottery ticket supervisor, Candy West, at yesterday’s function, the NLCB announced that the athletes’ fund will receive $200,000-$250,000 for every 500,000 cards sold.
Sawh said he believes the first batch of half-a-million cards can be sold within a month but that the continuation of the new scratch card will depend on its demand. Thus for the benefit of the athletes and the NLCB, the company will take an aggressive marketing approach, through print, radio and digital advertising to raise the public awareness.
Meanwhile, Lewis, who sought to put the arrangement “into context” said, “One can’t do something over and over and expect a different result.”
He noted that the partnership is just one of the ways in which the TTOC has materialised on the re-calibrated strategic plan, which started in May, 2013, to increase T&T’s gold medal count at the Olympic Games.
“In engaging NLCB, we found some like-minded individuals… So in a very real sense, for the TTOC, today is a huge step forward,” Lewis added, before thanking its new partner.
He offered assurance that the initiative will be one guided by “transparency and accountability” and “will meet the TTOC’s audited financial process,” especially given the nature of the venture (funding for athletes) and the stigma that was once attached to the NLCB.
He said support for athletes’ development by means of funding “has not been what we expected.”
“This will test the public… Actions speak louder than words.”
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'Going for Gold' Scratch Game (https://www.facebook.com/TTOlympicCommittee/photos/a.183804871665991.38714.123604181019394/881431358570002/?type=1&theater)
Monday, 06 July 2015 (TTOC.org)
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Today, the NLCB launches the 'Going for Gold' scratch game.
'Going for Gold' will be available at locations throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
Stop at any location to support Trinidad and Tobago’s Olympic Athletes in their journey towards achieving 10 or more Olympic gold medals by the year 2024.
All proceeds generated will go directly to the #10Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation fund.
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TTOC offers prize money for Pan Am medals (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-07-07/ttoc-offers-prize-money-pan-am-medals)
Published: Tuesday, July 7, 2015 (T&T Guardian)
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Brian Lewis, President of Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC)
For the first time, the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) will offer monetary bonuses to any athlete who receives a medal at an associated competition, starting this month at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, with the highest award of $US3,000 being offered to a gold medalist in an individual event.
The TTOC announced its bonus structure yesterday via media release. This follows the launch of a “ten or more Olympic Gold medals by 2024 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund”, spearheaded by TTOC president Brian Lewis last December. The prize structure for the Pan Am Games covers medal winning athletes in individual, relay events and team events with a single athlete set to receive anywhere from US$750-$3,000 depending on the event.
Individual gold medal winners will receive US3,000, followed by US$2,000 and $1,000 for silver and bronze medals, respectively. Relay gold medal teams will earn US$9,000 for gold; US$6,000 for silver and US$3,000 for bronze, while each athlete who earns a gold medal in a team sport, such as football, takes US$1,500 each; US$1,000 for silver and US$750 per athlete for bronze.
The TTOC said it was determined to take the necessary steps and decisions in its effort to create the environment that would assist the athletes in striving to achieve medal winning objectives. The release said: “The introduction of medal bonuses is an essential component of the ten or more Olympic Gold medals athlete welfare and preparation programme.
“In pursuit of its strategic goals and objectives, the TTOC acknowledges the support of its corporate partners: bpTT, Guardian Group, Scotiabank, adidas, Lisa Communications and NLCB. “Its an exciting time for the TTOC. One year to Rio 2016 is just around the corner. Pan Am Toronto will get underway this week. Lots of challenges but its exciting.”
Last Friday, the TTOC announced a partnership with the NLCB intended to raise funds for the welfare and preparation of Olympic athletes. Yesterday, NLCB, through its 800-plus agents, began the sale of $10 scratch cards bearing a “#10Gold24” logo, of which part proceeds go to the athletes’ fund. For every 500,000 cards sold, NLCB will donate $200,000-$250,000 to the fund.
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Money for medals (http://www.ttoc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4907:money-for-medals&catid=2:latest-news&Itemid=233&utm_content=bufferbdae1&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
Tuesday, 07 July 2015 12:07 (TTOC.org)
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Pan Am athletes to be rewarded for success in Canada
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC), in an effort to give its athletes extra motivation to perform at the Pan Am Games in Toronto, Canada, has announced medal bonuses which will form part of the TTOC's 10 or more Olympic gold medals athlete welfare and preparation programme.
TTOC president Brian Lewis set a national objective to achieve eight more Olympic gold medals by the 2024 Summer Games and for the first time in its history the TTOC will have a medal bonus which will see athletes getting US$3,000 for winning a gold medal, US$2,000 for a silver and US$1,000 for bronze in individual competition at the Toronto Games which start on Friday.
In the relay events, teams will get US$9,000 for gold, US$6,000 for silver and US$3,000 for bronze.
In respect of team sports, US$1,500 will be rewarded per athlete for a gold, US$1,000 for silver and US$750 for bronze.
The TTOC is determined to take the necessary steps and decisions in its effort to create the environment that will assist
the athletes in striving to achieve medal winning objectives.
TTOC vice-president Dr Ian Hypolite feels that the introduction of the medal bonuses could be a very worthwhile initiative.
He said that while athletes are already motivated to do well, the incentives will let them know their efforts are appreciated and will be like the icing on the cake.
“Anything that serves to incentivise our athletes is obviously welcome,” Hypolite told the Express. “It is a bold initiative and principle in the cause in an attempt to incorporate corporate Trinidad in the process.”
“There are a lot of expectations surrounding our athletes but I think the public needs to understand that athletic success is not a give and that support is always vital. The incentives are one thing but what the TTOC is really calling upon is for corporate Trinidad and Tobago to support our athletes,” he explained.
“Motivation is a complex thing. Many athletes are already intrinsically motivated however some extrinsic motivation in the form of a reward can always be like the icing on the cake so to speak,” Hypolite added.
“I don't think there are any athletes who are going to say they are going to run for the money. They are already motivated to do well but I think the rewards will be an indication of some level of appreciation for the athletes' commitment towards Trinidad and Tobago and I think that is also a major consideration,” he said.
According to a TTOC press release, “the introduction of medal bonuses is an essential component of the 10 or more Olympic Gold medals athlete welfare and preparation programme.
“In pursuit of its strategic goals and objectives the TTOC acknowledges the support of its corporate partners: bpTT, Guardian Group, Scotiabank, Adidas, Lisa Communications and NLCB. It is an exciting time for the TTOC. Rio 2016 is just around the corner. Pan Am Toronto will get underway this week. Lots of challenges but it's exciting,” the release stated.
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National Lottery to finance Athletes' Fund in Trinidad and Tobago with "Going for Gold" project (http://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1028495/national-lottery-to-finance-athletes-fund-in-trinidad-and-tobago-with-going-for-gold-project?utm_content=bufferf2f91&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
By Nick Butler Sunday, 5 July 2015 (InsideTheGames.biz)
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A landmark "Going for Gold" project has been launched by the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) in conjunction with the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) in order to raise funds for potential Olympians.
Under the agreement, money earned from the sale of a new game of instant scratchcards, open to public sales from today, will be passed into an Athletes' Fund.
A total of 500,000 scratch cards have already been printed, with additional batches to be generated depending on sales.
The fund will receive over TTD $250,000 (£25,000/$39,000/€36,000) for every 500,000 cards sold, it is hoped.
It is projected that the first batch will be sold within a month.
As well as the financial incentives, it is envisaged that this game will be instrumental in "raising public awareness and stimulating further national support of the athletes’ cause".
“It is our hope that the interactive element of Going for Gold will stimulate renewed interest and care for Trinidad and Tobago’s athletes, said NLCB director Camille Forde,
“The NLCB is passionate about supporting the achievement of our talented young people, and Going for Gold can play a significant role in helping our game-buyers feel invested in our Olympic dream.”
"The NLCB looks forward to its continued partnership with the TTOC, and is confident that funds raised from the Going for Gold initiative will make a notable difference in the lives of Trinidad and Tobago's budding Olympic champions."
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It is hoped the project will help allow more Trinidad and Tobago athletes to follow the success
set by London 2012 javelin champion, Keshorn Walcott ©Getty Images
A longtime supporter of sports development in the Caribbean nation, "Going for Gold" marks an extension of the NLCB's #10Golds24 scheme which aims to inspire sporting growth up to Rio 2016 and beyond.
Launched in December 2014, the programme aspires to make the dream of the country achieving 10 Olympic gold medals by the year 2024 a reality.
Through this, athlete welfare and preparation fund provides financial assistance to promising sports men and women, while developmental tools "critical to fostering a Champion mindset" are also being rolled out.
Trinidad and Tobago won four Olympic medals at London 2012, including a gold for javelin thrower Keshorn Walcott.
The short-term target is for Trinidad and Tobago to improve upon their London 2012 performance at Rio 2016.
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TTOC, THA host Youth Camp (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,214118.html)
Tuesday, July 14 2015 (T&T Newsday)
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee partnered with the Tobago House of Assembly to host the first leg of its 13th annual Olympic Youth Camp in Shaw Park from July 6-11. The second leg will be held in Trinidad from July 20-25 at Olympic House. The theme this year - “10Golds24” - intends to encourage youngsters in the 11 to 14 age group to Strive for Excellence in their sporting discipline, but aims to encourage participants to remember that “the most important thing is not to win but to take part”.
Each day the athletes were exposed to the Olympic Principles of Fair Play, Respect for Others, Joy of Effort, Pursuit of Excellence and Balance between Body, Will and Mind.
Guest Facilitators included Akanni Hislop (Youth Olympian), Pietra Gay (Women’s NBA) and Sherridan Kirk (Olympian) who gave the athletes encouragement to pursue their goals, and were on hand to give sound sporting advice.
Some other interesting highlights for the participants was the inclusion of life skill sessions which focussed on Critical Thinking, facilitated by Save our Children Foundation, Sport for Development and Peace (Janine Thornhill, Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Working Group member) and HIV/AIDS Awareness (Youth Department, THA).
The athletes were able to learn new sports from their fellow campers such as volleyball, chess, basketball, football and netball.
They were also exposed to Jump Rope (Thandiwe Prescott), Badminton and Tennis.
The closing of the camp was fashioned after the Opening Ceremony of an Olympic Games with campers parading flags from London 2012 to Tokyo 1964 made for their art project.
Youth Facilitator, Camryn Bruno performed spoken word on the 2015 activities and the Olympic Oath. Kes the band’s Olympic song “Conquerors” was sung by the campers after the “Olympic Games”were officially declared open.
Campers have the opportunity each year to return as Youth Facilitators to assist the Camp Coordinators in leadership roles.
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TTOC working on Sport Governance Code (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150721/sports/ttoc-working-on-sport-governance-code)
Published on Jul 21, 2015, 8:25 pm AST (T&T Express)
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) is setting up a Governance Commission.
A TTOC press release on Monday stated that the Commission, established by TTOC president Brian Lewis will comprise five individuals who have no known official affiliation to any local Olympic sport organisation. Of the five persons, four are from Trinidad and Tobago and the fifth is well known Olympic sport governance expert Prof Leigh Robinson, Head of Sport Studies at the University of Stirling in Scotland.
The release said the intention of setting up the Commission was to put together a Sport Governance Code that meets international benchmarks in relation to good governance.
The TTOC said discussions with the proposed members of the Commission will conclude by the end of this month.
The Commission will begin work on the Code in August Lewis said.
The release added that the Commission will be pushing to have the Good Sport Governance Code included in the TTOC Constitution at next year’s Annual General Meeting. And the hope is that the Code will serve as a road map for Olympic sport governance in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Borel, Ramnarine back athletes housing plan (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150725/sports/borel-ramnarine-back-athletes-housing-plan)
By Mark Pouchet (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 25, 2015, 7:50 pm AST
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Cleopatra Borel, T&T and Pan Am Women's Shot Put Champion
Pan American Games shot putt gold medallist Cleopatra Borel and current national female boxing coach Ria Ramnarine are throwing their support behind Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Brian Lewis’ proposal for elite athlete housing assistance policy and programme.
Borel, who took home Pan Am gold and a medal bonus of US$3,000 from the meet in Toronto, Canada says she agrees with the proposal, “because as an elite level athlete, we make a lot of sacrifices in our personal lives and also financially because for some of us we would be in a better position financially if we were in another occupation and I believe that after you have done a number of years of service for your country, well it is nice to know that you have a small place in that country to call home just like other services people like firemen, police officers and such. “
Borel said elite athletes were not asking for free housing but to be afforded the opportunity to purchase a home.
“Elite athletes want the same thing like everyone else, we want a place, you know, that sort of security that we can afford a place where I can live and have a happy family life after my career is ended” the Pan Am champ says.
Borel said T&T athletes love representing the country but that to compete at the level they compete at requires “a 100 per cent commitment” and having to worry about a roof over their heads while preparing for world and international competition is an unnecessary distraction that could detract from performance.
“To be placed in a nice surrounding and to have that sort of security is important to us,” she said.
Borel added the T&T public would be surprised to know the circumstances some elite athletes exist under.
Ramnarine, a four-time world champion, also believes the athlete housing proposal is a great one.
For more reasons than one.
“First we have to make the athletes as comfortable as possible with regards to their training. It helps them to train better, be in a better frame of mind, the mental focus is there .
Speaking of her experience of applying for HDC housing since 1999, Ramnarine adds:
“The reason why I am saying that is coming from my athletic background itself and struggling to locate housing, I went through the process and it was incredibly difficult.“
Ramnarine said she is currently coaching a female athlete who qualified for the Pan Am Games but who is struggling to keep the roof over her head.
“Because of her training regime, three times a day, she is not working and what little savings she has is quickly dwindling because rent is very high, a high cost everywhere.... I am surprised that the relevant authorities have not taken it and ran with it, “she states.
Ramnarine said she felt really helpless and got flashbacks to her own situation when she was seeking housing as a world class athlete.
“It really touches my heart and I would take her into my home if I had the space for her. And as I said, it would not be for everyone but for athletes who have proven themselves and who have met certain objectives and athletes who are deserving based on that criteria.
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Lewis buoyed by Pan Am success (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150726/sports/lewis-buoyed-by-pan-am-success)
By Mark Pouchet (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 26, 2015, 9:32 pm AST
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TTOC president Brian Lewis
Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee president Brian Lewis described the country’s best ever medal haul at a Pan Am Games as “significant and encouraging” but added that there is no room for complacency as the TTOC continues to encourage systems and infrastructure for future success at the other multi-discipline Games like the 2016 Rio Olympics and beyond.
Team TTO picked up eight medals including three gold, Men’s 4 x 400 relay (Renny Quow, Jarrin Solomon, Emanuel Mayers, Machel Cedenio) Cleopatra Borel; and Keshorn Walcott), three silver (Mickel Thomas, Njisane Phillip, Machel Cedenio) and two bronze (George Bovell & Men’s 4x1 relay), a new record haul for the country, bettering the returns from the Winnipeg 1967 edition (two gold, two silver, three bronze) and the Santo Domingo 2003 edition (two gold, four silver, one bronze)
“For the country yet again sports continues to bring a positive image to Trinidad and Tobago. The performances of the contingent at the Pan Am Games were significant and encouraging,” Lewis said, adding that the TTOC had set a goal of eight medals for these Games.
Lewis said some of the incentives and systems—the number of athletes on Olympic Solidarity, PASO scholarships, the ten or more golds by 2024 athlete welfare and preparation programme, the introduction of the medal bonuses, had helped.
“We are starting to put into place the infrastructure and systems at the level of the TTOC and we will be continuing to work with stakeholders like the NSOs, SPORTT and the Ministry of Sport to improve the process for our athletes to succeed,” Lewis said.
Lewis said this country’s results at the Toronto 2015 was a clear signal of the talent existing in the country and the TTOC would continue now to focus on Rio 2016 to ensure that athletes who have qualified or are likely to qualify for those quadrennial Games receive the needed assistance.
Lewis believed the athletes showed the talent and the desire to achieve a success, revelling in the performance of T&T’s 4 x 400m gold medal performance but also noting the performances of some who didn’t medal.
“When we look at young(Christian) Marsden, (Dylan) Carter, the more experienced ones got the job done. When you look at Sparkle Mc Knight Mc Knight, Semoy Hackett and Kelly Ann Baptiste, coming back after a long lay off, it is really important that we look past these Games now and start taking it up to the next level, because while Pan Am medals are a good indicator, both the Worlds and Olympic standards are going to be higher and we must encourage and facilitate our athletes moving up to that level,” Lewis said.
Lewis believed the introduction of the medal bonus created a positive vibe and the TTOC will continue to bring on new corporate partners. “The athlete welfare and support is going to be heightened by TTOC. We will focus even more and dedicate some attention to athlete and welfare services,” Lewis said.
“That’s what I would like to work on now. I think one of the pluses coming out of to 2015 more people may now believe in the potential of the athletes. A lot of people were sceptical before about the whole ten golds by 2024, saying there lacked systems and policies in place, there were gaps. I think that the buy-in is coming. There are some gaps, targets we need to set incrementally, some systemic issues that need to be addressed including the use of facilities and access to them by the NSOs,” he added.
“We need to look at whether we do more in support, from the sport science aspect. So there is a lot that still needs to be done but I genuinely and sincerely believe we can build from here and I call on stakeholders to let’s use the Pan Am as a platform to move forward in a real powerful and significant way.” Lewis concluded.
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Pan Am gains no mask for sport ills
...says head of the Olympic Committee (http://www.ttoc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4999:pan-am-gains-no-mask-for-sport-ills-says-head-of-the-olympic-committee&catid=2:latest-news&Itemid=233&utm_content=bufferabbbc&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
Wednesday, 29 July 2015 09:58 (TTOC.org)
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Members of the Trinidad and Tobago team, standing, wear their gold medals during the medal ceremony at the Pan Am Games, on Sunday. The Cuban team which finished second show
off their silver medal. AP Photo
Success at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, which ended at the weekend, should not be used to mask the failing systems that exist in sports, says Brian Lewis, president of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC).
T&T secured eight medals, three gold; three silver and two bronze but Lewis said the country should not be conned.
Lewis said: “I don’t want us to use that to cover the shortcomings and gaps that exist in the sports system in T&T. Much more have to be done. I do believe the best is yet to come.”
While medals were being won at the Pan American Games, said Lewis, many sporting disciplines in T&T, still did not have access to the country’s sporting facilities. Further, so-called sport fans were not committed to their preferred sport and the athletes that specialise in it, until the athletes were engaged in a do or die contest.
“We are building a lot of facilities, but there has to be a stadium use policy because as much as we are doing, a number of sportsmen and women and a number of national teams don’t have access to the facilities in the volume and times that they need,” he said.
Lewis described as “interesting” recent developments in the sports sector related to public/private partnerships. He has been paying particular attention to remarks by sports minister Brent Sancho who was on record declaring that sporting facilities must earn revenue and ultimately pay their way.
The TTOC officials and the line minister were at odds on this issue, however.
“I don’t know what the context of that is, but that needs to be very carefully thought through and discussed. If it is a Government policy and they make sport one of the key pillars of national development, then they will see the investment in sport as just that, an investment rather than as expenditure. From a policy perspective, I don’t see anybody saying that schools must be revenue earners; that health facilities must be revenue earners; that the national security facilities–the fire stations and the police stations–must be revenue earners,” said Lewis.
He added: “I am saying if sports facilities must be revenue earners in and of their own right, you are really telling me that you are not giving sport the same consideration and prioritisation that you are giving health, education and national security. I firmly believe that sport is an important aspect of national development.
“We see countries such as Singapore and Qatar and Brazil that have made sports a key part of whatever big vision they have for their sustainable development. We really need to get the policy makers and the politicians into that head space where sport is concern.”
But despite those issues, Lewis said the TTOC remained athlete focused and described the efforts of his executive and the initiatives to be achieved, as work in progress.
“As far as I am concerned, there is much more that the Olympic Committee can do and must do and I also think that the Olympic Committee cannot do it alone. Even in the context of ten or more Olympic gold medals by the year 2024, it must become more than a TTOC goal. It must become a national goal.
“There are gaps, there are weaknesses, there and short comings and short falls in the sports system in T&T and we need to address them, because if we don’t address them we are not going to be able to help our athletes push on to their full potential.” Lewis said.
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Toyota pumps $750,000 into Olympic fund (http://www.ttoc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5003:toyota-pumps-750000-into-olympic-fund&catid=2:latest-news&Itemid=233&utm_content=buffer2c589&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
Thursday, 30 July 2015 07:24 (TTOC.org)
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Toyota Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TTTL) will invest at least $750,000 over the next five years into the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s (TTOC) #10golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund.
The local branch of the world renowned automotive company will also pair with the TTOC to provide internships in human resources, public relations, communications and sales for athletes, ongoing training and education and will be the official vehicle and mobility partner of the TTOC. Toyota is also expected to assist with certain TTOC promotional and advertising initiatives.
TTOC president Brian Lewis and TTTL marketing manager Sean Shaffie made the announcement of the five-year deal that will extend to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics at Olympic House on Abercromby Street yesterday. Toyota also presented the first cheque of $150,000 to #10golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund.
Lewis revealed that in March this year, the Japan-based Toyota Motor Corporation, the parent company signed an historic US$835 million agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to become a top partner with the IOC until 2024. The deal gives Toyota rights in Japan until the end of 2016 but then exclusive worldwide rights with the IOC starting from 2017.
