Things that Matter with Brian Lewis President of TTOC

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Things that Matter
How about HDC houses for national athletes
Published: Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Brian Lewis (T&T Guardian)

Athlete welfare and preparation is a key priority of the ten or more Olympic gold medals by the year 2024 vision (#10G24). In this respect, access to Housing Development Corporation (HDC) houses is an idea that can be advanced under an Elite Athlete Housing Assistance Programme. Representing T&T at the Olympic and World level is national duty and service. It is a declaration that should be meaningful with tangible measures put in place to support such a declaration.

HDC houses 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 is in the opinion of the writer a powerful statement of intent that we are serious about supporting our athletes in their quest for excellence.

There are national athletes who have served this country with distinction for five years or more who need assistance to obtain HDC housing.

Just as there is a priority given to members of the national security service, it is proposed that a similar policy be implemented for national sports men and women who have given sustained and meritorious service.

Just as is done with the Elite Athlete Assistance Programme, the national sport organisations and the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) are well positioned to clarify, confirm and recommend those athletes in both team and individual sports that merit favourable consideration under the proposed Elite/High Performance Athlete Housing Assistance Programme.

My one caveat is that the criteria be transparent, fair and just and that it not be based on affiliation to any political party. Athletes, sportsmen and women, should not have to hold any particular party card or declared support.

Let me make it abundantly clear that having benefited from an expedited distribution, the recipient (athlete) must honour their mortgage obligations. At a much elevated level of achievement —an Olympic or World championship gold medal—the precedent has developed where a gift of appropriate housing may be given.

The idea of houses for national athletes, sportsmen and women is simple, athletes who dedicate years of their productive life to representing their country at Olympic and World level sport make tremendous sacrifices in respect of their careers, families, income etc.

Their choice to dedicate themselves to national duty and service through sport ostensibly place them at a significant social and economic disadvantage.

Currently, the burden is a de-motivating one for athletes who aspire to Olympic and World level.

Dedication to national duty and service through sport must no longer place our athletes at a disadvantage and compromise their constitutional and human right to the dignity of a roof over their heads.

Other issues impacting sport include:

• High crime and traffic. Both have made participating in sport and physical activity difficult. There is a pressing need to decentralize sport to the respective communities.

• There are national sport organisations dependent on funding from the Ministry of Sport and the Sport Company of T&T that haven't met their monthly salary obligation to their office staff.

• Those involved in sport are concerned about the future of this country and their family. The young people are concerned about well-paying jobs, first world infrastructural development which will ensure them and their families a high quality of life.

Young people involved in sports aren’t any different. They have the additional worry about their future in sport and the future of sport in the country. The indifference shown to the needs and concerns of sportsmen and women is a demeaning experience that brings into question the sincerity of utterances that sport is important.

Action matters more than talk.

Brian Lewis is the president of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC). The views expressed are not necessarily those of the national Olympic committee.

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Things that Matter
Step out of your comfort zone
Published: Tuesday, March 31, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

With Brian Lewis

“Don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something. You got a dream, you gotta protect it. When people can’t do something themselves, they are going to tell you that you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.”—Will Smith

There are many people in T&T trying to do good things they work hard and face many obstacles.

As I sat in the ballroom of the Cascadia Hotel on the opening day of the 16th Secondary Schools leadership symposium—Thinking Sport—presented by the Sports Desk- the theme for this year, “Think Big, start small”.

I reflected on the effort many are making. People such as Valentino Singh who for 16 years has been making a positive difference to hundreds of secondary students have benefited from his dream and vision.

He has been a living testimony to the notion- Think Big, Start small.

People who think big, start small. He committed himself to an uncertain future. He sacrificed his personal good and security in favour of a greater good.

His mission and that of the Sports Desk—Thinking Sport—has touched many lives.

We sorely need in T&T people who believe the impossible can become a reality, who embrace and respect creativity, innovation and extraordinary.

Since most of us are comfort centred. We try to continue doing what we know how to do.

We may think we are pursuing new outcomes, but if achieving them means leaving our comfort zones, we find ways to avoid doing so. We prefer to be liked and be popular, to be with the in crowd. We avoid conflict so that we wouldn’t be put in the naughty corner. But conflict avoidance is really playing the politics of compromise. We go through the motions and in the process lose our uniqueness; we stop being true to ourselves.

