http://www.guardian.co.tt/sport/2012-06-25/olympic-fervour-buildingThings That Matter
Olympic fervour building
Published: Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Brian LewisOn Saturday, the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) joined with the global Olympic movement to celebrate Olympic Day 2012.
First introduced in 1948 to commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games on June 23, 1894 at the Sorbonne in Paris, the goal being to promote participation in sport, regardless of age, gender or athletic ability. Based on the three pillars “move”, “learn” and “discover”, National Olympic Committees (NOCs) including the TTOC, put on sports, cultural and educational activities. Some NOCs have even incorporated the event into the school curriculum and in recent years, have added concerts and exhibitions to the celebration. Meetings for children and young people with top athletes, and the development of new websites directing individuals to programmes in their neighbourhood are other activities that have transpired. The day is used to spread Olympic values worldwide. Young and old participate in sporting activities, such as runs, exhibitions, music and educational seminars. Over the last two decades, the event has helped to circulate the Olympic ideals to every corner of the world.
The TTOC event for the second consecutive year was held at Chagvile, Chaguaramas. This time around, BpTT co-sponsored the event. One of the objectives of the Olympic day is to foster and understand the role of sport in T&T society. Some of the questions that needed to be asked if we are to deliver a sustainable sport development pathway are:
What is the role of sport?
How does sport interact with other sectors such as business, health, and education?
How significant is sport for the development and maintenance of community and national identity?
What is the significance of sport and the national sport organisations through which it is organised for the generation of social capital?
How can sport performance be optimised?
What are the specific training needs of different groups in the society from the young to the elderly and the recreational to the elite?
In what ways can sport inform wider knowledge about health and quality of life?
For many people, their interest lie in the Olympic Games and the medal standings. In the overall scheme of things that is very much like putting the cart before the horse.
What the Olympic committee does on a daily basis is essential if the end result that is desired, is to be achieved. However, there is no escaping the fact that with 30 days to go before the opening ceremony of the Games of the 30th Olympiad, the hype is on and the excitement is building. Our London 2012 Olympic podium aspirants have the full attention of a watching nation. It’s imperative that the TTOC at this time of heightened awareness and intensity, remain steadfast on the issues that really matter. It is in this context that the demands and distractions can divert attention from our athletes and what they need to perform at their best. As always the Olympic day is a refreshing reminder of the real purpose of the Olympic movement with some 1,000 children and teenagers from various schools participating in over 20 disciplines. It was a wonderful day indeed. Credit must go to BpTT and the IOC (International Olympic Committee) for providing the infrastructure that facilitated an enjoyable experience. Speaking of BpTT it was very heartening to hear the positive comments of T&T Olympic hopefuls at Woodford Square yesterday as they acknowledged the applause and adulation of the public. On a sad note, on behalf of the TTOC, this column extends sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues Cpl Nigel Sinaswee, who participated in many Olympic Day relays.
Brian Lewis is the Honorary Secretary General of the T&T Olympic Committee http// www.ttoc.org. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the TTOC.