Lewis described that the IOC usually return 90 % of the revenue generated back to sport development and NOCs across the globe. “What would usually happen is even though you may have a worldwide partner it doesn’t necessarily mean in the domestic market there is a sign-on market. It usually happens in bigger NOCs, not usually in smaller NOCs, so Toyota T&T signing on to be a partner complements, so to speak, what is happening on worldwide basis but is a landmark deal for the TTOC and we would like to congratulate and welcome them on board,” he said.
Besides the $150,000 contribution to the Fund, Toyota has also agreed to offer internships to suitable athletes selected by TTOC and to offer ongoing training and education opportunities.
“To be fair to our other corporate sponsors, there is an ongoing emphasis in all our negotiations now in terms of actioning our athlete-centred approach from a strategic perspective. That component is very important and I acknowledge Toyota for agreeing to that,” Lewis said.
Shaffie said TTTL was forward-thinking and thus decided to jump in on Olympic support 12 months ahead of their parent company.
“Starting today, we will be supporting our local Olympic contingent via the TTOC in readiness for the Olympic Games in 2020, not only because our parent company is an official Olympic sponsor but it is part of our burning desire to coordinate and contribute to Olympic success for our very own athletes,” Shaffie stated.
Lewis underlined the importance of brand recognition and value to wooing corporate sponsors. Saying that the TTOC benefited from association with the iconic brand of the IOC, he said national sporting organisations (NSOs) also had to improve their brand to attract commercial investment and to show they can reciprocate in the relationship.
“It is also about the ability of the brand you are associating with to drive sales,” Lewis commented, “I am saying this because we hear a lot from NSOs about why corporate T&T is not coming on board. Maybe it is because the brand needs to be looked at, maybe we are unable to convince corporate T&T that we can help create a win-win, not only help them meet their corporate social responsibility ambitions but to drive sales.”
Lewis added that NSOs needed to get accustomed to that reality as he recognised the timely intervention of TTTL’s investment following T&T’s record Pan Am Games medal haul of three gold, three silver and two bronze.
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Toyota invests $750k in TTOC Athlete Fund (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,214880.html)
By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH Thursday, July 30 2015 (T&T Newsday)
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Over the next five years, Toyota Trinidad and Tobago will inject a total of $750,000 into the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s (TTOC) 10 or more gold medals by 2024 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund.
This announcement was made at Olympic House on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, yesterday, where TTOC president Brian Lewis and Toyota’s local marketing manager Sean Shaffie, elaborated on the partnership. Toyota TT’s inclination to get on board and heavily involved with the developments of the TTOC will see the major multi-national corporation invest $150,000 per annum into the Fund, until the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Toyota TT’s most recent venture has now made them the official vehicle and mobility partner for the TTOC. In addition to financial aid, the motor corporation will provide transport for the local Olympic fraternity, along with advertising and promotional support, internship to selected athlete/s undergoing educational and training programmes, Toyota branded merchandise and other all-round support.
“Why we consider this a landmark initiative is because it is not customary for a national domestic arm to partner with the local Olympic organisation. Having taken this approach, Toyota TT has set an example. I would like to again invite the other top partners and locally-based entities to come in and be a part of our Athlete Preparation Fund,” Lewis declared.
On his company’s latest partnership, Shaffie lauded the TTOC’s hands-on development initiative and expressed great pleasure combining forces towards a patriotic objective of attaining Olympic glory.
“We have come together to support our nation’s efforts of medal accomplishments for the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan. Our monetary and other investments into the TTOC is solely intended on helping the athletes develop and perform well at the Tokyo Games. We believe in the TTOC’s professionalism in making this happen,” said Shaffie. So far, the TTOC has aligned itself with bpTT, Guardian Group, Adidas, Lisa Communications, Scotiabank, National Lotteries Control Board and most recently, Toyota TT.
With more and more corporations coming on board, the TTOC president concluded, “We have been receiving great support from our sponsors. We have at this point, one more major announcement to make, that is in the hands of the major partner and is very significant.”
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TTOC concludes Youth Camp (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150730/sports/ttoc-concludes-youth-camp)
Published on Jul 30, 2015, 8:55 pm AST (T&T Express)
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TTOC CAMP: Participants in the TTOC Youth Camp at Olympic House are pictured here with
Barbados Tridents skipper Keiron Pollard (back row centre) on Saturday. —Photo: TTOC
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) concluded the second leg of its 13th Annual Olympic Youth Camp at Guardian Holdings Limited, Westmoorings, on the weekend.
This marked the end of a two-week camp from July 6-11 (Tobago) and 20–25 (Trinidad) that targeted athletes in the 11-14 age groups.
The theme this year ‘10Golds2024’ or “10G24” encouraged young athletes to strive for excellence in their sporting discipline and also exemplified the Olympic principles of fair play, respect for others, joy of effort and balance between body, will and mind. Youth facilitators (past campers) explained these principles through drama and team building exercises.
Life skill sessions focused on media interview training, athlete welfare, setting goals (Donald La Guerre, sport psychologist), anti–doping (Andre Collins, Caribbean Sport and Development Agency), critical thinking (Save our Children Foundation) sport for development and peace (Janine Thornhill, Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Working Group member) and HIV-AIDS awareness (Youth Department, THA).
The closing of the camp was fashioned after the opening ceremony of an Olympic Games, with Trinidad and Tobago as the host country.
Campers paraded flags from Tokyo 1964 to London 2012 Olympics. In addition, the campers wore decorated face masks showcasing the Olympic flag, Olympic flame, peace and Trinidad and Tobago that were created for their art project during the camp.
In Trinidad, campers presented their art pieces on the 10Golds24 vision which highlighted aspects they believe are essential to achieving a gold medal. They emphasised sound morals and values, self-confidence, enjoyment of their sport, balance between school and training, respect for their competitors and support from family, friends, coaches, medical personnel and sponsors.
The campers also highlighted the significance of inclusion of the differently abled in sport, and the need to stay away from crime, violence and drugs in order to achieve their goals.
The participants were able to learn new sports from their fellow campers such as cycling, badminton, archery, triathlon, hockey, volleyball, badminton, chess, basketball, football and netball. They were also exposed to jump rope (Thandiwe Prescott).
Most impactful for the young participants was the athlete mentors; Mark Anthony Honore (Volleyball), Kieron Pollard (Cricket), Akanni Hislop (Track and Field, Youth Olympian), Pietra Gay (Basketball, Women’s NBA) Sherridan Kirk (Olympian) and Jeannette Small and Kwanieze John (Young Ambassadors Nanjing 2014 and Singapore 2010 Youth Olympics).
The TTOC will like to encourage athletes and mentors interested in the Olympic Youth Camp to send their profiles to the TTOC at jsmall@ttoc.org.
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TTOC head says no room for error in Rio (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-07-31/ttoc-head-says-no-room-error-rio)
By Sean Nero (T&T Guardian)
Published: Friday, July 31, 2015
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TTOC President Brian Lewis
Even as Olympic hopefuls engage in keen international competition to register qualifying times for Rio 2016, Sports Minister Brent Sancho and T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Brian Lewis are confirming that new and enhanced arrangements for the preparation of athletes ahead of the games are in place.
But neither official was willing to disclose, at this time, the level of investment required to boost T&T’s chances at the games. In a joint interview with the T&T Guardian, they assured the national community and most importantly the athletes and their representing bodies that this country’s medal push for Rio, would be unlike any before.
Lewis said plans for Rio 2016 were “going excellent,” and explained that a pre-qualification figure could not be disclosed because the approach by his executive, the minister and his staff, as well as national sporting organisations was integrated.
“Plans are going extremely well. The Olympic Committee continues to work very closely with the minister of sport and the ministry of sport, the Sport Company (of T&T) and all the stakeholders. We continue to put things in place. The fact is we are approaching a very crucial milestone in the context of Rio 2016, which is one year to go, from the 5th of August. It is very crucial that we continue to work together because with one year to go, there is no room and margin for error where our athletes are concerned,” Lewis said.
Sancho said his ministry staff met with officials of sporting organisation under the Olympic charter for a programme called the Podium Push.
The minister said, “We have asked the different disciplines to go out and come back to us with what they believe their athletes need to be podium ready for 2016. We are just waiting to put the final touches on that. We will now invest further to make sure that the athletes get everything for the next year to make sure that we achieve the lofty, but very attainable goals set by the TTOC president.”
The success at the Pan American Games said Lewis provided greater clarity in terms of who have qualified, while helping his executive to understand what athletes needed to do to qualify. In his view the Podium Push was an ideal complement to the 10 or more Olympic Gold Medals by 2024 programme.
Lewis said, “The Olympic Committee is very happy that everything is being done and we are having the positive, necessary and on-going discussions. I am confident once nothing comes in the way of that our athletes will have no reason to say they weren’t as prepared as they could for Rio 2016. We are on the same page with the minister and I feel confident that I can say that because he has been there before and he understands what is required and that it is about action and not talk.”
Sancho praised the TTOC’s 10 or More Olympic Gold Medal initiative, which in his view epitomized the kind of healthy relationship national sporting organisations needed to establish with the corporate sector.
“It’s a wonderful idea. It’s a true testament to the innovative idea that is set out by the TTOC. At the end of the day, I think any financial rewards at the end of it, is something that could be part and parcel of a drive for an athlete to compete and do well, as well as the national pride that comes with doing well for your country. It’s a truly ingenious idea,” he said.
Lewis said a number of joint projects were in the pipeline between the TTOC and the ministry of sport which includes the Elite Athlete Housing Programme and the setting up of the Good Governance Commission.
“So there is a lot taking place. We all recognise that we can’t continue to do the same things over and over and expect different results. The demands now being placed on our athletes and sports and sport administrators means we all need collectively to rise above the challenge,” said the TTOC official.
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News Release: TTOC celebrates ‘One year to Rio Olympics 2016’ (http://www.ttoc.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5046:news-release-ttoc-celebrates-one-year-to-rio-olympics-2016&catid=2:latest-news&Itemid=233&utm_content=buffer6352b&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
Wednesday, 05 August 2015 13:14 (TTOC.org)
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TTOC President Brian Lewis (left) presents 2015 Pan American Games medal bonus winners (2nd left to right) Emmanuel Callender, Keshorn Walcott and Dan-Neil Telesford at Olympic House.
Port of Spain, Trinidad - The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) hosted a ‘One year to Rio 2016’ acknowledgement at Olympic House in unison with the rest of the world in marking the one-year countdown to Rio 2016 Olympic Games on August 5th.
The TTOC used this landmark day to celebrate the road to Rio and commemorate the athletes that have achieved excellence at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.
The proceedings opened with a short video presentation highlighting team TTO’s performance at the recently concluded 2015 Pan American Games. TTOC’s President, Brian Lewis, reinforced the vision of achieving the 10 or more gold medals by the year 2024. “Toronto 2015 and the performances of our athletes started to make some people believe that it (#10Golds24) may have been possible; that it wasn’t far fetched and unrealistic,” he stated.
“Rio 2016 therefore, in the context of 10 or more Olympic gold medals by the year 2024 is going to be very important because thereafter comes Tokyo 2020 and then 2024,” he continued.
Toronto 2015 Chef de Mission, Diane Henderson led the Trinidad and Tobago Pan American Games contingent of 180 athletes and officials in fourteen different sporting disciplines. The T&T contingent left Toronto with 8 medals, surpassing the medal haul of the Guadalajara Games in 2011.
In celebration of the one-year mark to the Rio Olympics 2016, the TTOC presented Trinidad and Tobago’s medalists from the 2015 Pan American Games with their medal bonuses. Of the 13 athletes were Keshorn Walcott, Dan-Neil Telesford and Emmanuel Callender.
The complete list of medal winners include: Cleopatra Borel, Keshorn Walcott, George Bovell III, Njisane Phillip, Mikel Thomas (Individual medalist), Rondel Sorrillo, Emmanuel Callender, Keston Bledman Dan-Neil Telesford (4 x 100m Relay team), Renny Quow, Jarrin Solomon, Machel Cedenio and Emmanuel Mayers (4 x 400m Relay team).
With the conclusion of the Pan American Games, the TTOC moves forward with full force in preparation for the Olympics in 2016. The games will take place from 5th – 21st August 2016 in four regions throughout the city.
Thank you to other distinguished guests Olympic gold medalist Hasley Crawford, President of the National Association of Athletics Administration Ephraim Serette and Senator Elton Prescott SC for attending.
The TTOC would also like to thank our official partners Guardian Group Limited, National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB), Toyota, Lisa Communications, ScotiaBank, Adidas, BPTT, Columbus Communications for their continued support.
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Walcott: Medal bonus was a motivator (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150806/sports/walcott-medal-bonus-was-a-motivator)
By Mark Pouchet (T&T Express)
Published on Aug 6, 2015, 9:11 pm AST
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London Olympic gold medallist Keshorn “Keshie” Walcott
London Olympic gold medallist Keshorn “Keshie” Walcott believes the medal bonus initiative by the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) was a motivator for local athletes to perform and can drive them to achieve more medal success.
Walcott, winner in the javelin event, was one of three Pan Am Games medallists at Olympic House to receive their medal bonus and to mark one year to go to the RIO 2016 Olympics. As a gold medal winner at last month’s Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, Walcott picked up US$3,000.
Fellow individual gold medallist, shot putter Cleopatra Borel will receive a similar amount. Silver medal winners, hurdler Mikel Thomas, quarter-miler Machel Cedenio and cyclist Njisane Phillip will get US$2,000, while bronze medal swimmer George Bovell III will receive US$1,000. The 4x400 gold medal and 4x100 bronze medal relay teams will get a combined US$9,000 and US$3,000 respectively.
“I think it’s a good idea to begin with the initiative. Some people may not admit it but it is always something to look forward to besides the medal itself, something that will give you a little extra push, knowing you are going to get some reward for all your hard work outside of the competition,” said Walcott. Walcott related that he and Cuban-born coach Ismael Lopez Mostrapa always try to time the big throws for the major championships like Worlds, Pan Ams, Commonwealth, and the Olympics, but said “it was a bit of a surprise” when he launched the spear to a new national record of 90.16 metres in Switzerland on July 9.
“My coach and I always try to the big throw at the right moment but we always expected that throw (over 90 metres) to come this year. I guess it came a bit earlier than we expected,” said Walcott.
Walcott also related that he and Mostrapa pondered heavily on his decision to participate in the Pan Am Games after he injured the left ankle on July 17 in Monaco, days before his event in Toronto. He said he was embarrassed to be pushed in a wheelchair through the Pearson International Airport in Toronto ahead of the quadrennial hemispheric Games.
“I always tell myself tomorrow is never promised, so I always try to do my best when I get out there to achieve my goals while representing the country to the best of my ability. So coach and I sat down and decided this may be my only chance (at a Pan Am Games) and we might as well take it’’, Walcott said.
Walcott said he has matured significantly from the dark-horse 19-year-old who shocked the world with a gold medal toss at the 2012 London Olympics, and is a more experienced and seasoned campaigner these days.
And he was especially complimentary of his training partner and fellow Pan Am Games gold medallist Cleopatra Borel, the Women’s shot put champion.
“Cleo and I have been training together and knowing how hard she works, it is great seeing that she is rewarded in her performances. Hopefully she can go on an do much better and achieve more success at Worlds and other major championships,” Walcott said.
The TTOC hosted the ‘One year to Rio 2016’ acknowledgement at Olympic House on Wednesday in unison with the rest of the world in marking the one-year countdown to the Olympics on August 5 next year.
According to Lewis, the TTOC used the landmark day to celebrate the road to Rio and commemorate the athletes that had achieved excellence in Toronto.
The proceedings opened with a short video presentation highlighting team TTO’s performances in Canada and TTOC president Brian Lewis reinforced the vision of achieving the ten or more gold medals by the year 2024. “Toronto 2015 and the performances of our athletes started to make some people believe that it (#10Golds24) may have been possible; that it wasn’t far fetched and unrealistic,” he stated.
“Rio 2016 therefore, in the context of ten or more Olympic gold medals by the year 2024 is going to be very important because thereafter comes Tokyo 2020 and then 2024,” he continued.
National Association of Athletic Administrations (NAAA) president Ephraim Serrette said his organisation had a good working relationship with the TTOC and would work hard to facilitate the athletes in their pursuit for international glory.
Also in attendance on Wednesday was Emmanuel Callender and Dan Neil Telesford, both part of the 4x100m relay team, the country’s first Olympic gold medallist Hasely Crawford, TTOC general secretary Annette Knot, Pan Am Games Chef de Mission Diane Henderson and former TTOC general secretary, senator Elton Prescott.
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TTOC to spearhead Olympic Park (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150809/sports/ttoc-to-spearhead-olympic-park)
Published on Aug 9, 2015, 12:01 am AST (T&T Express)
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TTOC Olympic House
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) has announced its desire to convert the Lord Harris Square in Port of Spain into an Olympic Village. The local Olympic governing body detailed its plans in a recent media release which followed its "One Year to Rio" acknowledgement at its Abercromby Street head office on Wednesday.
According to TTOC president Brian Lewis, the park will be focused on creating an Olympic experience for the supporters of the T&T Olympic team. The park will also include a number of different features to attract the public, with the intention of building greater awareness and support for sport in T&T.
The TTOC also intends to attract the attention of the numerous primary and secondary schools in the Port of Spain area. The park will create a space for learning, as the TTOC continues to educate people about the Olympic movement, T&T's Olympic history, healthy lifestyles and culture.
The village will form a part of not only the TTOC’s "Road to Rio" campaign, but also its recent mandate to bring home ten Olympic gold medals by 2024.
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Podium Push (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150812/sports/podium-push)
By Mark Pouchet (T&T Express)
Published on Aug 12, 2015, 10:23 pm AST
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HAVING FUN: Captain of the Women Soca Warriors Maylee Attin Johnson, left, and Dwayne Bravo, skipper of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel team play with each other during the Sports Ministry Achievers Luncheon at Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, Port of Spain, yesterday. --Photo: ANISTO ALVES
The Ministry of Sport (MoS) announced a major new sports programme called ‘Podium Push’, which officials say is designed to supplement the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s (TTOC) drive to 10 golds by the 2024 Olympics goal. But officials failed to disclose the amount budgeted for the initiative.
At an Achievers’ Luncheon hosted by the MoS at the grand ballroom of the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, yesterday, MoS director of sport Gabre Mc Tair, speaking on behalf of the absent Minister of Sport Brent Sancho, said the Ministry had created this initiative called ‘Podium Push’ to further enhance top local athletes’ chances of securing podium performances at the Rio 2016 Olympics next year.
“Our Elite Athlete Assistant Programme needed some refocusing to ensure that our sporting elite received proper funding, I recognised that even more was needed to help Brian Lewis and his team at the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee achieve their aim of ten gold medals by the year 2024. Providing funding to take our top athletes to the Olympics is not enough. I realise that getting there is not the challenge but finishing in the top three requires additional commitment and effort from the athletes, coaches support teams and the Ministry of Sport,” Mc Tair said, without disclosing any budgeted figures for the initiative.
Mc Tair said the various national sporting bodies will have to recommend to the Ministry of Sport the athletes who they feel are podium ready, not athletes who would just compete but those who are in the top 20 in the world in their discipline.
“These are the athletes who we feel have a real chance of finishing in the gold, silver or bronze positions,” Mc Tair added. Mc Tair said that medals are separated by fractions of a second, metre or kilogramme.
Mc Tair vowed that T&T Olympic athletes will receive the best possible preparation for the Rio Olympics so that Lewis and TTOC can have a realistic chance of achieving the 10 golds by 2024 objective. Mc Tair added the expenses to be covered include travel to competitions, overseas training camps, sessions with a nutritionist, sports psychologist or specialist trainer.
Earlier, members of the Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago team received plaques for their 48-medal haul (15 gold, 9 silver and 24 bronze) at the Special Olympics World Games that concluded in Los Angeles, California, USA, earlier this month.
Also receiving plaques were medallists of the Pan Am Junior Championship athletics team and medallist at the Pan American Games in Toronto that concluded on July 27. None of the Pan AM Games medallists was present because they were either outside the country or on their way to the IAAF World Track and Field Championships in Beijing that commences from August 22. Other members of the Pan Am Games team including swimmer Dylan Carter, T&T men’s hockey captain Darren Cowie, and shooter Roger Daniel, were also present.
Also recognised were members of the Red Steel team who won the Caribbean Premier League championship title last month and members of the Trinidad and Tobago Blind and Visually Impaired cricket team, which clinched the T-20 and 40-overs Caribbean titles in St Lucia over the weekend.
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Sports Ministry launches —
Rio’s Podium Push (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-08-13/rio%E2%80%99s-podium-push)
By Nicholas Clarke (T&T Guardian)
Published: Thursday, August 13, 2015
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The Ministry of Sport has launched a new programme, entitled the Podium Push, aimed at providing elite athletes with the best preparation possible for next year’s Rio Olympics. This was revealed during a function held in recognition of the country’s athletes at the Hilton Ballroom in Port-of-Spain yesterday.
Speaking on behalf of Minister of Sport Brent Sancho, who was unable to attend, director of physical education Gabre-Jesu McTair said the programme was designed to ensure the T&T Olympic Committee’s aim of winning 10 gold medals by 2024 could be realised.