Think big, start small clarifies the results we want to create and causes us to reorganise our lives. Instead of moving away from a problem, we move toward a possibility that does not yet exist. We become more energised, and our impact on others become energising.

Think big, start small creates the cycle of learning and empowerment. We move forward, hungry to learn something new, even if it makes us uncomfortable.

It creates positive energy and inspires others to higher levels of performances. Tackling challenges and embracing failure becomes our new normal frame of mind. What previously seemed unimaginable and impossible becomes doable.

We need to build a culture of yes we can and get rid of the culture of No. We need to build a culture of innovation. The world in 2015 is not the same world that it was in the 1990s.

We need to inspire, motivate and empower big ideas, big dreams, and big visions. Accept no limits.

Over the next four days as they do, the Sports Desk-Thinking Sport, will provide yet another cohort of secondary school students with the opportunity to meet, learn from; listen to exemplars of the “Think Big, Start Small” philosophy.

“If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing started with a dream and a mouse.” - Walt Disney.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”—Mark Twain

Think big, start small, fail quickly, scale fast. Diligently prepare for your lucky day!

Brian Lewis is the president of the T&T Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the national Olympic committee.

Support #10Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund. Make your donation at any branch of Scotia Bank -Account#171188

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Things that Matter
Exciting times for T&T sport
Published: Tuesday, April 7, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

As the drama that is general elections in T&T begins in earnest, there are calls for a greater quality of public engagement. Concerns have been expressed in many quarters. There is a pervading sense of frustration and anger as the populace seeks answers to the fundamental question—what will the future hold for the twin island republic?

The very same concerns have been expressed within sport about sport in T&T. The perception of uncertainty is dominating mind space. People have negative emotions–they are in fight or flight mode. They are anxious and insecure. Uncertainty is stifling confidence, notwithstanding the fact that many people are feeling beleaguered and angry. The nation building process is at work.

Somewhat hesitantly our society is waking up to the reality and challenge of shaping the country and society it wants.

Some people and organisations will buckle under the pressure sinking into despair losing confidence, while others will bend and bounce back.

Changing from negative to positive emotions about the situation will require resilience as distinct from optimism.

Without denying the facts, resilience is needed. Resilient people possess three defining characteristics; they accept the harsh realities facing them. They find meaning and purpose in difficult times. And they find a way to innovate, create and be inventive making do with the resources that are available. Right now in T&T resilience and learning to be resilient is important.

We have to build the bridge to a better future by facing up to the reality of our situation. Wishful thinking and denial will not wipe our problems and issues away. We have to get out of the victim mode and thinking.

This is not to say that being optimistic should be used to distort reality. By the same token optimism can be turned into denial with dire consequences. Optimism has its place and should be encouraged.

Resilience on the other hand is pragmatic about the reality.

National Sport Organisations (NSOs) can’t remain on the periphery of the dialogue and discussions. Sport must play a key role in articulating the role sport can and must play in the immediate, near and long term future of T&T.

Facing and confronting reality can be unpleasant but it allows us to prepare for the challenges that must be overcome.

Organisational resilience requires having strong value systems. Strong value systems allow an organisation to share a common set of values that are core and that can be used to hold an organisation together in hard times. Important decisions are shaped by the value system. In the main strategy and mission may change but values remain constant.

Recently while browsing through two books—A History of Modern Trinidad 1783-1962 by Bridget Brereton and Inward Hunger by Dr Eric Williams—history provided compelling clues and lessons.

Making sense of what’s happening currently in T&T when looked through the prism of history is easier. There are deep historical and social dimensions and constructs that shape the response of our society.

There are subtleties at play that aren’t obvious and the natural consequence is a lack of context and understanding.

T&T is entering a new and different dynamic. Our society is evolving and wrestling with the issues of nation building.

Every aspect of T&T life is being challenged—old and existing value systems, norms and cultures. Nothing is sacrosanct.

It’s an exciting time for T&T.

The debate and discussions are necessary and should be encouraged. Now is not the time for intolerance. We must welcome and embrace the diversity of views, values, lifestyles and opinions.

We are defining what we want social progress to look like. Reaching our full potential individually and collectively demands that we welcome the current convulsions and not be afraid or traumatised by them.

More info

Brian Lewis is the president of the T&T Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the national Olympic committee.