“Providing funding to take our athletes to the Olympics is not enough. Getting there is not the challenge, but finishing in the top three. That requires extra effort from the athletes, coaches, support teams and the Ministry of Sports,” said McTair as he read from the Sancho’s prepared statement. “I am asking various national sporting governing bodies to recommend the athletes who they feel are podium ready. In other words, those athletes who won’t just compete, but those who are in the top 20 in the world in their discipline. These are the athletes who we feel have a real chance of finishing in the gold, silver or bronze positions.”
The function was attended by dozens of local athletes, including members of the CPL-winning T&T Red Steel, the 48-medal winning Special Olympics team, the Pan American delegation, and the national blind cricket team.
President of the TTOC Brian Lewis called on the country to take sport more seriously by creating conditions under which athletes could thrive.
“I remind everyone that actions speak louder than words. There are so many things that still need to be done for our athletes and it’s not only about money. There are simple things. We still have a corporate culture where representing your country is not considered a national service and our athletes have to take no-pay leave or time from their vacation to represent their country. It is a reality that for many people involved in sport, they have to make those sacrifices 80 percent of time,” he said. “If in the wider community, sport is not seen as key development pillar in the future vision for this country similarly as it is done in country’s such a Singapore, then notwithstanding the best intentions, dedication and commitment of sport stakeholders, we will all continue to struggle. Sport can make a powerful difference to society and I urge the country and its decision makers to take sport seriously.”
Meanwhile T&T Red Steel captain said he had been personally inspired by the achievements of the Special Olympics team.
“They are the real heroes of our country. To do what they do, words cant’ explain. I think they give us more appreciation of what we have and make us realise we should never take anything for granted,” he said. “Maybe one day our management can actually get the Red Steel team to do some kind of games with those Special Olympians.”
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TTOC's 2015 Advanced Sport Management Course is at the half way mark (http://www.ttoc.org/index.php/latest-news/5075-ttoc-s-2015-advanced-sport-management-course-is-at-the-half-way-mark?utm_content=bufferd23ca&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
16 August 2015 (TTOC.org)
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Port of Spain, Trinidad - The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) hosted a ‘One year to Rio 2016’ acknowledgement at Olympic House in unison with the rest of the world in marking the one-year countdown to Rio 2016 Olympic Games on August 5th.
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s (TTOC) Advanced Sport Management Course (ASMC) is at the half way mark. The second edition of the TTOC / Olympic Solidarity course began on the 16th May 2015. Scheduled to end on the 28th November 2015, the course will be concluded where participants will present on the overall course impact.
28 participants started the course, with three modules completed; the fourth module begins next week Saturday 22nd August 2015. Kairon Serrette will facilitate the financial management session. Modules already completed: Organizing an Olympic Sport Organization, Managing Human Resource and Managing Strategically facilitated by Mrs. Annette Knott, Ms. Anna Thompson and Ms. Carol Charles Austin respectively.
The main objective of the course is to stimulate change within National Sporting Organizations (NSO). Successful completion of the course requires 100% attendance, plus submissions of one case study for each module and a final report on the impact of the learning process on the participant’s organization.
The course consists of volunteer and paid staff of National Sport Federations/ Associations and other bodies responsible for the development of sport who are involved at a senior level in the management of their organization. Sports represented are Football, Judo, Karate, Rugby, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Athletics, Chess, Cricket, Sailing, Swimming, Netball, Squash and the Paralympic Committee.
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Flow invests $5m in T&T Olympic medal quests (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-09-17/flow-invests-5m-tt%E2%80%88olympic-medal-quests)
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Guardian)
Published: Thursday, September 17, 2015
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T&T Olympic Committee & T&T Commonwealth Games Association, President, Brian Lewis, right, receives a cheque for TT$5 million for the next 5 years from Managing Director, Columbus Communication T&T, Brian Collins, during a function held at T&T Olympic Committee yesterday, Abrecomby Street, Port-of-Spain. PHOTO: SHIRLEY BAHADUR
The T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) received a further boost towards its goal of ten or more gold medals by 2024, as Flow has agreed to give $5m over five years to the local track and field committee.
This announcement follows the decision by Toyota in July to give $750,000 over the next five years leading up to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
At a press conference yesterday at the TTOC office on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, managing director of Flow Brian Collins spoke about the partnership.
Collins said: “I am delighted to share with you some of the details of the partnership between the T&T Olympic Committee and Flow.
“We wanted to deepen Flow’s support for the T&T Olympic Committee. These talks began about eight months ago. We always knew we would come together because we share the similar passion for excellence and wanting to see Trinidad and Tobago athletes perform at the very highest level.”
Collins said Flow believes in long term investment. “We believe this five-year partnership is something that is truly significant and allows Brian (Lewis) and his team some headspace to plan ahead. They know they (TTOC) have a partner, a sponsor, and they could rely on us. Not just what is written in the contract but outside of that as this is a partnership in every form.”
Collins added: “As a corporate sponsor of development and community in the country in which we do business we examine our involvement from three perspectives—how are we supporting, how are we helping and what will success look like as a stakeholder.
“The ten or more gold medals by 2024 helped us see that clearly by helping our T&T athletes prepare for the Olympic Games. Contributing to the success of these individuals, who are so passionate about what they do and who would like to do well for themselves and for the love of their sport and country, it was a no brainer for us.”
President of the TTOC Brian Lewis said the money will be used initially for the elite athletes. “This is focused initially on the elite athletes. This is about ten or more Olympic gold medals by 2024.
Today the T&T Olympic Committee is a proud partner of one of the most innovative and visionary corporate entities in the region, and one can dare say further afield.”
T&T has won two Olympic gold medals in its history. Hasely Crawford won gold in the men’s 100m event at the 1976 Games, while Keshorn Walcott captured gold in the men’s javelin in 2012.
Yesterday, the TTOC also distributed outstanding medal bonuses to T&T athletes for their performances at the Pan American Games earlier this year. Cleopatra Borel collected her bonus after winning gold in the women’s shot put, while Renny Quow’s father collected on his behalf. Quow was part of the men’s 4X400m team that won gold.
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TTOC announce partnership with FLOW (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,217140.html)
By JOEL BAILEY Thursday, September 17 2015 (T&T Newsday)
THE TRINIDAD and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) yesterday announced a partnership with FLOW (Columbus Communica t ions Trinidad Limited) at the Olympic House, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain.
The partnership is meant to ensure FLOW’s support towards the TTO C’s drive of ten or more Olympic gold medals by the year 2024.
Each party signed a five-year multi-million dollar agreement which will guarantee funding from FLOW to the TTO C’s Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund.
The TTO C noted that they will receive $1 million annually — $600,000 towards the athletes and $400,000 for brand ambassador representation.
Brian Lewis, president of the TTO C, said, “it’s about going into the future. It’s absolutely fantastic partnership, not just for the multi-year contract but, from the Olympic Committee’s perspective, it’s the first time in our history we have done a multi-year contract that’s built around an athletes-centred approach.” He continued, “from my perspective, it aligns where we want to go as an Olympic Committee, in terms of our marketing. One of the targets we have set from a marketing perspective is to raise our revenue to $20 million by the year 2017 and $100 million by the year 2021.” Lewis went on to state, “as part of the arrangement with FLOW, it allows us to develop another brand ‘Team TTO ’ which we’re in the process of formalising. What we’re intending to do is the teams who go to (various) Games will be going as Team TTO , which is another opportunity in terms of merchandising.” The TTO C president revealed that FLOW will also be sponsoring the National Beach Games, on an annual basis.
Brian Collins, Managing Director of Columbus Communications Trinidad Limited, was also pleased with the announcement of the deal.
Concerning the brand ambassador representation, Collins noted, “we will be working with Brian and his team to pick (the) athletes. It will be a collaborative approach.” He revealed, “I’ve gotten to know Brian over the last year and a half.
We sponsor a Rugby League in South (Trinidad) so it was from that meeting that I got a lot of respect for Brian, and his ‘10 Gold for 2024’.
And I saw it as something that FLOW could get involved in, a long-term vision, a long-term plan and it can be a path to success.”
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Money ‘Flowing’*
Cable company gives $5m to 10goldsby2024 (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150916/sports/money-8216flowing8217)
By Mark Pouchet, mark.pouchet@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Sep 16, 2015, 10:36 pm AST (T&T Express)
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee ‘s (TTOC’s) 10goldsby2024 Athlete Preparation and Welfare fund received its biggest boost to date when TTOC president Brian Lewis announced a five-year $5 million deal with Columbus Communications and their Flow brand yesterday.
Lewis also stated the intention of the TTOC to brand national teams for games under the TTOC umbrella (Olympics, Commonwealth, Pan Am, CAC, Youth Olympics etc) as Team TTO. TTO is the International Olympic Committee‘s official abbreviation for Trinidad and Tobago.
Lewis added that the TTOC is looking to capitalise on the entire spectrum of revenue-earning opportunities with a goal of raising $20 million by 2017.
At Olympic House yesterday, Lewis described the injection of funds for his brainchild project as “a breakthrough”. The landmark deal will see $600,000 every year plunged into the Fund while $400,000 will cater to two brand ambassadors selected for Flow on behalf of the TTOC.
That $400,000 will include a monthly stipend for the chosen ambassadors, commercial commitments and promotions for Flow and Flow equipment and technologies.
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TTOC to focus on injury prevention * (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150921/sports/ttoc-to-focus-on-injury-prevention)
By Mark Pouchet, mark.pouchet@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Sep 21, 2015, 7:58 pm AST (T&T Express)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Brian%20Lewis%20TTOC%20president.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Brian%20Lewis%20TTOC%20president.jpg.html)
TTOC president Brian Lewis
PORT OF SPAIN
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) intends to be proactive and reach out to national sport organisations, athletes and coaches to address the injury situation negatively impacting Olympic sports in Trinidad and Tobago.
So said TTOC president Brian Lewis in a media release yesterday.
"The TTOC earlier this year established an Olympic Sports Medicine and Injury Rehabilitation Support Services Network (OSMIRSM) as part of its 10 or more Olympic Gold medals by year 2024 athlete welfare and preparation programme," the release stated.
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TTOC Concerned about injuries and impact on Athlete Welfare and Preparation (http://ttoc.org/index.php/latest-news/5218-ttoc-concerned-about-injuries-and-impact-on-athlete-welfare-and-preparation?utm_content=buffera3d0c&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
21 September 2015 (TTOC.org)
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The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) intends to be proactive and reach out to National Sport Organisations, athletes and coaches to address the injury situation negatively impacting Olympic sports in Trinidad and Tobago.
The TTOC earlier this year established an Olympic Sports Medicine and Injury Rehabilitation Support Services Network (OSMIRSM) as part of its 10 or more Olympic Gold medals by year 2024 athlete welfare and preparation programme.
The objective of the OSMIRSM is to prevent injuries occurring in the first place by facilitating the correct preventative measures, and when injuries do happen to ensure a speedy recovery.
Accelerating progressive rehabilitation is essential in elite and Olympic sport.
The TTOC believes that athlete centred medical services support includes efficiency from a medical expertise perspective, communication and case management between the different areas of expertise.
Our athletes welfare short and long term are at risk there is a performance, social and economic cost.
Sports medicine, rehabilitation and traumatology, injury management and prevention and the process of recovery require specific focus and organisation.
Sharing of knowledge and experiences will increase the quality of service to our athletes in particular those in the elite and Olympic level environment.
Its important to work with stakeholders to put in place appropriate strategies.
Brian Lewis
President
TTOC
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FLOW and Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) Agreement Signing (http://ttoc.org/index.php/latest-news/5219-flow-and-trinidad-and-tobago-olympic-committee-ttoc-agreement-signing?utm_content=buffer60b7a&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer)
21 September 2015 (TTOC.org)
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Brian Lewis, right, receives a cheque for TT$5 million for the next 5 years from Brian Collins, Managing Director, Columbus Communication T&T
•Good morning everyone. Well it has certainly been a productive and thrilling 2015 thus far for Flow.
The merger, with Cable and Wireless, which was announced in 2014 but became final early this year.
•Today however, we are speaking strictly about sports and I am delighted to share with you some of the details about our new partnership between the TTOC and Flow.
•Just as a reminder, our parent company C&W Communications in April signed as the official broadcast sponsor – and the exclusive telecom partner – of the 2016 Rio Olympics in the Pan-Caribbean region.. C&W Communications as the broadcast sponsor is historical and important simply because it revolutionises the experience of watching the Olympics for any sports enthusiast, any patriot within the Caribbean region. For Rio 2016 any Caribbean fan will have access to a unique variety of live video feeds, offered across a number of media platforms, including radio, ESPNS’s live television coverage, video on demand, as well as mobile and Internet streams – all of which can be accessed from your preferred device at no additional cost to you. From historical features to contemporary stories, you will have more than 12 hours each day of extra Olympic programming much of which will focus on our local and regional athletes, because we want to showcase material that is relevant to you and we want you to watch your heroes in real time – and not just on the highlight reel.
•It’s your Olympics, as you like it.
•But that is about watching the Olympics in 2016.
•Back in April while that announcement was made we were already having a conversation with Brian Lewis about deepening Flow’s support for the work of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee. These talks began just about 8 months ago, around the time Brian launched the 10 golds by 2024 program, via his participation in the National Marathon. We made our initial contribution to the programme, but we felt we could do more. We loved the idea of supporting the athletes’ development and helping them prepare directly to participate in the Olympics. Brian shared his vision for athletes that are supported by the TTOC; and how the 10 golds by 2024 would do for the athletes and it resonated with us.
•As a Corporate supporter of development of any community/country in which we do business, we examine our involvement from three perspectives – who are we supporting/how is it helping/and what will success look like for the stakeholder. The 10 golds by 2024 helps you see that clearly. We’re helping our Trinidad and Tobago athletes prepare for the Olympic Games and the end result is improved performances and medals by our athletes. Contributing to the success of these individuals, who are so passionate about what they do, and who are so intent on doing well for themselves, for the love of their sport and for their country, well, helping them is really a no brainer.
•So here we are. This agreement which we’ve signed onto for five years solidifies our support for Rio 2016 and 2020 which will be in Tokyo. The financial contribution that we have provided today will go directly to 10 Golds for 2024 Athlete Preparation and Welfare Fund which means it will directly impact the athletes who are right now prepping for next year. As a result of supporting this initiative we are supporting not just one sport, but all the athletes who are in line to be in Rio next year. Also as a result of this agreement we are happy to be the official telecommunications partner of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee joining a committed group of partners who share this vision of success.
•I want to take this moment to thank Brian, whose commitment to sport and athletic development of Trinidad and Tobago is unparalleled. Ever so often he posts on Twitter under the hashtag #acceptnolimits and I believe he truly doesn’t. He is a great advocate for athletes and for the development of sport in Trinidad and Tobago. We at Flow are truly excited about this partnership and supporting the Trinbagonian passion for sport and its athletes.
•Last night I had the extreme pleasure of speaking at the Opening Night of the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival which is celebrating 10 years and the Opening Film was about the journey of Michel Martelly to President of Haiti. This story was inspired, supported and produced by Praz Michel of the Fugees who was there last night and he said something that resonated with me. He said, he was an American, but he lived and breathed Haiti, he said Haiti was his lifeblood, his background, his heart. Words like that, said with the passion in which he said it, they are powerful. I think it’s the same way for Trinidadians and Tobagonians – and by supporting your excellence in sport, Flow is demonstrating its support for your lifeblood, your background and your heart.
•At Flow we pledge commitment to our partners, to our customers and to the communities in which we work as we continue to seek ways to amplify the message that we are a provider that is passionate about development in the region in which we serve. Our business may be technology but we pledge our allegiance to the development of Trinidad and Tobago, through technology, sport, education, in the arts and culture and of the individual as well.
•Sports are such an important and defining part of any culture, especially those as rich as the ones found here in the Caribbean. We are so proud to have this opportunity to bring a more enhanced Olympic experience to our region, but in a more meaningful way locally, right here to the athletes of Trinidad and Tobago.
•It truly is a privilege to be a part of this partnership with TTOC and the wider Olympic Family which started months ago. The journey to those 10 golds for 2024 is truly underway. Join us as we showcase the skills and talents of Trinidad and Tobago and the rest of the Caribbean.
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Lewis working towards athlete medical insurance (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,217582.html)
Saturday, September 26 2015 (T&T Newsday)
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Brian Lewis, president of TTOC
WITH SEVERAL of the nation’s top athletes currently nursing long-standing injuries in a crucial pre-Olympic year, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) Brian Lewis has been working assiduously towards completion of an Olympic Sports Medicine and Injury Rehabilitation Support Services Network.
Lewis, who unveiled his brainchild initiative ‘10 or more Olympic Gold Medals by 2024 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund’ in January this year, revealed that this new medical network will fall under the same umbrella.
This Support Services Network aims to facilitate elite and Olympic athletes who have sustained and/or are recovering from injury.
Although this programme has not yet been fully implemented, Lewis has already begun discussions with several medical practitioners and institutions to assist in making this idea a success. The achievement of medical insurance for TT athletes is also a primary objective through this drive.
“The TTO C and some of its stakeholder have been in talks with medical practitioners, physiotherapists, sport psychologists, massage therapists, companies that provide MRI services, to discuss with them discounted fees under this new Network,” said Lewis on Wednesday. “We also have been working together with a company called Dalian Medical Concierge Services in terms of how we could manage and make more efficient the health services that we offer the athletes, especially those striving to an elite and Olympic level.” Presently, reigning Olympic men’s javelin champion Keshorn Walcott is still finding a way to compete with a slight ankle injury, former National sprint queen Michelle Lee Ahye has been in and out of her best form due a niggling hamstring damage, ace 100m sprinter Keston Bledman is also still on the mend from a recent groin strain while Women Soca Warriors captain Maylee Attin-Johnson has been out of competition for over two months, among other ailing national sporting representatives. According to Lewis, the full and fast recovery of these athletes are critical towards TT ’s medal haul at the 2016 Summer Games.
“There have been a number of injuries that have been the subject of discussion within sport locally and it would be remiss of me and the TTO C, if we weren’t concerned also,” added Lewis.
“I would like to really get the Network Services fully up, even though we have accessed certain services within that already. But with our eyes on 2016, this is very important in my mind and has to be a priority now, and is definitely a concern.” The former Harvard Rugby Club player admitted that injury prevention is just as important, if not more, than recovery. Lewis stated that once this Network is officially set up, athletes may feel an additional sense of security and be able to perform better knowing that their career and health is being properly evaluated and managed.
“Injury prevention is just a part of it,” he continued. “When the athletes get injured, getting them to recover as fast as possible is pivotal.
As part of athlete welfare, this is a critical element. There are too many situations locally where the athletes’ access to proper medicals like MRI’s and so on are being comprised. When they are forced to face the public sector, the time line is rather lengthy from admittance to full recovery.
This compromises the athlete and is an issue that we need to address immediately.” Recently, the TTO C boss held talks with the Olympic fraternity’s High Performance partner, Michael Johnson, and a couple days ago, TT ’s four-time Olympic medallist, Ato Boldon. Lewis has been relaying his message and unique plans for athlete development throughout the local and international sporting stratosphere and also held profitable discussions with National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) president, Ephraim Serrette.
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TTOC to host 'Good Governance' workshops* (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20151011/sports/ttoc-to-host-good-governance-workshops)
Published on Oct 11, 2015, 10:13 pm AST (T&T Express)
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TTOC PRESIDENT: Brian Lewis
PORT OF SPAIN
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC ) will conduct Good Governance workshops from November 2-7, at the Olympic House on Abercromby Street, Port of Spain.
“The TTOC plan to develop a good governance code for sport continues to make significant progress,” said a media release from the TTOC.
Professor Leigh Robinson, dean and head of school, School of Sport at the University of Stirling, Scotland, will facilitate the workshops next month.
“The intention is that the Good Governance Code for Sport will be approved and codified in the TTOC constitution by April 2016,” the release stated.
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Brian Lewis on the Street 91.9FM right now promoting TTOC ongoing courses including the Michael Johnson Performance Workshops, etc.
Click link to view: http://www.thestreet919fm.com/
Radio show is called "Game Time" hosted by Mark-Anthony Scott which is on every Sunday for 2 hours from 9am till 11am on The Street 91.9FM (http://www.thestreet919fm.com/)
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VIDEO Report; https://www.facebook.com/CNC3Television/videos/10153718599782996/ (https://www.facebook.com/CNC3Television/videos/10153718599782996/)
HELP FOR OLYMPIC ATHLETES
The Guardian Group presented a cheque on Friday Olympic Committee to assist local athletes in their well-being ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games.
It comes at a good time as athletes fine tune ahead of Rio.
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Call to account*
Lewis: NSOs must be transparent (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20151020/sports/call-to-account)
By Mark Pouchet, mark.pouchet@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Oct 20, 2015, 11:06 pm AST (T&T Express)
Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee president Brian Lewis said national sporting organisations (NSOs) must abide by the principles of transparency and accountability, including properly audited accounts, once they are in receipt of public funds.
Lewis, currently part of a commission working on the adaptation of a revised Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) Constitution, said: “Applicable and appropriate principles of transparency, fairness, value for money and accountability must be a feature of sport governance.”
“Financial fiddling, improper invoicing, credit card misuse, misappropriation and inflated invoicing are risks that national sport organisations must mitigate,” the former TTOC secretary general said.
Lewis added that the conduct of national sport organisations in respect of use of funds must be “above reproach.”
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TTOC signs deal with The Fan Club
...branded Olympic apparel, gifts to hit market (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2015-10-21/ttoc-signs-deal-fan-club)
Published: Wednesday, October 21, 2015 (T&T Guardian)
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TTOC president Brian Lewis, left, and The Fan Club director Mikhail Singh sign the agreement that will see T&T Olympic apparel and souvenir merchandise in The Fan Club’s three stores at MovieTowne, Gulf City Mall and Trincity Mall.
Fans of the country’s sportsmen and women can expect to have a closer relationship with their heroes in the build-up to next year’s Olympic Games in Rio, with the signing of an agreement between the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) and The Fan Club, retailer of authentic apparel and branded souvenir gift items.
The agreement, signed last week, will allow for The Fan Club to market, distribute and sell T&T Olympic-branded merchandise at its three locations in MovieTowne, Trincity Mall and Gulf City Mall.
Fans can expect branded T-shirts, polos, shorts, water bottles, coffee mugs, key chains, pins, jackets and track outfits.
TTOC president Brian Lewis described the initiative as another positive sign for his organisation, noting that not only will the constituency of Olympic fans be brought closer to their heroes, but it demonstrated the TTOC’s commitment to finding ways to increase its revenue earning capacity.
Lewis said that it was no secret that T&T fans were passionate, and wanted to identify with the athletes who represented them on the big stage.
“Fans have been asking about this initiative for sometime, and we have finally found a partner whom we believe can execute this process in a meaningful way.
“We know The Fan Club is a place where authentic fan apparel and gift items can be found. And we have no doubt that this relationship will bear fruit.”
Director of The Fan Club, Mikhail Singh, noted that the store already had a relationship with the T&T Football Association, and was associated with the sales of Red Steel jerseys for the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) earlier this year.
“The TTOC is our signature sporting body in Trinidad and Tobago and we are very pleased to be associated with this project. We are hoping that fans can start getting their Olympic merchandise and branded items by November.”
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The T&T Olympic Committee is shifting gears now as it attempts to push towards producing 10 or more Olympic Champions by 2024. The Committee is ready to pilot what it calls a "long term athlete development program" which shall be implemented in several sporting disciplines, monitored over an 18 month period, and then subsequently evaluated to determine its successes and shortfalls.
WATCH: https://www.facebook.com/cnewslive/videos/10153840250100610/
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Olympic Committee to follow WHO guidelines (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,224374.html)
Monday, February 22 2016 (T&T Newsday)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Brian%20Lewis%20TTOC%2007.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Brian%20Lewis%20TTOC%2007.jpg.html)
Brian Lewis, president of TTOC
THERE HAS been much discussion about the Zika virus in Brazil and the possible impact of the virus on the Summer Olympics of 2016. The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC)’s representative team of Annette Knott, Secretary General and Dr Ian Hypolite, Chef de Mission recently visited three locations in Brazil to assess the Zika situation and review potential training sites for the national team.
These included the north-east coastal town of Recife in the state of Pernambuco, Juiz de Fora in the state of Minas and Rio de Janeiro, the capital and site of the Games.
The TTOC has advised that in each location the response mechanisms for the Zika outbreak was clear and operational. The coastal town of Recife can be described as “ground zero” for the Zika outbreak in Brazil. As a result, Recife is at the forefront in the battle against the virus. The real concern about the virus relates directly to its impact on pregnant women.
Reports have suggested a link, still casual, between the virus and microcephaly in newborns. The TTOC team noted that there was no sense of panic among the Brazilian populace, which has already experienced dengue and chikungunya.
Illnesses which are spread by the same mosquito vector.
Preventive methods such as vector eradication, use of repellent, and appropriate attire, were constantly emphasised. These recommendations are globally applicable given the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) declaration of an international public health emergency.
It therefore means that people everywhere have to be wary about the spread of the Zika virus in their own countries. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health confirmed the first case of Zika here in Trinidad and Tobago.
At this time it is noteworthy that the WHO has not recommended travel or trade bans with affected countries, and has stressed that there is still a lot to learn about the virus. Given its recent experience in Brazil, the TTOC’s representative team has fully accepted the recommendations of the WHO on the International Zika outbreak.
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TTOC Long-Term Athlete Development programme begins (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2016-02-23/ttoc-long-term-athlete-development-programme-begins)
Published: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 (T&T Guardian)
In an effort to enhance it chances of attaining its gold of #10orMoreGold2014, the T&T Olympic Committee will commence and 18-month Long-Term Athlete Development LTAD) programme from Thurday.
The feature speaker for Thursday’s opening day at Guardian Group Head Office, Guardian Drive, Westmoorings, will be Richard Way, one of the architect of the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Framework.
The second and final day of Way’s visit will conclude with another lecture to be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Wrightson Road, on Friday. Both days the lectures will start at 9 am.
Way has facilitated the use of LTAD for 30-plus sports in more than 50 countries, and recently co-authored the book, Long-Term Athlete Development, with Istvan Balyi and Colin Higgs
With much emphasis being placed on its mission of attain ten or more gold medals or the creation of ten champions by 2024, T&TOC Secretary General, Annette Knott, speaking at a media conference held at T&TOC’s Abercromby Street Head Office, last month said it’s was a tremendous responsibility because it’s the T&TOC vision and its leaders vision and it’s not just going to happen just like that.
She added: “So the LTAD programme that we are part of it’s a CANOC programme which is the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees. There are six countries involved and this pilot project is over the next 18 months. What will happen is that we will have our first visit from the experts on February 25 and 26 during which time on the first day we will have all the stake holders, Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Education because a very important LTAD programme is physical literacy which speaks to our primary schools and physical education
“The second day will then be tailored to the coaches and national sporting organisations because while we understand physical literacy and the fact is that we would love to ensure long term athlete development is within all areas of sport in T&T, we have a mission of ten golds 2024 and therefore we have to focus and target certain national sporting organisations so that we can also reach our goal.
“With this there are certain aspects of the long term athlete development programme where they learn to train, train to train and train to compete, and those are the three stages that we will be very interested in.
“We are talking about athletes between the ages of 9-16 and of course when we talk 16 years we are talking of 2020 and nine-year-olds we are talking 2024, so we have to be very precise and focus on what we are doing.
The experts will come five times over the period of the 18 months, so in other words they will come speak to the coaches and administrators and go back while we do our home-work in between and then they come back again and over that period we will be able to monitor and evaluate the programme and to see how best it is to operate.
This programme has work successful in Canada and most of the national organisations in Canada have a long term athlete development programme.
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T&TOC to host Marketing and Sport Conference (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2016-02-23/ttoc-host-marketing-and-sport-conference)
Published: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 (T&T Guardian)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Socapro088/Kevin%20Roberts.png) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Socapro088/Kevin%20Roberts.png.html)
Kevin Roberts
Founding Editor of Sport Business, Englishman Kevin Roberts will be the feature speaker at the T&T Olympic Committee (T&TOC) Sport Marketing and Business of Sport Conference carded for March 9. Roberts is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable media and communications professionals in international sport.
As co-founder and long-time editorial director of SportBusiness Group his work has given him a unique insight into and understanding of the workings of the many diverse sectors which constitute the business of sport. Today he combines his continuing work for SportBusiness Group with a wide-ranging communications consultancy in sport.
Roberts continues to be in demand as a host and presenter at conferences around the world and was responsible for planning, organising and hosting events including the most recent editions of the International Herald Tribune (Now Int’l New York Times) Sports Summit and the Sportel Monaco International Symposium
In addition he has written on sports business issues for a variety of international publications and is a frequent media spokesman on sport business issues. As a result of his professional activities Kevin Roberts has built an extensive network of high-level contacts within the sports business world.
Roberts is a trained as a journalist in the United Kingdom and edited regional business publications before moving into PR. He has worked in sport since the early 1990s when, as head of communications at the London-based agency CPMA, he worked on the IRB Rugby World Cup, World Student Games (Universiade) and Bells Scottish Open Golf Championship.
He subsequently worked on sports media projects including the inaugural IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens and UEFA Euro 96.
Roberts was a co-founder of Sport Business International in 1996 and went on to oversee the editorial development of the monthly magazine and Sportbusiness.com, the world’s leading on-line source of information about the business of sport.
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TTOC, Press Play Jukebox boost Olympic thrust (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,224497.html)
By JOEL BAILEY Thursday, February 25 2016 (T&T Newsday)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Socapro091/Dwayne%20Cambridge%20Director%20of%20Press%20Play.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Socapro091/Dwayne%20Cambridge%20Director%20of%20Press%20Play.jpg.html)
Director of Press Play, Dwayne Cambridge
THE TRINIDAD and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) announced a partnership with Press Play Jukebox Limited - a leading provider of media management solutions - at the Olympic House, Port of Spain yesterday.
The partnership will see Press Play assist in building the TTO C’s brand as well as generating revenue for the #10Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund.
Press Play said it was pleased to partner with the TTO C as they work to foster a greater sense of awareness and patriotism within Trinidad and Tobago. Through leveraging Press Play’s expertise in in-store advertising and mobile marketing, the TTO C hopes to be in a stronger position to execute on fundraising efforts.
More specifically, Press Play’s in-store and audio platform will be used to raise public awareness while mobile marketing will entail mobile app development and SMS services.
Dwayne Cambridge, managing director of Press Play, stated, “we hope that our investment in this will bear fruit.” Concerning the promotional venture, TTO C president Brian Lewis revealed, “when you go to (various groceries), what you will be hearing is little drops, little promos (about the athletes).” Cambridge explained why his group decided to lend a helping hand to the TTO C.
“It’s about brand awareness,” he said.
“A lot of people, if you ask around, don’t know what the TTO C is. The first part of it is learning awareness for the TTO C and what they actually do, which is supporting our athletes on their quest for gold. And, in the second phase of the partnership will be centred around revenue generation.
“It’s really about making sure that we have the capacity and the capability to support our athletes in their thrust.” Cambridge later noted, “what we’re primarily known for is instant audio but we actually do more than that. It’s about opening up ourselves and allowing the TTO C to take full advantage of what we have to offer, to engage the populace.
That’s really what it’s all about.” The TTO C president commented, “it’s a real pleasure for us. We look forward to working with the Press Play Jukebox team. This is a real game changer and who don’t understand it, just watch and see.” He noted, “for us to sustain 10 or more Olympic gold medals by the year 2024, for us to support our athletes the way we can, we have to create a sustainable and viable sport industry. We have to find innovative ways to grow this economic pie.
“We can’t have our athletes aspiring for greatness and excellence, and we have a team that is focused on mediocrity and negativity. The Olympic Committee is determined to be the spearhead and we are absolutely delighted to welcome inside the #10Golds24 Press Play Jukebox,” he ended.
And, in related news, representatives of automobile dealers Toyota Limited (Sean Shaffie) and Southern Sales (Leiah Mohammed) also presented Lewis with respective cheques for the #10Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund.
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Support grows for T&T athletes
...as TTOC Presses Play (http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2016-02-24/support-grows-tt-athletes)
Published: Thursday, February 25, 2016 (T&T Guardian)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Socapro091/Brian%20Lewis%20centre%20and%20TTOC%20business%20supporters.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Socapro091/Brian%20Lewis%20centre%20and%20TTOC%20business%20supporters.jpg.html)
From left: Marketing Manager of Toyota Trinidad and Tobago Sean Shaffie, Limited, Marketing Coordinator of Southern Sales Liah Mohammed, TTOC President Brian Lewis, Director of Press Play Dwayne Cambridge, Director of Elephant & Castle Dale Harris and General Manager of Elephant & Castle Kimberly Martins.
Press Play Jukebox Limited will work in tandem with the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) in building its brand and generating revenue for the #10Golds24 (ten or more gold medals by the 2024 Olympics) Athlete Welfare and Preparation fund.
The partnership was announced at a press conference held at the T&T Olympic House on Abercromby Street in Port-of-Spain, yesterday.
Press Play delivers media experiences that combine the perfect blend of creativity and innovative technology. The company specializes in sensory branding, leveraging pre-existing technologies to provide robust, dynamic and affordable media solutions to the masses which includes audio, video and interactive solutions and throughout have built their reputation by delivering quality systems and superior customer service that set a standard for excellence.
President of the TTOC, Brian Lewis, welcomed Press Play as a TTOC partner. “In its effort to transform our marketing, the TTOC cannot think outside the box, we have to create a new box and become more innovative, vibrant and creative with our marketing initiatives,” said Lewis.
Press Play is pleased to partner with the TTOC as it works to foster a greater sense of awareness and patriotism within T&T. Leveraging Press Play’s expertise in advertising and new media marketing, the TTOC will be in a stronger position to execute fundraising efforts as it aids the T&T athletes in achieving #10Golds24. More specifically, Press Play’s media platforms will be used to raise public awareness and assist the revenue generation activities through its retail radio (in-store audio) and PPTV (digital signage) and mobile platforms.
Director of Press Play, Dwayne Cambridge, believes that nationalism and patriotism are at the heart of this partnership. “On one side it’s about ensuring that our athletes are adequately resourced from a preparation and wellness standpoint, to do their best on the world stage,” said Cambridge. “On the other side it’s about forging a closer relationship between the public and our athletes. In getting the populous to better know the individuals who represent us and do the country proud, the goal will be to help each citizen to identify with the athletes and better understand what it takes to get them to the Olympics,” he stated.
“For continued success there needs to be a structured, systematic, and most importantly consistent approach to the support (from all stakeholders) of our athletes. Our intent is to help the TTOC to play a significant part in getting this done,” he concluded.
In addition to the partnership announcement, Toyota T&T Limited (TTTL) and Southern Sales presented their marathon pledge for the #10Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation fund to the TTOC. Marketing Manager, Sean Shaffie, presented on behalf of TTTL while Marketing Coordinator, Liah Mohammed, presented on behalf of Southern Sales.
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Sports Minister pledges part of salary to athletes (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,224761.html)
Wednesday, March 2 2016 (T&T Newsday)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Socapro098/Brian%20Lewis%20collects%20cheque%20from%20Daryl%20Smith_1.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Socapro098/Brian%20Lewis%20collects%20cheque%20from%20Daryl%20Smith_1.jpg.html)
Pictured here is Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs Daryl Smith and TTOC President Brian Lewis.
“We got your back” is the message Sports Minister Darryl Smith is sending to Trinidad and Tobago’s athletes preparing for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
“We want you, the athletes, to be examples to the youth and of course to honour the red, white and black,” the Minister said, as he pledged five percent of his salary for the period February-August, 2016, to the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund.
Smith indicated that the Government is passionate about sport hence it is top priority to support initiatives such as the Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund (10Golds24). He declared Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and his Cabinet understand what Olympics can bring and has brought to this nation. “We saw it with Keshorn Walcott, Ato Boldon, George Bovell, and our first Olympic gold medallist, Hasely Crawford amongst others,” he said.
He noted that it is imperative to support this drive and is hopeful that others will be encouraged to donate to the fund.
In December 2015, Dr Rowley, in his address to the nation, said that as a symbolic gesture, he and his Cabinet colleagues decided effective January 2016, for the next two years, they will each donate five percent of their salary to a selected charity, NGO or sporting body of choice.
TTO C’s president Brian Lewis was on hand to receive Minister Smith’s first contribution and stated that he is very pleased that the Minister is displaying his tangible support to the athletes in the drive for 10 or more Olympic Gold medals by 2024. He added that the athletes are doing well with all the different things taking place, but at the end, the focus is Rio 2016 going for gold.
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Lewis calls for reduced $$ dependency (http://www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,225212.html)
Saturday, March 12 2016 (T&T Newsday)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Brian%20Lewis%20TTOC%2007.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Brian%20Lewis%20TTOC%2007.jpg.html)
Brian Lewis, president of TTOC
THE TRINIDAD and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTO C) played host to its first Sports Marketing and Business of Sport Conference at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain, on Wednesday.
Held under the theme, “Towards Economic Growth and Diversification — Trinidad and Tobago Sport Rising to the Challenge”, Lewis urged sports stakeholders, entrepreneurs, athletes, executives of National Sport Organisations (NSOs) and members of the business community alike to significantly reduce their dependence on state financing.
“There is a big wide world out there that we need to tap into,” Lewis said before his introduction of Ephraim Serrette, president of the National Association of Athletic Administrations (NAAA) in TT .
“How do we make sport in Trinidad attractive to investors?” he asked attendees.
In Serette’s address however, he focused on the local sport industry and policy.
The NAAA president stressed that there is presently a lack of data which hampers the ability of sports administrators to make effective decisions and accurately measure the output of our investments in sport. He lamented that there was, at this time, no data to measure the contribution of sport to TT .
Serrette was followed by Kevin Roberts, founding editor of Sports Business International, who delivered a captivating keynote address highlighting the value of the Global Sports Industry and key trends including polarisation, intense completion to host events, the increased globalisation of domestic sports and how a lack of market mass can hinder growth and poor standards of governance and professionalism.
Minister of Sport, Darryl Smith, closed off the morning session highlighting the steps the government was taking to improve Sport Administration locally.
Other topics highlighted throughout the day included the business of sport investment and strategies for financing sports along with legal protection.
National 400-metre hurdles star and former World Champion Jehue Gordon was also in attendance.
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TTOC to Set Up Sports Industry Think Tank (http://www.ttoc.org/index.php/latest-news/5701-ttoc-to-set-up-sports-industry-think-tank)
11 MARCH 2016 (TTOC.org)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Socapro136/Kevin%20Roberts%20Minister%20of%20Sport%20and%20Youth%20Affairs%20Darryl%20Smith%20middle%20and%20Mr%20Ephraim%20Serrette%2001.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Socapro136/Kevin%20Roberts%20Minister%20of%20Sport%20and%20Youth%20Affairs%20Darryl%20Smith%20middle%20and%20Mr%20Ephraim%20Serrette%2001.jpg.html)
On Wednesday, the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee hosted a one day high level sports business conference on the theme towards Economic Growth and Diversification - Trinidad and Tobago Sport... Rising to the Challenge.
The well attended conference held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel invited as its feature speakers thought leaders and key decision makers from sport, finance, media, technology, investment and government presenting their views on key issues, challenges, insights and proposed solutions.
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/Socapro/Socapro136/Kevin%20Roberts%20Minister%20of%20Sport%20and%20Youth%20Affairs%20Darryl%20Smith%20middle%20and%20Mr%20Ephraim%20Serrette%2002.jpg) (http://s124.photobucket.com/user/Socapro/media/Socapro136/Kevin%20Roberts%20Minister%20of%20Sport%20and%20Youth%20Affairs%20Darryl%20Smith%20middle%20and%20Mr%20Ephraim%20Serrette%2002.jpg.html)
Photography Courtesy Allan Crane: Kevin Roberts, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Darryl Smith (middle) and Mr Ephraim Serrette.
Key Speakers included Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Darryl Smith, Mrs Joan Mendez, Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, Former Minister of Energy Conrad Enill,Chairman of the Sports Company Michael Phillips,President of Invest TT Raquel Moses,Deputy CEO-Business Generation First Citizens Jason Julien,President of NAAA Ephraim Serette , international Speaker Kevin Roberts, Business women Lisa Ghany and Terri Ann Joseph-Braithwaite, Kurleigh Prescod , VP Technology, Flow TT and Intellectual property lawyer Carla Parris.
History was created as the conference was broadcast live on WISportsTV.
Arising from the deliberations participants noted that there was a need for urgent action on a new paradigm for the sports ecosystem in Trinidad and Tobago in order to leverage the commercial revenue opportunities locally, regionally and globally.
The meeting acknowledged that global trends in the growth of social media platforns, mobile consumption and services create significant opportunities for the Trinidad and Tobago sports practioners.
It was agreed that transforming Trinidad and Tobago as a destination for sports events including regional and Continental single sport championships, Continental ,International Federations General Assemblies and International Federations Elite Training Centres required urgent action.
The TTOC (Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee ) agreed to establish a Think Tank that will review and develop appropriate strategy in respect of finance, investment, communications, event planning, marketing, business development and public relations as it relates to the creation of a private sector focussed business plan for the sports industry. This will contribute towards building a profitable private sector driven Trinidad and Tobago Sports Business Sector by year 2030 .
The consensus is that Trinidad and Tobago can be a niche player in global sports and can use sport to diversify its national resource based economy linking sport to other sectors of tourism while guiding policymakers on strategically spending and investing in sport tourism opportunities of the Trinidad and Tobago product.
It was agreed that building the economic footprint and attracting foreign direct investment into the Trinidad and Tobago sports ecosystem is desirable and efforts to build a stream of revenues from commercial ventures is a priority item.
The meeting was also updated with the decision by the TTOC ( Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee ) to progress the inaugural National Beach Games in 2017 and position Trinidad and Tobago as the Beach Games capital of the Region with Tobago as the Beach Games epicentre.With approximately 20 sports to feature at the inaugural ANOC ( Association of National Olympic Committees ) 2017 World Beach Games in San Diego, USA. The TTOC intends to use the inaugural National Beach Games proposed for 2nd quarter 2017 as a selection showcase.
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Brian Lewis Returned as President of TTOC
The Annual General Meeting of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) took place on Thursday 20th April 2017 at Olympic House (121 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain).
The elected officers of the TTOC for the period 2017 -2021 are:
President - Mr. Brian Lewis
Vice President - Dr. Terry Ali
Vice President - Ms. Diane Henderson
Vice President - Mr. Ephraim Serrette
Secretary General - Mrs. Annette Knott
Assistant Secretary General - Ms. Nadine Khan
Treasurer - Mr. Curtis Nero
Executive Member - Mrs. Giselle La Ronde West
Executive Member - Ms. Reyah Richardson
Executive Member - Mr. Wendell Constantine
Trustee - Mr. Dave Williams
Trustee - Mrs. Racquel Moses
https://www.facebook.com/notes/team-tto/brian-lewis-returned-as-president-of-ttoc/1324584560921344/
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Worlds starts tomorrow. Nobody saying anything.
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Worlds starts tomorrow. Nobody saying anything.
The only thing to say.. We MIGHT win a medal. I hope that I'm proved wrong.
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Worlds starts tomorrow. Nobody saying anything.
The only thing to say.. We MIGHT win a medal. I hope that I'm proved wrong.
the bandwaggonists should start appearing today talking about the athletes are $hit, etc.
I hope you are wrong too but things looking bleak. Keshorn struggling, Cedenio dealing with injuries and the 400m men race will be fire (sub 44 to medal).
MLA should make finals in 100 and 200. 4x1 women, 4 x 4 men, Jereem (200) and Keshorn should also make finals. Hopefully they will surprise us.
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Worlds starts tomorrow. Nobody saying anything.
The only thing to say.. We MIGHT win a medal. I hope that I'm proved wrong.
the bandwaggonists should start appearing today talking about the athletes are $hit, etc.
I hope you are wrong too but things looking bleak. Keshorn struggling, Cedenio dealing with injuries and the 400m men race will be fire (sub 44 to medal).
MLA should make finals in 100 and 200. 4x1 women, 4 x 4 men, Jereem (200) and Keshorn should also make finals. Hopefully they will surprise us.
I supporting my team through thick and thin. I'm a realist though. Things look very bleak. Any accomplishment made by the athletes is by their own strength. The administration does very little to support.
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Worlds starts tomorrow. Nobody saying anything.
The only thing to say.. We MIGHT win a medal. I hope that I'm proved wrong.
the bandwaggonists should start appearing today talking about the athletes are $hit, etc.
I hope you are wrong too but things looking bleak. Keshorn struggling, Cedenio dealing with injuries and the 400m men race will be fire (sub 44 to medal).
MLA should make finals in 100 and 200. 4x1 women, 4 x 4 men, Jereem (200) and Keshorn should also make finals. Hopefully they will surprise us.
I supporting my team through thick and thin. I'm a realist though. Things look very bleak. Any accomplishment made by the athletes is by their own strength. The administration does very little to support.
Administration is piss poor as usual but talking about we could win 4 medals.
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Anybody watch the opening Ceremonies this morning?
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We really have zero men in the 100m individual event? What a shame. Michelle Ahye do yuh ting, I'll be proud no matter what
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2020 Tokyo Olympics track events going on this thread quiet. When you see that we must really be in a bad state....anyway I noticed we had a three guys advance to the 400m semi's...Lendore, Cedenio and St. Hillaire....all the best fellas!!!
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2020 Tokyo Olympics track events going on this thread quiet. When you see that we must really be in a bad state....anyway I noticed we had a three guys advance to the 400m semi's...Lendore, Cedenio and St. Hillaire....all the best fellas!!!
How often do you guys ever post in the Track and Field forum? Of course its quiet and should remain so with so many casual track fans members in here. Let the real track and field fans get together on social media
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2020 Tokyo Olympics track events going on this thread quiet. When you see that we must really be in a bad state....anyway I noticed we had a three guys advance to the 400m semi's...Lendore, Cedenio and St. Hillaire....all the best fellas!!!
I've abandoned the idea of following the Games live ... which is a hit on the track and field experience. Unfortunately on YouTube there's a spoiler in the title ... so no element of surpise, just technical observation/appreciation of the events.
The athletics landscape in T&T needs a bush bath. What we have going on or not present at the Games is what Ato has been referencing for years. To make up for that I am kicking back and watching quality like Sifan Hassan.
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We really have zero men in the 100m individual event? What a shame. Michelle Ahye do yuh ting, I'll be proud no matter what
That by itself should spark a revolt.
To tief from a legendary forum quote/post, the contrast of having NO 100m individuals with that of Jamaica having competitors in everything from "duck breeding, DNA testing, basketweaving, CB radio repair, Mongolian recipes,12th century European grammar, Turkish military tactics, Colombian drug lords, the Borneo rainforest, the Ming dynasty, Peruvian ant farming, Lord of the Rings, Kantian theory, 14th century Portuguese dressmaking, Namibian pottery, blacksmithing, kapuera or marsupial gestation cycles" is a stark indictment of everything that has happened since Montreal 1976.
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We really have zero men in the 100m individual event? What a shame. Michelle Ahye do yuh ting, I'll be proud no matter what
That by itself should spark a revolt.
To tief from a legendary forum quote/post, the contrast of having NO 100m individuals with that of Jamaica having competitors in everything from "duck breeding, DNA testing, basketweaving, CB radio repair, Mongolian recipes,12th century European grammar, Turkish military tactics, Colombian drug lords, the Borneo rainforest, the Ming dynasty, Peruvian ant farming, Lord of the Rings, Kantian theory, 14th century Portuguese dressmaking, Namibian pottery, blacksmithing, kapuera or marsupial gestation cycles" is a stark indictment of everything that has happened since Montreal 1976.
I remember that quote an absolute classic from Dutty if my memory serves me right lol
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2020 Tokyo Olympics track events going on this thread quiet. When you see that we must really be in a bad state....anyway I noticed we had a three guys advance to the 400m semi's...Lendore, Cedenio and St. Hillaire....all the best fellas!!!
How often do you guys ever post in the Track and Field forum? Of course its quiet and should remain so with so many casual track fans members in here. Let the real track and field fans get together on social media
I'll put my hand up and sdmit that I'm an infrequent track poster as I don't follow the sport closely but I do come on here to read about our athletes from time to time. This is the most quiet I've seen this forum during the past 3 or even 4 Olympics since I've been on this site. Now if the track fans found a home on social media then I have no problems with that but it just felt strange it's not as virbrant as it used to be. I'll just follow along on the FB page dedicated to T&T athletes.
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The Olympics are not just about avid athletics fans. Thousands across the globe only tune in once the Games are on ... especially for the 100m finals. So the avid fan versus casual fan distinction is less pronounced every four years. Time difference may also be a factor.
Reading criticism of NBC's coverage in YouTube comments reveals some familiar complaints regarding coverage bias (swimming and gymnastics over track etc). One particular comment was hilarious: it referred to a pole vault commentator opining "Ooo that was a high vault" as being indicative of inferiority analysis.
We hear similar inanities from former USWNT players during football coverage, especially during the WWC. Often nuance is lost.
I viewed a clip of Ato providing nuance to his colleague regarding why ETH was not conceding lane assignment based on her approach to the prelims versus the approach to come in the semis. That comment separated Ato from the pack.
Another factor may be due to outlets like i95.5 not having a team on the ground. However, I think the vibe reflects what is happening in the events. Having looked at times and distances delivered, I think the public knows we salt.
I'm curious what AB thinks about the bid that sought to add MLA to the 100 final.
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The Olympics are not just about avid athletics fans. Thousands across the globe only tune in once the Games are on ... especially for the 100m finals. So the avid fan versus casual fan distinction is less pronounced every four years. Time difference may also be a factor.
Reading criticism of NBC's coverage in YouTube comments reveals some familiar complaints regarding coverage bias (swimming and gymnastics over track etc). One particular comment was hilarious: it referred to a pole vault commentator opining "Ooo that was a high vault" as being indicative of inferiority analysis.
We hear similar inanities from former USWNT players during football coverage, especially during the WWC. Often nuance is lost.
I viewed a clip of Ato providing nuance to his colleague regarding why ETH was not conceding lane assignment based on her approach to the prelims versus the approach to come in the semis. That comment separated Ato from the pack.
Another factor may be due to outlets like i95.5 not having a team on the ground. However, I think the vibe reflects what is happening in the events. Having looked at times and distances delivered, I think the public knows we salt.
I'm curious what AB thinks about the bid that sought to add MLA to the 100 final.
I saw that. Ato, as you know, has been a student of his sport since his sprinting days. . .he is good at his job.
I remember when he first started . . . started well and grew into it well
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They put Jereem in a tough semi. World #s 9, 5, 3 and 2 in one semi what bullshate is dat
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Hopes are in 4x400 men. I think they stand a chance of getting a medal.
Ato, I watched some of your interview on Sportsmax. Great job from what I seen. I just find it hard to believe that the NAAATT hasn't entertained getting your expertise involved with creating something in TT. I really don't expect you to approach them for consultations. The onus is on them to source out the right people, if they don't know what to do. Do these guys in the association have a 5 year plan? Or are they just waiting to see who runs fast? Does the association have a plan to get coaches trained?
In Canada, RBC created an athlete identification, training and development center. They find athletes in any sport, and help them identify their strengths. Then they either continue to train them in their current sport, or introduce them to another sport or event. This initiative with RBC is raising Canada's profile in sport. TT need to start off with things like that. But the right people with good brains and business sense, is even more important for making these things work.
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This ain't a knock against the athletes. Last place in the heats 4x100 women.
Khalifa has gone backwards. She had so much potential. Ever since she left Ato, her career has slid down. She must have run 12 on the first leg.
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This ain't a knock against the athletes. Last place in the heats 4x100 women.
Khalifa has gone backwards. She had so much potential. Ever since she left Ato, her career has slid down. She must have run 12 on the first leg.
mate it might sound harsh but the people in TT is living on past glory when the world was horse and buggy, now that technology has exposed our laziness we still did not get the memo that sports is now a money making venture and if you want to be successful in sports you have to spend money and lots of it in order to acquire the desired results.
it pains me to see that jamaica has so many medals while we are scraping the bottom of the barrel for a single bronze medal, that when trinidad and tobago has set the stage for successful sport personalities in the region. we have over five stadiums with track and field capabilities, we have a state of the art indoor velodrome and an out door track as well. we have an aquatic center that is world class and sporting complex and fields all over this country, yet jamaica who have les facilities than us are producing some of the best athletes in the world,
and why is that? because every sporting discipline in this country have big mouth clueless presidents running their association with their supporters in the media, from david john williams to azim basaarat and brian lewis all clueless as they come with big loud xenophobic barrels for mouths, and don't have a clue how to produce results.
in all honesty i wish we don't see not one medal, and i'm hoping that everyone comes in last of the lot, maybe then we will be compelled to have the long awaited conversation that the world has gone and left us behind and we need to get serious and rid ourselves of these monkeys we have masquerading as association presidents.
another thing too GOP, when our businessmen decides to give back to the country instead of being stingy
and not leave the financial burden squarely on the shoulders of the government, maybe then we will experience some kind of success.
i say let them run last, get knock out in the prelims in every sport discipline until they buck up on their foolish wotless behavior, and the masses also have to take some blame because they don't support sporting events period, it's like all they know to do is lime, drink and wine down low, oye trinidad has become one worthless country old man, my god the people has lost so much of their standards it's chilling to observe.
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Why you old men in here mad? Soon you will get to go back on your four year track and field hiatus as fans. Since when you and the average Trini support our track and field athletes? But yet you here crying for a medal when Olympics come around. Steupse
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I think Khalifa has been injured recently. Now reading about the circumstances of Nicholas Paul's elimination. I hope it was a legit call and not some ioc nonsense.
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Why you old men in here mad? Soon you will get to go back on your four year track and field hiatus as fans. Since when you and the average Trini support our track and field athletes? But yet you here crying for a medal when Olympics come around. Steupse
Sando yuh dunno I have been a supporter from beginning. I have many posts in here. .
Pull stones, you're damn right. The truth is that these guys ain't have a workable and realistic plan. Whatever happened to the 10 medals by 2020 or 2024 that the TT Olympic committee and TNAAA was pushing. We far from getting 1, how we go get 10?
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Here are the Facts!
2008 - 2 medals won
2012 - 4 medals won
2016 -1 medal won
2020 - but yet old men in here playing surprised if we win 0 medals
Its like you casual track and field fans come here every four years and just dream of T&T winning a bunch of medals when that has never been our history :D
How many medals did we win at the recent 2019 world champs? Did you casual fans forget?
Some of allyuh old men do not even know our athletes before this Olympics. Rarely followed them and rarely pushed and supported them. And when this is all over you go back to not caring. How many of you old head football guys really know about Tyra Gitten or Nicholas Paul before this Olympics? Maybe just a few of you. You are not real supporters just medal dreamers so you can brag your country won a medal
If we medal in the men 4x4 that is good we just keeping up with our recent 1 medal per Olympics tally and by next week everything back to normal with non supportive fans and broken athletics system in T&T. So keep allyuh crying to allyuhs elf
and gawd on pitch do not ever quote me again on same 10 medal by 2024 nonsense, no one in their right mind ever believed that nonsense. so dont bother to mention it.
.
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What happened between 1964 and 2008?
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Here are the Facts!
2008 - 2 medals won
2012 - 4 medals won
2016 -1 medal won
2020 - but yet old men in here playing surprised if we win 0 medals
Its like you casual track and field fans come here every four years and just dream of T&T winning a bunch of medals when that has never been our history :D
How many medals did we win at the recent 2019 world champs? Did you casual fans forget?
Some of allyuh old men do not even know our athletes before this Olympics. Rarely followed them and rarely pushed and supported them. And when this is all over you go back to not caring. How many of you old head football guys really know about Tyra Gitten or Nicholas Paul before this Olympics? Maybe just a few of you. You are not real supporters just medal dreamers so you can brag your country won a medal
If we medal in the men 4x4 that is good we just keeping up with our recent 1 medal per Olympics tally and by next week everything back to normal with non supportive fans and broken athletics system in T&T. So keep allyuh crying to allyuhs elf
and gawd on pitch do not ever quote me again on same 10 medal by 2024 nonsense, no one in their right mind ever believed that nonsense. so dont bother to mention it.
.
Sando, I have no faith in that 10 medal gimmick. So don't think I somehow trying to defend that distraction.
Some things that hamper the development:
- No amateur development program (In JA the Secondary schools take this responsibility)
- little govt support
- little support from corporate
- little promotion of TF in Secondary schools
- lack of good coaches
- lack of a good consultant
Starting at the Secondary school will prove worthy. If the Secondary schools track teams can develop the same interest level and rivalries like the Secondary schools football team, then there might be some improvement.
I used to work with a Grenadian women. She used to tell me how Grenada Secondary school championships is big. She said when she used to run, the stadium was packed. Another Grenadian told me the same thing. Sent me a clip of the Grenadian Secondary schools competition on YouTube. There was a very strong crowd. I heard the same about Bahamas Secondary schools competition. . My point is that if something can get developed in the Secondary schools, TTNAAA might see a turn around. This might be the only realistic thing they can do. Yes I know... Very wishful thinking. But if not this, then where do they start.
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Same shit, same crying, same talking points every cycle.
Now allyuh can go back to regular programming until the next Olympic cycle.
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St Hillaire got injured. I think we would have gotten a medal if he did not. Oh well. So it go.
Sando, I know you ain't talking about me. Go and check who does post on here. Is only me, socapro, you, asylumseeker and AB. Other guys come in here every now and again. But that doesn't mean they can't comment.
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St Hillaire got injured. I think we would have gotten a medal if he did not. Oh well. So it go.
Sando, I know you ain't talking about me. Go and check who does post on here. Is only me, socapro, you, asylumseeker and AB. Other guys come in here every now and again. But that doesn't mean they can't comment.
Don't forget Deeks
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Here are the Facts!
2008 - 2 medals won
2012 - 4 medals won
2016 -1 medal won
2020 - but yet old men in here playing surprised if we win 0 medals
Its like you casual track and field fans come here every four years and just dream of T&T winning a bunch of medals when that has never been our history :D
How many medals did we win at the recent 2019 world champs? Did you casual fans forget?
Some of allyuh old men do not even know our athletes before this Olympics. Rarely followed them and rarely pushed and supported them. And when this is all over you go back to not caring. How many of you old head football guys really know about Tyra Gitten or Nicholas Paul before this Olympics? Maybe just a few of you. You are not real supporters just medal dreamers so you can brag your country won a medal
If we medal in the men 4x4 that is good we just keeping up with our recent 1 medal per Olympics tally and by next week everything back to normal with non supportive fans and broken athletics system in T&T. So keep allyuh crying to allyuhs elf
and gawd on pitch do not ever quote me again on same 10 medal by 2024 nonsense, no one in their right mind ever believed that nonsense. so dont bother to mention it.
.
no ones crying little boy, we're just tired of these clueless chimps leading the country into battle without proper preparations, this bullcrap has been going on for decades and people have the right to voice their opinion. and how do you know that we don't support and follow athletics? not because someone comes on a message board and talk athletics means that they are more eligable to give their opinion than you who live on it.
ato bolden hasn't post here in years, does that mean that he is not ....or should not talk about the state of our athletic program? there were tons of members who no longer visit to talk about any sport discipline, does that mean that they no longer watch athletics because they don't visit the site anymore? foloish argument skippy.
BTW when these big mouth trinidadians decide to get serious and take the bull by the horn and stop making excuses for failure, that would be the day that our nation would be a splendid place, both to reside and take pride in. but as it stands, every body in trinidad seems to know what's best for the country, both in positions of authority and on social media, but no ne wants to step forward and offer themselves for service, it's just talk talk talk and more talk, that while the country sailing down shit creek.
PS. supporting sports don't mean that you go to games and talk sports morning noon and night on a message board, in fact there are people who actually support with their time and wallets. you might want to know who you're getting at before you do.
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Same shit, same crying, same talking points every cycle.
Now allyuh can go back to regular programming until the next Olympic cycle.
like i said, not because no one visits this site regularly to talk sport, amounts to not following or supporting, you're just a very unpleasant, judgmental bloke, that's why i've never answered you until today. you always seem to know everything and what's wrong with everyone. you come over as very arrogant mate.
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Honestly I am disappointed. I am still not satisfied with the cyclist demotion in the sprint. I look at other cyclists and they are riding on both sides of the red line. TF where we have had most of our Olympic medal is truly disappointing. Lack of proper preparation, covid, injury and coaching. I am in no mood for debate or blame game. TF heads has to do something different to get the best out of our athletes whether it is good times or bad times. Maybe I will in a better mood next month. The only good thing is that the next Olympic is 3 yrs away.
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Pull Stones I will not even waste time with you old man. Keep your old dry stones in your hands and apparently in your mouth. If you do not understand my posts is telling people like you why YOU care when YOU really dont care and dont know what is going and only here to see who win a medal so sit your old ass down. Olympics done now you can go back to your regular programming you cunny hole
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0
St Hillaire got injured. I think we would have gotten a medal if he did not. Oh well. So it go.
Sando, I know you ain't talking about me. Go and check who does post on here. Is only me, socapro, you, asylumseeker and AB. Other guys come in here every now and again. But that doesn't mean they can't comment.
Don't forget Deeks
Yes Deeks long time.
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Pull Stones I will not even waste time with you old man. Keep your old dry stones in your hands and apparently in your mouth. If you do not understand my posts is telling people like you why YOU care when YOU really dont care and dont know what is going and only here to see who win a medal so sit your old ass down. Olympics done now you can go back to your regular programming you cunny hole
I wasn’t gonna waste my time with you either but sometimes a silly man needs to see his own folly in order to recover. you’re here calling members old like you’ll stay young forever, at least in my “old” age I’ve seen a sane productive trinidad, where as you tender bottoms has made your own country a horror story. growing up I didn’t have to worry about being shot or abducted, I could have walked anywhere at any time of the day or night without fear. today you “snatty nose” have to watch your every step because you don’t have any values, in addition to that you don’t even like your country or have an appreciation for sports and your life expectancy is lessened exponentially.
you’ve never been to an intercol game where you could barely find standing room, the place is filled to capacity and over flowing into the streets, yes green back those were the days when sports men and women longed to represent the flag…..it meant something in those day you know. now today a league final is playing in the stadium and no one cares. the people are so mindless that they raised their progeny on fast food and is confused as to why we don’t produce quick sturdy children anymore.
you trinis who were raised after those three brain drains that the country suffered are the dregs of what once was a thriving nation, you were raised by the foolish amongst us…the un-ambitious the irrational the destroyers of a once progressive society. So call me old, see if I care.TBH I find that rather hilarious being 57 years old and all, I thought old was farther down the road but whatever, you’re a silly feller anyway so I would laugh off anything coming from you in particular.
as for sports my response remain the same. TT will continue to send our children out to tournaments unprepared to be embarrassed just so that those babblers masquerading as sports administrators could have a job, and then they wonder why we are failing and looking everywhere else to cast blame except at their own feet, and you don’t have to live on a sports forum day and night to understand that we are governed by apes, full stop, end of story.
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Pull Stones I will not even waste time with you old man. Keep your old dry stones in your hands and apparently in your mouth. If you do not understand my posts is telling people like you why YOU care when YOU really dont care and dont know what is going and only here to see who win a medal so sit your old ass down. Olympics done now you can go back to your regular programming you cunny hole
So Sando, what you're really saying. Yes some men does only show up here every 2 years or every 4 years. But that don't mean they can't comment. Or don't support the team.
At the end of the day, any constructive comment is worth reading. Whether or not it get to the TTNAAA, is another story.
So instead of fighting each other, let we put something down worth reading. . What should development look like? Where to start? Is it even worth it?
I'm sure if the right people were around in TTNAAA and they approached Ato for consultations, I'm sure Ato ain't go say no.
A fella send me dis joke:
In 2012 Trinidad and Tobago won 4 medals
In 2016 Trinidad and Tobago won 1 medal
In 2021 Trinidad and Tobago won 0 medals
At this rate, they will be giving back medals at the next Olympics. .
Ato pointed this out after 2016. The TTNAAA was on a high in 2012. We win 4 medals with little support from them. Hence, they ain't improve or made any adjustments to their administrative delivery. Why? Because they thought the little effort they put to prepare the team for London was enough. London had 8 finalists.. Tokyo 2 finalist.
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I am not going to waste my time like you in here bro. I never had any expectations for T&T doing well. Since Ato was running for T&T how well was the team doing? He was the only one winning medals. You guys pretend T&T at some point was a good Track and Field nation because of what exactly? winning one medal every Olympics? After 1976 we did not win a medal until 1996 so how is this new? and every Olympics the ones who do not follow and understand come with absurd expectations for medals.
This was my last comment.
.
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I am not going to waste my time like you in here bro. I never had any expectations for T&T doing well. Since Ato was running for T&T how well was the team doing? He was the only one winning medals. You guys pretend T&T at some point was a good Track and Field nation because of what exactly? winning one medal every Olympics? After 1976 we did not win a medal until 1996 so how is this new? and every Olympics the ones who do not follow and understand come with absurd expectations for medals.
This was my last comment.
.
After 1976 we did not win a medal until 1996 so how is this new?
You are correct about this.
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i am use to watching Jamaica and Bahamas winning more medals than us but when Grenada doing it to you know things really bad and why is it when you have 5 good 400m runners you only using 4 you putting to much strain on your 4 top runners.
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I am not going to waste my time like you in here bro. I never had any expectations for T&T doing well. Since Ato was running for T&T how well was the team doing? He was the only one winning medals. You guys pretend T&T at some point was a good Track and Field nation because of what exactly? winning one medal every Olympics? After 1976 we did not win a medal until 1996 so how is this new? and every Olympics the ones who do not follow and understand come with absurd expectations for medals.
This was my last comment.
.
You're right about that Sando. But you're wrong about "you"not having any expectations. Check your past posts in the track and field forum. I'm just saying. .
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Pull Stones I will not even waste time with you old man. Keep your old dry stones in your hands and apparently in your mouth. If you do not understand my posts is telling people like you why YOU care when YOU really dont care and dont know what is going and only here to see who win a medal so sit your old ass down. Olympics done now you can go back to your regular programming you cunny hole
I wasn’t gonna waste my time with you either but sometimes a silly man needs to see his own folly in order to recover. you’re here calling members old like you’ll stay young forever, at least in my “old” age I’ve seen a sane productive trinidad, where as you tender bottoms has made your own country a horror story. growing up I didn’t have to worry about being shot or abducted, I could have walked anywhere at any time of the day or night without fear. today you “snatty nose” have to watch your every step because you don’t have any values, in addition to that you don’t even like your country or have an appreciation for sports and your life expectancy is lessened exponentially.
you’ve never been to an intercol game where you could barely find standing room, the place is filled to capacity and over flowing into the streets, yes green back those were the days when sports men and women longed to represent the flag…..it meant something in those day you know. now today a league final is playing in the stadium and no one cares. the people are so mindless that they raised their progeny on fast food and is confused as to why we don’t produce quick sturdy children anymore.
you trinis who were raised after those three brain drains that the country suffered are the dregs of what once was a thriving nation, you were raised by the foolish amongst us…the un-ambitious the irrational the destroyers of a once progressive society. So call me old, see if I care.TBH I find that rather hilarious being 57 years old and all, I thought old was farther down the road but whatever, you’re a silly feller anyway so I would laugh off anything coming from you in particular.
as for sports my response remain the same. TT will continue to send our children out to tournaments unprepared to be embarrassed just so that those babblers masquerading as sports administrators could have a job, and then they wonder why we are failing and looking everywhere else to cast blame except at their own feet, and you don’t have to live on a sports forum day and night to understand that we are governed by apes, full stop, end of story.
Full toss played over the boundary.
That's the result of departing from an even or measured line and length.
I'm hoping that was the final ball of the over.
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Old man wild energy in here :D Take your viagra and come here on an internet forum to spill your guts or your old stones
In the end you still living foreign so long and NOT familiar with what is happening in T&T and have unrealistic expectations of our sportsmen and sportswomen. GO BACK to your regular programming. NO ONE cares about three or four old mean emotional outbursts for medals. Medals they can just brag by the bar with their old friends about 'you know T&T win a medal'. When they have no clue what is going with sports today in T&T. Sit your old azz down.
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Pull Stones I will not even waste time with you old man. Keep your old dry stones in your hands and apparently in your mouth. If you do not understand my posts is telling people like you why YOU care when YOU really dont care and dont know what is going and only here to see who win a medal so sit your old ass down. Olympics done now you can go back to your regular programming you cunny hole
In 2012 Trinidad and Tobago won 4 medals
In 2016 Trinidad and Tobago won 1 medal
In 2021 Trinidad and Tobago won 0 medals
At this rate, they will be giving back medals at the next Olympics. .
Ato pointed this out after 2016. The TTNAAA was on a high in 2012. We win 4 medals with little support from them. Hence, they ain't improve or made any adjustments to their administrative delivery. Why? Because they thought the little effort they put to prepare the team for London was enough. London had 8 finalists.. Tokyo 2 finalist.
And how many medals won in 2004 ? 0 medals in track and field
And how many medals won in 2008? 1 medal was won when that Olympics was done. 2nd medal for teh realy years later.
The point being made is our usual trajectory is 0 to 1 medals. You can keep harping about 2012 from now until you die
And T&T had three individual finalists in Tokyo not two as you said.
Warren, Gittens, Richards
Simply talking to you is like going around in circles. You seem to not grasp with what is being said and forgot what was said earlier
.
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Pull Stones I will not even waste time with you old man. Keep your old dry stones in your hands and apparently in your mouth. If you do not understand my posts is telling people like you why YOU care when YOU really dont care and dont know what is going and only here to see who win a medal so sit your old ass down. Olympics done now you can go back to your regular programming you cunny hole
In 2012 Trinidad and Tobago won 4 medals
In 2016 Trinidad and Tobago won 1 medal
In 2021 Trinidad and Tobago won 0 medals
At this rate, they will be giving back medals at the next Olympics. .
Ato pointed this out after 2016. The TTNAAA was on a high in 2012. We win 4 medals with little support from them. Hence, they ain't improve or made any adjustments to their administrative delivery. Why? Because they thought the little effort they put to prepare the team for London was enough. London had 8 finalists.. Tokyo 2 finalist.
And how many medals won in 2004 ? 0 medals in track and field
And how many medals won in 2008? 1 medal was won when that Olympics was done. 2nd medal for teh realy years later.
The point being made is our usual trajectory is 0 to 1 medals. You can keep harping about 2012 from now until you die
And T&T had three individual finalists in Tokyo not two as you said.
Warren, Gittens, Richards
Simply talking to you is like going around in circles. You seem to not grasp with what is being said and forgot what was said earlier
.
Let's try to have a discussion without name calling or any attacks.. Yes we all are disappointed, because we SUPPORT and hold high regards for the athletes.
Anyways, any improved performance in any sport always raises expectations i.e. London. We were hoping London was not an anomaly. Most of us thought that London was a sign that we had the potential to leave with the Olympics with medals. . In fact, after London Richard Thompson said something along the lines of . . " we won 4 medals in London, Jamaica won 5 in Athens 2004, so this is a sign that we are getting there" (paraphrasing). .
Yes we all are disappointed Sando, but arguing with the supporters on here about how they only show support every 2 or 4 years is not constructive at all. At least give an opinion about how this mess can be solved.
Finally, if you are suggesting that having no expectations is the right approach, then my question to you is, what about the athletes? The fact that they participate and compete shows that they at least have expectations to win something. So should the athletes that are training hard and making sacrifices go into competition with expectations of losing? You tell me. .
Sando we can throw all cheap shots at each other. And every now and again it adds flavor to the discussion, but it always reaches a point where we need to put emotions to the side and discuss this issue more objectively. How are we helping the situation if we ain't contributing to building with each other vs destroying each other. .
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I am not going to waste my time like you in here bro. I never had any expectations for T&T doing well. Since Ato was running for T&T how well was the team doing? He was the only one winning medals. You guys pretend T&T at some point was a good Track and Field nation because of what exactly? winning one medal every Olympics? After 1976 we did not win a medal until 1996 so how is this new? and every Olympics the ones who do not follow and understand come with absurd expectations for medals.
This was my last comment.
.
You're right about that Sando. But you're wrong about "you"not having any expectations. Check your past posts in the track and field forum. I'm just saying. .
mate you’re wasting your time with a fool, and I’m not calling him a fool because he’s a tool, I’m calling him a fool because he is. just listen to his rationale, we don’t normally do good at athletics and our failure over the years is ample proof, well duh, of course we’re not gonna win anything at any sports disciple because as I said repeatedly our sports administrators suck, and not only them but our ministry of sports also suck as well as the corporate sector who has failed miserably to invest a penny in any sport developmental programs with the exception of cricket.
So tell me why do we even bother to attend the Olympics, the World Cup qualifiers, the gold cup or CCL if we’re gonna lose? in fact why even waste money trying, better yet why not defund the sport ministry and redirect funds to more pressing areas like health or education and forget sports altogether? by saying well I don’t expect us to win anything because we only win a medal every ten years, is piss poor thinking, when the real discussions (by someone who actually use their brains) should be, why not fire everyone involved in our sporting discipline and hire people who actually know how to develop athletes, footballers, basketballers etc and put our tax and oil dollars to use?
TT needs to stop this retarded notion of “let we give we own local good ole boys a chance instead of running to foreigners” and actually invest in developmental programs for sports men and women. we have the money now all we need to do is build the facilities and hire real dedicated capable people to develop our athletes and quit with this local vs foreign bullshit.
I don’t have a problem with locals involvement in sports, but they must be well qualified and have experience in other countries gaining valuable knowledge of their sporting discipline, but don’t bring me some jealous minded big mouth boy who just looking for a job but never even left the island to study abroad but wants to be highly considered, IMO that’s been what hamstringing us for decades.
I believe we should make it mandatory for every sport administrator to have experience elsewhere and a degree in their respective field to even apply for the post, same with coaches, you must have all your qualifications by international standards and you must spend time in a solid league plying your trade in order to come home and stand any chance of teaching our children.
we should have a no nonsense approach where no shit hounds are allowed to just walk in and find employment. and until we are critically serious about sports, then we will be losing every time we step out to compete and have the mind set that we’re not expecting anything great to happen because it usually don’t, and it usually don’t because we don’t prepare well or put in the work to ensure success, and that’s all that’s about.
BTW jamaica used to be just like us winning medals now and again, that is until they decided to invest heavily in athletics, their efforts are now paying dividends, just ask yourself which US college did usain bolt attended? his development started and ended right there in Kingston, him and quite a few athletes who are all accomplished Olympians.
so don’t study those fools who living in trinidad, they’re all extremely insecure and when faced with outside competition their nepotism and xenophobia jumps out like a wild cat trapped in a closet, just listen to that dunce sando, all he have is a bitter venomous colloquial tongue, but could offer no sensible advice, just insults, what a wank job.
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Don't worry in 2024 we will be having the same discussion based on the same absurb expectations for medals. And I will be here to remind you again and again about TnT historical 0 to 1 medal trajectory and ask you what are you basing your medal expectations on?
Also don't try to twist what I said. I am talking about you olden in here, the casual fans with medal expectations. I never said an athlete own personal individual expectation. Trying your best with that one.
Now go by the bar and drink allyuh rum
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I am not going to waste my time like you in here bro. I never had any expectations for T&T doing well. Since Ato was running for T&T how well was the team doing? He was the only one winning medals. You guys pretend T&T at some point was a good Track and Field nation because of what exactly? winning one medal every Olympics? After 1976 we did not win a medal until 1996 so how is this new? and every Olympics the ones who do not follow and understand come with absurd expectations for medals.
This was my last comment.
.
You're right about that Sando. But you're wrong about "you"not having any expectations. Check your past posts in the track and field forum. I'm just saying. .
mate you’re wasting your time with a fool, and I’m not calling him a fool because he’s a tool, I’m calling him a fool because he is. just listen to his rationale, we don’t normally do good at athletics and our failure over the years is ample proof, well duh, of course we’re not gonna win anything at any sports disciple because as I said repeatedly our sports administrators suck, and not only them but our ministry of sports also suck as well as the corporate sector who has failed miserably to invest a penny in any sport developmental programs with the exception of cricket.
So tell me why do we even bother to attend the Olympics, the World Cup qualifiers, the gold cup or CCL if we’re gonna lose? in fact why even waste money trying, better yet why not defund the sport ministry and redirect funds to more pressing areas like health or education and forget sports altogether? by saying well I don’t expect us to win anything because we only win a medal every ten years, is piss poor thinking, when the real discussions (by someone who actually use their brains) should be, why not fire everyone involved in our sporting discipline and hire people who actually know how to develop athletes, footballers, basketballers etc and put our tax and oil dollars to use?
TT needs to stop this retarded notion of “let we give we own local good ole boys a chance instead of running to foreigners” and actually invest in developmental programs for sports men and women. we have the money now all we need to do is build the facilities and hire real dedicated capable people to develop our athletes and quit with this local vs foreign bullshit.
I don’t have a problem with locals involvement in sports, but they must be well qualified and have experience in other countries gaining valuable knowledge of their sporting discipline, but don’t bring me some jealous minded big mouth boy who just looking for a job but never even left the island to study abroad but wants to be highly considered, IMO that’s been what hamstringing us for decades.
I believe we should make it mandatory for every sport administrator to have experience elsewhere and a degree in their respective field to even apply for the post, same with coaches, you must have all your qualifications by international standards and you must spend time in a solid league plying your trade in order to come home and stand any chance of teaching our children.
we should have a no nonsense approach where no shit hounds are allowed to just walk in and find employment. and until we are critically serious about sports, then we will be losing every time we step out to compete and have the mind set that we’re not expecting anything great to happen because it usually don’t, and it usually don’t because we don’t prepare well or put in the work to ensure success, and that’s all that’s about.
BTW jamaica used to be just like us winning medals now and again, that is until they decided to invest heavily in athletics, their efforts are now paying dividends, just ask yourself which US college did usain bolt attended? his development started and ended right there in Kingston, him and quite a few athletes who are all accomplished Olympians.
so don’t study those fools who living in trinidad, they’re all extremely insecure and when faced with outside competition their nepotism and xenophobia jumps out like a wild cat trapped in a closet, just listen to that dunce sando, all he have is a bitter venomous colloquial tongue, but could offer no sensible advice, just insults, what a wank job.
100% Pull stones. I remember when Jamaica was winning less than 5 medals. Obviously they figured out something. Jamaica success aint because of yam or the Jamaicans having an extra twitch muscle in they foot. Their success was in the making. Look at Carifta and the world juniors. It was coming. Now they reap the benefits.
Again Sando my question to you is. . What can TT do to increase success in athletics? That is what I want to hear from you. . Pull stones and the other posters can give some ideas and opinions on what is going on. I would like to hear your version.. I aint trying to fight you down on anything pardna.. I/we just looking for answers, as we all are just as disappointed as you.
My problem with this mess is that we have a guy like Ato, who clearly has a lot of knowledge and is willing to share his expertise to get this ship sailing. However, those old heads have not made any attempts to get Ato involved. I could be wrong, but I believe there was a time Ato was lending his expertise informally to the administration. I honestly believe that some of these old heads (mentality not age) are concerned that a guy like Ato will STEAL their thunder. Rightfully so. .
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So I was talking to my good friend Mike Grayson about the situation. He also ran track for QRC in its hey days early 70s. Everything everybody is saying about TT T&F is correct. He said that ethnic demographics is one part of a number of problems. It causes the talent pool to shrink. He said we have to get the other half of the population to encourage their children to participate in sports. He does not see why. If they could run jump throw back in cricket like everyone else, why not football, basketball, swimming, TF, rugby, etc.
He said people always comparing us with JA. That is a reasonable argument. Their talent pool is huge compare to TT. Their primary school system has massive local and regional participation is sports.
Plus there is the issue to TT primary school system. He said a substantial amount of primary schools don't have schools sport or particpate in local area school sports. He is not even sure they have PE. In addition, when common entrance comes around most parents want their children "beating book" and taking lessons for a spot for high school not playing sports. Carnival already consume a lot of the nations energy, it is too much for country with a small talent pool.
He alluded to high schools where football is the primary goal for the yutes because of potential pro contracts or scholarships. yes, there is TF scholarships but football grabs their attention. He mention that while coaching at St. Augustine and Arima, many a times he saw some of these players as good prospect for TF. But they stuck with football.
There are issues of funding, accountability, qualified coaches and many more. Where to start is the question. We only have 3 years for Paris.
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So I was talking to my good friend Mike Grayson about the situation. He also ran track for QRC in its hey days early 70s. Everything everybody is saying about TT T&F is correct. He said that ethnic demographics is one part of a number of problems. It causes the talent pool to shrink. He said we have to get the other half of the population to encourage their children to participate in sports. He does not see why. If they could run jump throw back in cricket like everyone else, why not football, basketball, swimming, TF, rugby, etc.
He said people always comparing us with JA. That is a reasonable argument. Their talent pool is huge compare to TT. Their primary school system has massive local and regional participation is sports.
Plus there is the issue to TT primary school system. He said a substantial amount of primary schools don't have schools sport or particpate in local area school sports. He is not even sure they have PE. In addition, when common entrance comes around most parents want their children "beating book" and taking lessons for a spot for high school not playing sports. Carnival already consume a lot of the nations energy, it is too much for country with a small talent pool.
He alluded to high schools where football is the primary goal for the yutes because of potential pro contracts or scholarships. yes, there is TF scholarships but football grabs their attention. He mention that while coaching at St. Augustine and Arima, many a times he saw some of these players as good prospect for TF. But they stuck with football.
There are issues of funding, accountability, qualified coaches and many more. Where to start is the question. We only have 3 years for Paris.
Thank you for that Deeks. Just as what I and others suggested. . Start on the primary and secondary school level.
The point about directing footballers with exceptional speed into athletics is good. I remember reading an article in the Jamaica Observer where they talked about 3 youth who were originally footballers playing on Jamaica under 18 or 19 team, were redirected into athletics. One of them even won a medal at world juniors. I think his name is Jaheel Hyde. So it goes to show Jamaica already has something what your friend is talking about. . However we don't. Ato was almost a victim of this. It wasn't until he was in the US, that he was encouraged to pursue track over football.
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One thing that hasn't been mentioned is Tobago. Tobago has produced 3 WC medalists despite being only 55k, Quow, Baptiste and Lucas. The secondary schools in Tobago often perform way better than the secondary schools in Trinidad at the secondary school championships. Tobago is doing a better job in taking their athletics serious at secondary school.
Next thing too is encouraging the other events. Most who get into track only want to do the 100 and 200. Especially among the girls.
The field events are getting some interest. But still there should be more.
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1. Some schools have more or less killed "Sports Day" ... with that in progress, how much prestige or influence could athletics bodies have at schools or in the country? Athletics bodies should be lobbying and raising awareness and heightening the prestige of T&F. However, there seems to be a limited view of the level of activism required.
Athletes would like seats filled and fans applauding, but if there are next to no fans, at a minimum they would like to have events at which to participate.
Woeful situation.
2. Remember when not only did schools have their internal athletics competitions and also had other schools invited for relays? That allowed for competition, rivalries and another platform for learning. Sadly, some institutions (principals) failed to appreciate the benefits.
3. Some of the same nonsense and duplication that is evident in football is evident in athletics. It shouldn't be said that the road rules for T&F should be modified but those for football not so much (school sporting entities and national governing bodies need to arrive at a common agenda/priorities).
4. As for ethnic diversity: that drum is to be beaten loudly until the population and policy makers get it. Indeed, it should be raised at the TTFA's upcoming forum on racial discrimination. Both a lack of diversity and racial discrimination live in the same house. Until we understand that, progress will be limited. We simplify it constantly ... when an equity officer or similar function needs to be injected into the conversation.
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1. Some schools have more or less killed "Sports Day" ... with that in progress, how much prestige or influence could athletics bodies have at schools or in the country? Athletics bodies should be lobbying and raising awareness and heightening the prestige of T&F. However, there seems to be a limited view of the level of activism required.
Athletes would like seats filled and fans applauding, but if there are next to no fans, at a minimum they would like to have events at which to participate.
Woeful situation.
When I was in college my roommate for 2 years was on the track team and he was from JA. His friend from secondary school in JA transferred in from TCU and was on the track team as well. I also had a teammate on the football team from JA and the 4 of us would lime in my room at nights and often times they would speak about the biggest track and field event in JA secondary schools, "Champs". According to them it is the granddaddy of all track and field events. Packed stadium each day, seemed like everybody and they mammy showed up. The atmosphere they described didn't come close to secondary schools sports day in the Hasely Crawford stadium and that used to be a big thing.
They also used to tell me about Marc Burns and Richard Thompson, they had nuff respect for them in the words of my roommate "dem men dey tuff mi yute....bombaclaaaaaaaat"
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1. I remember stumbling upon the existence of/the coming of World Junior Champs. Saw a reference to it in a running magazine. Other than that WJC seemed to be a secret activity from the T&T perspective. The magazine had a list of the World Junior records and qualifying standards. That was a 💡 moment because prior to seeing that info I had insufficient to NO context on what times were to be targeted in my age group or were realistic beyond T&T airspace. I knew what the pros were running as a distant reference ... mixed in with some optimistic notion that junior level numbers should/would whittle over time. Shouldn't someone have been informing me?
Would have been a different experience for 1/4 milers and lower. Other than that, it was a desert.
2. We might not have been lighting up medal ceremonies at the Olympics but world-class runners were frequently in T&T and they were all very approachable and easy to engage. And that counted for something.
Contrast that with a lack of mentorship among locals. Not a nurturing scene really. It was sink or swim or quit or prepare.
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I went home one Easter in the 80s, and it so happened that the Carifta games was being held. Man that was like Bingo for me. I was in HCS for the two days. I carried my little cousin with me. We had fun. Now 2 of his daughters play volleybol with the TT junior volleyball team. At that games Marc Burns was running U-17. Also Fana Ashby was the top female sprinter for TT.
One thing that stay true to the games was JA dominance. It was not their winning most of the medals that bothered me. It was the share depth of their talent pool. They always had 2 or more athletes in an event. In some of the longer events we did not ave any athletes, especially in the female category. Even though we came second in medals, we were a distant second.
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1. Some schools have more or less killed "Sports Day" ... with that in progress, how much prestige or influence could athletics bodies have at schools or in the country? Athletics bodies should be lobbying and raising awareness and heightening the prestige of T&F. However, there seems to be a limited view of the level of activism required.
Athletes would like seats filled and fans applauding, but if there are next to no fans, at a minimum they would like to have events at which to participate.
Woeful situation.
When I was in college my roommate for 2 years was on the track team and he was from JA. His friend from secondary school in JA transferred in from TCU and was on the track team as well. I also had a teammate on the football team from JA and the 4 of us would lime in my room at nights and often times they would speak about the biggest track and field event in JA secondary schools, "Champs". According to them it is the granddaddy of all track and field events. Packed stadium each day, seemed like everybody and they mammy showed up. The atmosphere they described didn't come close to secondary schools sports day in the Hasely Crawford stadium and that used to be a big thing.
They also used to tell me about Marc Burns and Richard Thompson, they had nuff respect for them in the words of my roommate "dem men dey tuff mi yute....bombaclaaaaaaaat"
It is like a paid infomercial. They go on and on and on about it ... as unpaid brand ambassadors. Which says something. Sort of an amped up version of how "we" sold Carnival.
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I went home one Easter in the 80s, and it so happened that the Carifta games was being held. Man that was like Bingo for me. I was in HCS for the two days. I carried my little cousin with me. We had fun. Now 2 of his daughters play volleybol with the TT junior volleyball team. At that games Marc Burns was running U-17. Also Fana Ashby was the top female sprinter for TT.
One thing that stay true to the games was JA dominance. It was not their winning most of the medals that bothered me. It was the share depth of their talent pool. They always had 2 or more athletes in an event. In some of the longer events we did not ave any athletes, especially in the female category. Even though we came second in medals, we were a distant second.
If Burns and Ashby ran that would have been in the 90s.
Anyone recall/know whether that was a CARIFTA Games T&T hosted at the last minute due to another nation being unable to host?
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1. Some schools have more or less killed "Sports Day" ... with that in progress, how much prestige or influence could athletics bodies have at schools or in the country? Athletics bodies should be lobbying and raising awareness and heightening the prestige of T&F. However, there seems to be a limited view of the level of activism required.
Athletes would like seats filled and fans applauding, but if there are next to no fans, at a minimum they would like to have events at which to participate.
Woeful situation.
When I was in college my roommate for 2 years was on the track team and he was from JA. His friend from secondary school in JA transferred in from TCU and was on the track team as well. I also had a teammate on the football team from JA and the 4 of us would lime in my room at nights and often times they would speak about the biggest track and field event in JA secondary schools, "Champs". According to them it is the granddaddy of all track and field events. Packed stadium each day, seemed like everybody and they mammy showed up. The atmosphere they described didn't come close to secondary schools sports day in the Hasely Crawford stadium and that used to be a big thing.
They also used to tell me about Marc Burns and Richard Thompson, they had nuff respect for them in the words of my roommate "dem men dey tuff mi yute....bombaclaaaaaaaat"
You sure it wasn't Darrel Brown they liked too? Darrel Brown moved to Jamaica to train with MVP (Asafa, Shelly Ann). Darrel got a lot of love from the Jamaicans. When he won the WJ in Jamaica, the talk was that him and Bolt will be the kings of Track and field. I know this because I know his cousin well.
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1. I remember stumbling upon the existence of/the coming of World Junior Champs. Saw a reference to it in a running magazine. Other than that WJC seemed to be a secret activity from the T&T perspective. The magazine had a list of the World Junior records and qualifying standards. That was a 💡 moment because prior to seeing that info I had insufficient to NO context on what times were to be targeted in my age group or were realistic beyond T&T airspace. I knew what the pros were running as a distant reference ... mixed in with some optimistic notion that junior level numbers should/would whittle over time. Shouldn't someone have been informing me?
Would have been a different experience for 1/4 milers and lower. Other than that, it was a desert.
2. We might not have been lighting up medal ceremonies at the Olympics but world-class runners were frequently in T&T and they were all very approachable and easy to engage. And that counted for something.
Contrast that with a lack of mentorship among locals. Not a nurturing scene really. It was sink or swim or quit or prepare.
Good points there Asylumseeker.
It's funny that men in here can identify the problems facing. But them old heads running the show, seem to don't know their ass from their elbow.
Meh old man told me in the 50s and 60s Track was becoming very popular. Told me a story how him, and Leroy DeLeon brother (I forget his name) was on the track team. Deleon was trying to encourage my dad to do the hurdles. Because all the footballers that were doing track, were all doing the 100, 200 and 400. Apparently DeLeon was good at hurdles too and could have easily made the 72 and 76 team.
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https://newsday.co.tt/2021/08/09/boldon-amateur-approach-has-left-trinidad-and-tobago-athletics-trailing/
Boldon: 'Amateur' approach has left Trinidad and Tobago athletics trailing
FORMER sprint star Ato Boldon has blasted the "amateur" approach to track and field in Trinidad and Tobago, after he accurately predicted the country would end the 2020 Olympic Games without an athletics medal.
In fact, TT ended the games without a medal in any sport – the first time since the 1992 Barcelona edition.
Boldon expressed his frustration on Sunday as the curtains came down on the Tokyo Games, pointing fingers at the body in charge of track and field in TT – the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA).
Boldon has openly criticised the NAAA for years.
Boldon is a four-time Olympic medallist – two medals apiece at the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Games – and a World Championship (1997) 200m champion.
The build-up to the 2020 Olympics was not ideal as the local-based TT athletes were hampered by the covid19 pandemic. Many complained about lack of access to training facilities. The Government did allow training for teams and athletes preparing for international competition but there were still many challenges for the athletes.
Boldon, who did commentary during the Tokyo Games, is the lead track and field analyst for NBC Sports Group.
In a post on Facebook he said, “Oh, the irony of the winning Jamaican women’s (4x100m) team being plastered on the front page of the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. We were third behind them in 2015 at the World Championships.”
TT did not advance past the heats in Tokyo in the women’s 4x100m event.
Boldon asked rhetorically what changes would be made for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Same dotishness, same jokers talking a set of annual rubbish, same 1970s thinking, same personal agendas, same relay coaching roulette, same pretending sh---- Carifta/junior results are ok, same ‘we not changing a damn thing, this good enough.’
"Vex with me if you want for pointing out the obvious, but you vex with the wrong person."
For the first time since the 1988 Seoul Olympics TT did not have a representative in the men's 100m event.
The 2018 Commonwealth 100m champ, Michelle-Lee Ahye, narrowly missed a spot in the women's final.
The national men and women's 4x100 teams exited in the preliminary heats.
Four TT track and field athletes/teams qualified for finals for TT. Debutants Portious Warren (shot put) and Tyra Gittens (long jump) qualified for finals, placing 11th and tenth, respectively.
In the men's 200m final, Jereem Richards, on his Olympic debut, was eighth. He was part of the 4x400m relay men who competed in the final. They finished eighth after Dwight St Hillaire injured his hamstring on the third leg.
Boldon lamented, "We have been left behind by so many countries at the highest level of sport because we are stuck doing the same AMATEUR things and expecting a different result. It pains me to see where things are now.”
Boldon later mentioned the NAAA as he tweeted, “The beatings will continue until morale improves.”
In a Newsday interview in early June, Boldon said, “I’ve said it before and I will say it again, it is going to be a rough Olympics for us.
“We don’t have anybody right now that is a medal contender…that could change like I said, but right now on June 2, 2021 we do not have anybody in any event or a relay that is a medal contender.”
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I was waiting for Ato to speak about the performance. I know he wasnt going to hold back.
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You sure it wasn't Darrel Brown they liked too? Darrel Brown moved to Jamaica to train with MVP (Asafa, Shelly Ann). Darrel got a lot of love from the Jamaicans. When he won the WJ in Jamaica, the talk was that him and Bolt will be the kings of Track and field. I know this because I know his cousin well.
Now you say it it could've been Brown and Burns. They all spoke very highly of those two in particular, like full props.
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I was waiting for Ato to speak about the performance. I know he wasnt going to hold back.
Good for him. It's the sport he's passionate about and was outstanding at the highest levels. He of all people has the cachet to put them on blast.
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I was waiting for Ato to speak about the performance. I know he wasnt going to hold back.
Good for him. It's the sport he's passionate about and was outstanding at the highest levels. He of all people has the cachet to put them on blast.
Absolutely. These guys running the show do not want to be told what to do. Especially from someone who has that cache. They would rather have people around who keep them in they comfort zone.
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I was waiting for Ato to speak about the performance. I know he wasnt going to hold back.
Good for him. It's the sport he's passionate about and was outstanding at the highest levels. He of all people has the cachet to put them on blast.
Absolutely. These guys running the show do not want to be told what to do. Especially from someone who has that cache. They would rather have people around who keep them in they comfort zone.
why don’t that tosser from sando call ato an old complaining nuisance? after all he basically repeated my exact sentiments, he’s here complaining about our failure at the olympics and the lack of developmental programs together with the cluelessness of the respective federation presidents in charge of these sport disciplines, and he’s not on the forum like he used too be and he’s up in age like I am, or is it that they love to jump on people they don’t deem as important?
what ato said could easily apply to any sporting body in TT just like I have outlined in recent times, and he’s 100% correct. it’s a bunch of self important unconscionable clueless trinis who’s in charge of sports on that island, and the majority of them are without degrees or qualification to hold down these portfolios, yet their friends and former colleagues in the sport has given them the vote of confidence to further destroy the sport. how many years must the public suffer as a result of nepotism.
a perfect example was angus eve’s performance at the gold cup, his friends in the sport like Clayton Morris and the fearless one has given him a passing grade to continue although he has won not a single game in the gold cup while losing out to guatemala a game he should have won. if terry fenwick had done what he did vs mexico the whole country would have been inundated with negative comments claiming how it was the worst game we ever played, but since it was one of their good friends they claimed it was a brilliant strategy. this is the rubbish we TT supporters have to contend with from these so called sport legends and vision less administrators,
and there are fools who’s claiming that we shouldn’t expect any better because that’s the norm, and only because you don’t frequent a section of a certain message board you shouldn’t complain, oh yeh? well is time to change the norm says not only me, but the king of track and field in trinbago, a man with 4 Olympic medals.
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I was waiting for Ato to speak about the performance. I know he wasnt going to hold back.
Good for him. It's the sport he's passionate about and was outstanding at the highest levels. He of all people has the cachet to put them on blast.
Absolutely. These guys running the show do not want to be told what to do. Especially from someone who has that cache. They would rather have people around who keep them in they comfort zone.
why don’t that tosser from sando call ato an old complaining nuisance? after all he basically repeated my exact sentiments, he’s here complaining about our failure at the olympics and the lack of developmental programs together with the cluelessness of the respective federation presidents in charge of these sport disciplines, and he’s not on the forum like he used too be and he’s up in age like I am, or is it that they love to jump on people they don’t deem as important?
what ato said could easily apply to any sporting body in TT just like I have outlined in recent times, and he’s 100% correct. it’s a bunch of self important unconscionable clueless trinis who’s in charge of sports on that island, and the majority of them are without degrees or qualification to hold down these portfolios, yet their friends and former colleagues in the sport has given them the vote of confidence to further destroy the sport. how many years must the public suffer as a result of nepotism.
a perfect example was angus eve’s performance at the gold cup, his friends in the sport like Clayton Morris and the fearless one has given him a passing grade to continue although he has won not a single game in the gold cup while losing out to guatemala a game he should have won. if terry fenwick had done what he did vs mexico the whole country would have been inundated with negative comments claiming how it was the worst game we ever played, but since it was one of their good friends they claimed it was a brilliant strategy. this is the rubbish we TT supporters have to contend with from these so called sport legends and vision less administrators,
and there are fools who’s claiming that we shouldn’t expect any better because that’s the norm, and only because you don’t frequent a section of a certain message board you shouldn’t complain, oh yeh? well is time to change the norm says not only me, but the king of track and field in trinbago, a man with 4 Olympic medals.
Yeah I with you on that Pullstones. Maybe the Eve analogy might not be the best. But your points got my support.
Sando was just a bit disappointed like all of us. I've been there too. I sure he has faith that if the right people were involved with athletics in TT, the results will be better.
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I was waiting for Ato to speak about the performance. I know he wasnt going to hold back.
Good for him. It's the sport he's passionate about and was outstanding at the highest levels. He of all people has the cachet to put them on blast.
Absolutely. These guys running the show do not want to be told what to do. Especially from someone who has that cache. They would rather have people around who keep them in they comfort zone.
why don’t that tosser from sando call ato an old complaining nuisance? after all he basically repeated my exact sentiments, he’s here complaining about our failure at the olympics and the lack of developmental programs together with the cluelessness of the respective federation presidents in charge of these sport disciplines, and he’s not on the forum like he used too be and he’s up in age like I am, or is it that they love to jump on people they don’t deem as important?
what ato said could easily apply to any sporting body in TT just like I have outlined in recent times, and he’s 100% correct. it’s a bunch of self important unconscionable clueless trinis who’s in charge of sports on that island, and the majority of them are without degrees or qualification to hold down these portfolios, yet their friends and former colleagues in the sport has given them the vote of confidence to further destroy the sport. how many years must the public suffer as a result of nepotism.
a perfect example was angus eve’s performance at the gold cup, his friends in the sport like Clayton Morris and the fearless one has given him a passing grade to continue although he has won not a single game in the gold cup while losing out to guatemala a game he should have won. if terry fenwick had done what he did vs mexico the whole country would have been inundated with negative comments claiming how it was the worst game we ever played, but since it was one of their good friends they claimed it was a brilliant strategy. this is the rubbish we TT supporters have to contend with from these so called sport legends and vision less administrators,
and there are fools who’s claiming that we shouldn’t expect any better because that’s the norm, and only because you don’t frequent a section of a certain message board you shouldn’t complain, oh yeh? well is time to change the norm says not only me, but the king of track and field in trinbago, a man with 4 Olympic medals.
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
High praise from high respected people :D
Whatever make you sleep at night old stones
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Everyone crying like after every Olympics and after every World Champs, Including Ato... the usual historic trajectory is still 0 to 1 medals and there was nothing to make you believe it would have been any different in Tokyo
You can come here and post your guts away in this forum, no one cares :D
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Everyone crying like after every Olympics and after every World Champs, Including Ato... the usual historic trajectory is still 0 to 1 medals and there was nothing to make you believe it would have been any different in Tokyo
You can come here and post your guts away in this forum, no one cares :D
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it's either you have a considerable amount of burro in your DNA or english is not your first language. let me reiterate for the millionth time since context has somehow evaded you. mister no one really cares about medals or achievement as much as proper planning and effort being put in place to ensure success by these administration presidents.
what you're saying is leave things the way they are because that's the best we will ever do, while we're saying that we could do much better if the people who are in charge only had a clue, and i'm not surprised with the way you think, wim risbergen talked about people like you when he coached the national team, even a foreigner saw it clearly, that's how obviously glaring it must be.
he said you happy go lucky trinis spend your precious time liming under coconut trees drinking jin and coconut water and taking it easy instead of putting in the work necessary to achieve success, and people like ato, kenwin jones, oto fister, benhakker, steven hart and sheldon phillips shared the very exact sentiment, which is that we need to invest much more on our sportsmen and women with better infrastructure and developmental strategy in order to compete well.
ato himself predicted that we would not get a single medal, i myself was hoping that no one medalled (i even post it on page 4 of this same thread way before the track and field kicked off), and just so that they (the respective association bosses and their chorus line) would finally get the message that you just can't scramble a team together at the 11th hour without proper planning and be successful, and this is what people are really concerned about.
the government is pouring millions into sports each and every year with billions of dollars in sporting allocations in the annual budget, yet all these brainless donkeys are lagging behind in their respective sporting discipline with the same strategy over and over. they plan better for carnival and devali than they do for any major sporting tournament, and ato is basically saying that he's tired of the lazy effort, and we could do better if the right thinking people were in charge.
no one is saying that we should bring home a wheel barrow filled with an assortment of medals like china and russia or we aught to put jamaica and the rest of the caribbean athletes to shame, no. what we're saying is that our athletes should at least be given the right grooming at a tender age in a proper professional environment in order to compete well, and that's all we ask, but as it stands good money is being wasted by a bunch of clueless monkeys who refused to admit that they're in over their heads.
evidently the athletes and the good citizens of this nation are not getting bang for their buck and simply because the wrong people are in charge, and not only are they clueless, but they refuse the council and aid of professionals like ato who offered themselves and their services and was ignored, while they (the administrators) continue along the same losing avenue, and it's high time that they step aside and let people with know-how and vision steer the ship from now on, but knowing my people as well as i do....... their inflated egos would not allow it. they would rather sink the ship with everyone on it, the quint essential trinidadian mindset. at least that's what i got from ato bolden, and i second his sentiments 1000%.
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:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Old man energy on an internet forum
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i heard big mouth brian lewis on the news last night saying that next time we will do better. the nerve of these people who believe that they should grow old and wither in the seat of power, like somehow they were anointed president and not elected.
i would think that if i was was under performing in my duties that i would have the pride in myself to step aside and allow someone who's more knowledgeable to lead, i guess i'm that way because i left trinidad at a very young age so the disease of egoism did not have enough time to take root. this man should be hiding under a bed until next year before making any statements, at least until every one forgets, but here he is big and bold running his big mouth trying to pacify the public.
man, living in trinidad must be a wonderful experience, you get to do whatever you like and still keep your position. it must be true what most london trinis claim, they say that trinidad is a paradise. there must be some truth to that as it clearly seems to be the case, at least from my point of view....at least....
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:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Old man energy on an internet forum
Yuh turning into a rell troll or what now. . :rotfl:
Pullstones, there are about 3 articles in TT Newsday discussing the same matter. In a way I see what Sando saying. . This uproar at the end of the games is becoming the norm.
Ato called out the TTNAAA big time. The TTNAAA ran away like a dog with their tails between their legs and refused to comment about Ato's comments. Like I said previously, if Ato was to get involved, and had say, more than half of them jokers in the TTNAAA will be out of a paycheck.
More drama coming with this. Yuh go see
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:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Old man energy on an internet forum
Yuh turning into a rell troll or what now. . :rotfl:
Pullstones, there are about 3 articles in TT Newsday discussing the same matter. In a way I see what Sando saying. . This uproar at the end of the games is becoming the norm.
Ato called out the TTNAAA big time. The TTNAAA ran away like a dog with their tails between their legs and refused to comment about Ato's comments. Like I said previously, if Ato was to get involved, and had say, more than half of them jokers in the TTNAAA will be out of a paycheck.
More drama coming with this. Yuh go see
How long should we wait for this so called more drama?
Just another long usual after Olympics/World Champs facebook post from Ato is the only drama you going to get or can expect.
But we waiting for this next drama you excited about
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:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Old man energy on an internet forum
Yuh turning into a rell troll or what now. . :rotfl:
Pullstones, there are about 3 articles in TT Newsday discussing the same matter. In a way I see what Sando saying. . This uproar at the end of the games is becoming the norm.
Ato called out the TTNAAA big time. The TTNAAA ran away like a dog with their tails between their legs and refused to comment about Ato's comments. Like I said previously, if Ato was to get involved, and had say, more than half of them jokers in the TTNAAA will be out of a paycheck.
More drama coming with this. Yuh go see
How long should we wait for this so called more drama?
Just another long usual after Olympics/World Champs facebook post from Ato is the only drama you going to get or can expect.
But we waiting for this next drama you excited about
The "drama" drawing attention to the matter. Whether or not change occurs, this is how issues get pu out in the open. Again if something comes out of this, that is a whole different story.
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:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Old man energy on an internet forum
Yuh turning into a rell troll or what now. . :rotfl:
Pullstones, there are about 3 articles in TT Newsday discussing the same matter. In a way I see what Sando saying. . This uproar at the end of the games is becoming the norm.
Ato called out the TTNAAA big time. The TTNAAA ran away like a dog with their tails between their legs and refused to comment about Ato's comments. Like I said previously, if Ato was to get involved, and had say, more than half of them jokers in the TTNAAA will be out of a paycheck.
More drama coming with this. Yuh go see
How long should we wait for this so called more drama?
Just another long usual after Olympics/World Champs facebook post from Ato is the only drama you going to get or can expect.
But we waiting for this next drama you excited about
The "drama" drawing attention to the matter. Whether or not change occurs, this is how issues get pu out in the open. Again if something comes out of this, that is a whole different story.
Ok sound like your usual lil boy after Olympics tears. Ok lets call it drama
Keep crying a couple more days. We rel rel love the drama boy.. who is listening again?
internet online energy :D
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This one seems to have hit a different nerve based on who is calling me now, but there are some good points being made here, chief of which is this -
OUR MEMORIES ARE SHORT NO ARSE!
In 2016, I saw the jokes, the memes, the cartoons, the ridicule directed at the team, (one in particular with a skeleton and the caption "waiting for Team TTO to win a medal") and on the LAST day Keshorn pulls out a medal and we give a sigh of relief. Ah we got one.
So forgive my incredulousness when now suddenly the NAAA says "There needs to be a national conversation on sport"
REALLY? So the one medal in Rio wasn't our red flag? What about our one medal in 2004? Wasn't then either?
The ship has been taking on water for decades while we act like somehow we would never sink. Now we are halfway to the bottom with another Olympics 36 months away. THE TRUTH is that NOTHING really happens in 36 months, and - early prediction - ZERO medals (1 at most) in Paris, too.
They are hoping all of this goes away, so they can go back to business as usual.
TRUST THAT.
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Ato they already went back to business as usual. Why you hurt up your head anyway? remember you said you dust your hands off completely so it is what it is because it shows you still want to be involved
I have already told the fools in here you are only disappointed because you set unrealistic expectations of medals. On what basis are you predicting T&T to win a bag of medals? What has changed in the last ten years? What is our usual trajectory of medals at the Olympics in the last 25+ years? one medal here and one medal there has always been the norm.
I can agree with Ato, allyuh memories short! So Ato go ahead you just keep predicting no medals. People will just get used to you saying this in the end and no medals happen we already used to that.. :D
.
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Ato they already went back to business as usual. Why you hurt up your head anyway? remember you said you dust your hands off completely so it is what it is because it shows you still want to be involved
I have already told the fools in here you are only disappointed because you set unrealistic expectations of medals. On what basis are you predicting T&T to win a bag of medals? What has changed in the last ten years? What is our usual trajectory of medals at the Olympics in the last 25+ years? one medal here and one medal there has always been the norm.
I can agree with Ato, allyuh memories short! So Ato go ahead you just keep predicting no medals. People will just get used to you saying this in the end and no medals happen we already used to that.. :D
.
Ato is basically saying the same things I’ve been saying all along for the past 5 years but in a different way, and the only reason you didn’t jump out of yourself is because he’s the legendary ato bolden, so you’re softening your tone while stroking his scrotum with your whole tongue hoping to get his approval, you ass kissing self important tosser.
people like you only have strength for ordinary folks, but when confronted with VIPs all your activism goes out the window. why not call ato an old man with unrealistic expectations? nah you dear not, so you’ll find a way to get your point across in a more gentile manner, after all you don’t want to be seen as the guy who took it to ato boldon our national hero, but you have no reservations unleashing your full on nasty to me and the other members whom you deem as soft targets.
you keep harping on folks having unrealistic expectations by longing for medals, and no matter how I break it down showing that it’s not about the medals but the preparations and the lack of development and the lazy effort by these clueless federation/ association bosses……whom if removed and replaced with vibrant willing minds endowed with the knowledge to make the necessary changes it could make a world of difference and spell the end of our drought, yet you’re still on about the medals like a broken record. well let me say it again for the millionths and one time, we want positive change that’s what we want, and the medals will follow. do you people even read before you make noise? and BTW wipe that stain off your nose.
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Ato they already went back to business as usual. Why you hurt up your head anyway? remember you said you dust your hands off completely so it is what it is because it shows you still want to be involved
I have already told the fools in here you are only disappointed because you set unrealistic expectations of medals. On what basis are you predicting T&T to win a bag of medals? What has changed in the last ten years? What is our usual trajectory of medals at the Olympics in the last 25+ years? one medal here and one medal there has always been the norm.
I can agree with Ato, allyuh memories short! So Ato go ahead you just keep predicting no medals. People will just get used to you saying this in the end and no medals happen we already used to that.. :D
.
Ato is basically saying the same things I’ve been saying all along for the past 5 years but in a different way, and the only reason you didn’t jump out of yourself is because he’s the legendary ato bolden, so you’re softening your tone while stroking his scrotum with your whole tongue hoping to get his approval, you ass kissing self important tosser.
people like you only have strength for ordinary folks, but when confronted with VIPs all your activism goes out the window. why not call ato an old man with unrealistic expectations? nah you dear not, so you’ll find a way to get your point across in a more gentile manner, after all you don’t want to be seen as the guy who took it to ato boldon our national hero, but you have no reservations unleashing your full on nasty to me and the other members whom you deem as soft targets.
you keep harping on folks having unrealistic expectations by longing for medals, and no matter how I break it down showing that it’s not about the medals but the preparations and the lack of development and the lazy effort by these clueless federation/ association bosses……whom if removed and replaced with vibrant willing minds endowed with the knowledge to make the necessary changes it could make a world of difference and spell the end of our drought, yet you’re still on about the medals like a broken record. well let me say it again for the millionths and one time, we want positive change that’s what we want, and the medals will follow. do you people even read before you make noise? and BTW wipe that stain off your nose.
:rotfl: YOU NEED TO READ AGAIN! you are not only dumb but dellusional! He is talking people like you with with SHORT MEMORY of T&T Olympic history!
Unrealistic expectations hence why YOU are disappointed. I am not disappointed or surprised. YOU are! hence why you been writing so much nonsense in here :D
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Sando Prince, how is it that you and Ato concur ... but Ato delivers constructively and you deliver destructively?
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ATO SAID THIS BELOW! And what did I say? ...case closed
OUR MEMORIES ARE SHORT NO ARSE!
In 2016, I saw the jokes, the memes, the cartoons, the ridicule directed at the team, (one in particular with a skeleton and the caption "waiting for Team TTO to win a medal") and on the LAST day Keshorn pulls out a medal and we give a sigh of relief. Ah we got one.
The ship has been taking on water for decades while we act like somehow we would never sink. Now we are halfway to the bottom with another Olympics 36 months away. THE TRUTH is that NOTHING really happens in 36 months, and - early prediction - ZERO medals (1 at most) in Paris, too.
So you old men in here can continue cry after every Olympics with your unrealistic expectations
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So it seems like allyuh old men hero Ato Boldon is saying allyuh memories are short! Why did you guys have unrealistic expectations for medals? and you better expect the same results in the future
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Sando Prince, how is it that you and Ato concur ... but Ato delivers constructively and you deliver destructively?
Thank you.
It does reach a point where you can either expect and accept the poor performance as the norm. Or revamp the system with progressive approaches to prevent the expected outcomes.
Sando, which one are you for? Or should I be asking?
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gawd on pitch aka drama boy we are waiting on the more drama you say going to happen. You said wait for more drama so we waiting.
Because last few days all I am seeing is the usual after Olympics crying from the few old men in here
What is the drama? Another long facebook post from Ato? :D
At some point the country will get used to Ato after Olympics/ World Champs social media outbursts. It will just be another one from him.
We are waiting on the drama you seem to be worked up about.
.
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gawd on pitch aka drama boy we are waiting on the more drama you say going to happen. You said wait for more drama so we waiting.
Because last few days all I am seeing is the usual after Olympics crying from the few old men in here
What is the drama? Another long facebook post from Ato? :D
At some point the country will get used to Ato after Olympics/ World Champs social media outbursts. It will just be another one from him.
We are waiting on the drama you seem to be worked up about.
.
Okay Sando, no drama I was wrong. . Your wisdom is God like. .
Now back to the more progressive and constructive aspects of this topic, I think putting more emphasis on the women's program is important. Our women are yet to win a medal. For Jamaica and Bahamas it has traditionally been the opposite. Meaning that there might be barriers in TT preventing women from pursuing track.
Another thing to consider is the emphasis on the 100m. Too many times I have seen at the national championships, 4 and 5 sections for the 100m and not even 5 athletes for one heat of a 400m or 400mh
Start by putting more emphasis on the 400m then push the kids into 100m and 200m.. and even hurdles.
I'm a believer that introducing the 400m before the 100m, will create better and produce more sprinters. Something about teaching sprinters to run the full track at a young age, helps them measure and manage their race better especially when they go down to the 200 and 100. Also the endurance and stamina needed always helps. The 400m is a good foundation.
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gawd on pitch aka drama boy we are waiting on the more drama you say going to happen. You said wait for more drama so we waiting.
Because last few days all I am seeing is the usual after Olympics crying from the few old men in here
What is the drama? Another long facebook post from Ato? :D
At some point the country will get used to Ato after Olympics/ World Champs social media outbursts. It will just be another one from him.
We are waiting on the drama you seem to be worked up about.
.
Okay Sando, no drama I was wrong. . Your wisdom is God like. .
Now back to the more progressive and constructive aspects of this topic, I think putting more emphasis on the women's program is important. Our women are yet to win a medal. For Jamaica and Bahamas it has traditionally been the opposite. Meaning that there might be barriers in TT preventing women from pursuing track.
Another thing to consider is the emphasis on the 100m. Too many times I have seen at the national championships, 4 and 5 sections for the 100m and not even 5 athletes for one heat of a 400m or 400mh
Start by putting more emphasis on the 400m then push the kids into 100m and 200m.. and even hurdles.
I'm a believer that introducing the 400m before the 100m, will create better and produce more sprinters. Something about teaching sprinters to run the full track at a young age, helps them measure and manage their race better especially when they go down to the 200 and 100. Also the endurance and stamina needed always helps. The 400m is a good foundation.
you have real patience fam, unlike me. as soon as I saw him all up under ato’s hood I knew he wasn’t worth the effort, not to mention he keeps saying the same bullshit over and over again “unrealistic expectations every four years and after the world games…old man old man old man” now he’s pretending that ato’s only criticism was directed towards the forum members, which only a small portion of his post mentioned the forum, but he ignored a whole article which was specifically aimed not only at the TTO but all sporting federation that send athletes to the olympic games, saying the exact same thing that I have been preaching for years.
people like him sit on a forum and run his mouth continually criticizing people he’s never met, but ask him if he’s ever volunteered his time to any cause? and it might be that he did, but I seriously doubt it. I have been volunteering my services for years coaching children on weekends back in the midlands, and now that I’ve moved to america I’m actually in the process of building a top notch coaching school in trinidad geared towards teaching the game properly and has been liaising with the government and curtain NGOs to get this program off the ground.
we have already done the ground work and has diagnosed the impediments in local football, now it just a waiting game ATM. a few years ago an Italian club wanted to collaborate with a few caribbean countries to develop an academy but had some trouble with the TT delegate, not to mention that things fell all the way through, I believe they were getting better current from the jamaicans but I did not follow up being extremely disappointed at the way things…….did not work out.
so let this little dirty mouth boy continue to talk trash, I’m figuring that’s all he has going for himself anyway so i’m gracious enough to let him have it. in the mean time i’ll continue to offer my knowledge and if people find me annoying and out of sorts then they could kick rocks for all I care. my main objective is to harass these bloody lazy trinis who gets paid to further damage the country, if only there were real journalist in that country like mr jennings.
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gawd on pitch aka drama boy we are waiting on the more drama you say going to happen. You said wait for more drama so we waiting.
Because last few days all I am seeing is the usual after Olympics crying from the few old men in here
What is the drama? Another long facebook post from Ato? :D
At some point the country will get used to Ato after Olympics/ World Champs social media outbursts. It will just be another one from him.
We are waiting on the drama you seem to be worked up about.
.
Okay Sando, no drama I was wrong. . Your wisdom is God like. .
Now back to the more progressive and constructive aspects of this topic, I think putting more emphasis on the women's program is important. Our women are yet to win a medal. For Jamaica and Bahamas it has traditionally been the opposite. Meaning that there might be barriers in TT preventing women from pursuing track.
Another thing to consider is the emphasis on the 100m. Too many times I have seen at the national championships, 4 and 5 sections for the 100m and not even 5 athletes for one heat of a 400m or 400mh
Start by putting more emphasis on the 400m then push the kids into 100m and 200m.. and even hurdles.
I'm a believer that introducing the 400m before the 100m, will create better and produce more sprinters. Something about teaching sprinters to run the full track at a young age, helps them measure and manage their race better especially when they go down to the 200 and 100. Also the endurance and stamina needed always helps. The 400m is a good foundation.
you have real patience fam, unlike me. as soon as I saw him all up under ato’s hood I knew he wasn’t worth the effort, not to mention he keeps saying the same bullshit over and over again “unrealistic expectations every four years and after the world games…old man old man old man” now he’s pretending that ato’s only criticism was directed towards the forum members, which only a small portion of his post mentioned the forum, but he ignored a whole article which was specifically aimed at not only the TTO but all sporting federation that send athletes to the olympic games, saying the exact same thing that I have been preaching for years.
people like him sit on a forum and run his mouth continually criticizing people he’s never met, but ask him if he’s ever volunteered his time to any cause? and it might be that he did, but I seriously doubt it. I have been volunteering my services for years coaching children on weekends back in the midlands, and now that I’ve moved to america I’m actually in the process of building a top notch coaching school in trinidad geared towards teaching the game properly and has been liaising with the government and curtain NGOs to get this program off the ground.
we have already done the ground work and has diagnosed the impediments in local football, now it just a waiting game ATM. a few years ago an Italian club wanted to collaborate with a few caribbean countries to develop an academy but had some trouble with the TT delegate, not to mention that things fell all the way through, I believe they were getting better current from the jamaicans but I did not follow up being extremely disappointed at the way things…….did not work out.
so let this little dirty mouth boy continue to talk trash, I’m figuring that’s all he has going for himself anyway so i’m gracious enough to let him have it. in the mean time i’ll continue to offer my knowledge and if people find me annoying and out of sorts then they could kick rocks for all I care. my main objective is to harass these bloody lazy trinis who gets paid to further damage the country, if only there were real journalist in that country like mr jennings.
Well said. And best wishes with the work you are doing.
Now expect the usual name calling from Sando. As we all are still waiting for him to contribute something constructive to this discussion.
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GOP, please, forget about that lil boy, he's not even worth mentioning. when ever grown folks have a difference of opinion and there's no way forward in terms of constructive dialogue, and bad manners finds it's way into the discussion and becomes their first option, then these are people to avoid.
in reality controversial and ABtrini is the only two people i have ever insulted on the forum and only because they are relentless in annoying the members. but prior to this unpleasant encounter i had no reason to mix it up with sando, in fact i've stayed clear of him for the most part simply because he seemed to very aggressive and ill mannered, so i avoided him altogether, i guess i should have continued along those lines and ignored his aggression, i guess first impressions should never be abandoned.
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GOP, please, forget about that lil boy, he's not even worth mentioning. when ever grown folks have a difference of opinion and there's no way forward in terms of constructive dialogue, and bad manners finds it's way into the discussion and becomes their first option, then these are people to avoid.
in reality controversial and ABtrini is the only two people i have ever insulted on the forum and only because they are relentless in annoying the members. but prior to this unpleasant encounter i had no reason to mix it up with sando, in fact i've stayed clear of him for the most part simply because he seemed to very aggressive and ill mannered, so i avoided him altogether, i guess i should have continued along those lines and ignored his aggression, i guess first impressions should never be abandoned.
Yeah every now and again we does all bump heads with each other. But somewhere down the line we realize that we fighting for the same cause. And the destructive comments eventually turn into constructive ones with the right minds. .
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The IOC had a special medal ceremony for the Beijing 4 x100. The squad received the gold medals. Congrats.
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Paris is only a couple months away. What happening. Nothing on the chat.
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TnT track has been on a downward spiral for some time. I will continue to support our athletes but did you see Carifta trials?
Times weren't the best. So many young ones have fallen off esp in the ladies sprints.
I dont see Khalifa, Zakiya Denoon, Kayelle Clarke, Spinks, Stanislaus, Bascombe (who seems to have just disappeared.
On the men's side I haven't seen the Farinha twins etc.
It won't be a good showing this year or many years to come.
In other news Julien Alfred from St Lucia reminds me so much of Kelly Ann Baptiste.
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Crickets.. crickets
That is the best way to describe track and field development in TT.
No medals for Paris. The team size will be around 12. I hope I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong.
Here we go again with another diamond in the ruff. Tyrique Vincent. Brilliant athlete. Multi event athlete. Guaranteed medals at Carifta. Let's see how the TT track and field develops this youngster. He's special. No doubt
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Nope we are being real- Jereem Richards is recovering but I know that he will put up a good fight.
MLA is trying to find form. I feel that she may be around 11 flat by Olympics.
Tyra Gittens may do some things in the Hep or long jump.
There will be a few others. Maybe it's time to revamp our track and field program.
Funnily enough I was just reading a post about Tyrique, praying he stays healthy and prospers.
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Yep Trini. I know Jereem is a warrior. Seems that MLA has regressed since leaving the big camps she was a part of.
There's about 4 or 5 other standouts from the Carifta trials. For every 1 standout we have, Jamaica has about 4 or 5 standouts. There are a few Trinis living in Jamaica and attending high-school there. They will all make the Carifta standard just by virtue of being in Jamaica and getting access to the training there. .
By the way, watch out for Barbados. They are putting their ducks in a row. In fact they have some trainers who ran in Carifta and are now identifying athletes of bim heritage and training them in Canada and US. They've even coordinated with the Barbados track association and are very very organized. They might not win many medals at the Olympics. But there track team will be bigger than ours.
We have many athletes in TT that have potential, but after they see that the support is lacking for TT, they pursue becoming a soca carnival boy or girl instead of track.
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Jereem has heart that's for sure. Yeah MLA is training locally so I feel she will take time to acclimate but I've always believed in her talent.
I took a look at girls U-17 and U-20 sprints and I felt sad. Not one under 12 secs in the 100m with legal wind. Not one under 24 secs in the 200m... I would love to see us developing in the sprint hurdles, jumps, 400m hurdles too.
I didn't realize we had kids training in Jam. Good to see, they will be pushed to excel much like Julien Alfred who is now at the the top of women's sprints.
I'm sure Bim is going to be coming up, they have a plan. When we start slipping further and further down the carifta medal table then maybe something will snap. I would love to oneday see the other islands give Jamaica a run for their money.
There must be a solution tailored to Trinidad and Tobago that works. If I knew it I would sell it.
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2024 Carifta Trials Day 1
https://www.youtube.com/live/I9urgmy7SUQ?si=j5nScaOBPq07FsOX
2024 Carifta Trials Day 2
https://www.youtube.com/live/Y4V8a7NfunI?si=S3V_XlHmViw2Zfjm
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Entertaining to watch.
What I was thinking is we need to bring more interest to the sport from the general public.
Two thing Trinis like is food and fete.
Start with Carifta Trials and National Championships. Bringing Artists to perform during the event esp during the pauses/between sessions/at the end of the final session. Having a mini panorama competition.
Having something similar to what we have around the savannah with a food vendor setup from evening session to midnight.
Getting local companies like Sunshine snacks, Bermudez, Angostura etc to sponsor either athletes, clubs, the events or the carifta team/world junior teams.
Shining a light on our junior athletes in the media. Having them on the news for interviews etc.
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@Trini1 that's what they do for the Champs, the high school track and field championships. Grace and other companies sponsor the championships. The youths are treated like celebrities when they win. Them youths usually get the Carifta standards at their high school championships, that they dont even worry about Carifta too much.
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And I'm sure it reaps rewards. I think for Jamaica it is already ingrained in their culture and is a way out of hardship for many. For us it's a pass time but that doesn't mean that we can't promote interest in the sport. It's just that we have to be creative with how we do it.
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I watched day1. Not bad. But could be better. Commitment is there. Need improve and better coaching and of course substantial resources.
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I watched day2 of the Carifta trials. Impressed with some of the athletes. Can't remember their names though. I remember the U17 qualifier in the 100 and 200 meters. Chinnapoo. He looks good. But the most memorable was the 5000 meters winner Tafari Waldron? This kid is for real. The race was hilarious at best. Tafari lapped everybody in the race. He lapped the the two athletes who were running 2nd and 3rd behind him. When he finished the race, the 2nd and 3rd stopped running. They thought they have finished also. Not knowing they had to run their final lap. The officials had to tell them that they need to complete one more lap to complete the race. Suffice to say, they ended up last.
It was nice seeing the youths giving their all. Also the 200 meters seemed to be very popular among the athletes. Especially the the boys. There were about 15 heats in the boys 200 hundred. The announcer said that it probably was the Jareem Richards effect. Hood Luck and Blessing to all the qualifiers. And the same to those who did not make the cut. DOH GIVE UP
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Yeah a lot of 200 heads. Tafari is most definitely special
I see Natasha Fox won silver the 400m hurdles at Champs for Edwin Allen.
Dorian Charles won gold in the Décathlon at Champs