Support #10Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund. Make your donation at any branch of Scotia Bank -Account#171188

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Things that Matter
Separating winners from the losers
Published: Tuesday, April 14, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

Brian Lewis, president of TTOC

It’s important to constantly be seeking different ways of doing things. The imperative to have a strategic focus on what the alternatives are and clarifying what the focus is, helps establish the strategy. One can learn a great deal by asking and answering the questions Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? The answers will usually foster overall insight that can inform the development of a strategy.

In the ongoing drive to seek a systematic approach to achieve and sustain high-performance sport, understanding the roots of high performance is more important than anything else. What constantly separates winners from losers is their approach to strategy. Strategy involves opportunity and risks.

Sport organisations all over the world are battling with their strategic agendas.  Sport leaders are wrestling with how to drive forward their respective organisations and overcome the organisational and environmental hurdles that block sustainable progress. There are operational risks, management risk, and sustainability risk. There are strategic contradictions and inconsistencies that require attention. Conventional wisdom acts as a hindrance and creates accepted boundaries.

Sport is no longer just sport. As long as we remain reluctant to accept the need for change we will continue to do the same thing over and over while expecting different results. Many decision makers have a vested interest in the status quo. Change must be introduced if sport is to move forward. Challenging the status quo is a critical success factor. Sport isn’t just the decision makers or leaders- it involves a genuine partnership from captain to cook.

Recently the idea of a structured elite athlete housing programme was articulated. There have been many questions and views about the need or not for such a programme. Outlined below is the basic proposition. A proposal has been submitted to the powers that be. At a minimum one can reasonably expect an acknowledgement and the opportunity to further discuss. Time will tell but in any event for better or for worse, nothing ventured nothing gained.

The purpose of the elite athlete housing assistance proposal is to advocate a policy that rewards Trinidad and Tobago’s National Athletes for their long and meritorious national duty and service at Olympics, Para-Olympics and World Level Championships (Continental & Regional). The idea of Housing Assistance for National athletes is based on the reality that athletes who dedicate years of their life to representing their country at Olympic and World level sport make tremendous sacrifices in respect of their careers, families, and income.

The athlete’s choice to dedicate themselves to National duty and service through sport ostensibly places athletes at a significant social and economic disadvantage.

Under the ten or more Olympic Gold medals by the year 2024 vision, Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund, the Olympic Committee (TTOC) proposes the implementation of an athlete Housing Assistance Programme which will facilitate expedited housing distribution to athletes. Athletes will be required to meet the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) mortgage criteria and will have to honour their mortgage obligations

Athletes who have served the country with distinction for five or more years it is proposed they receive consideration for expedited housing assistance. Some athletes struggle to adjust to real life when their sporting career ends. Athletes dedicate years of training and sacrifice to fulfill their Olympic dream and to stimulate pride amongst the citizenry of Trinidad and Tobago (T&T).

Providing housing assistance allows for a successful transition from elite and Olympic sport into the real world.  The programme will remove the burden of providing a home for their family and ensure a sense of security when their careers have ended.

Brian Lewis is the president of the T&T Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic committee.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Support #10golds24 Athlete welfare and preparation fund. Make your donations at any branch of Scotia Bank Acc # 171188.

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Things that Matter
Time to stop playing with sport
By Brian Lewis
Published: Tuesday, April 21, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

One of the positives of the Olympic Committee’s (TTOC) education and affiliate member capacity building strategy is the increasing awareness within the local movement that much more can be done in respect of improving the management, governance and administration of sport. Within recent years the demand to attend the sport administration courses has increased exponentially.

Last year, the TTOC held its first advance sport management course. This year the course has been oversubscribed. The TTOC also offers mediation and arbitration support if and when requested. A consequence of the increased demand for the TTOC courses is growing requests for the TTOC to conduct sport specific sport management, governance and advisory services.

The TTOC over the years has always been seen as a major stakeholder in the local sport system. It is therefore not farfetched for the TTOC to be seen as an invaluable resource that can be called on to address problems and issues. Given its access to both local and foreign expertise in a number of functional areas it may very well be time for the TTOC to prioritise the use of its global network to support the increased demands for TTOC assistance.

The need for information, insight and analysis for the local sport sector is an urgent priority. The real world isn’t waiting. Change is occurring daily. For national sport organisations and governing bodies to keep up, a quantum leap forward is required—not forward into the future—but forward into today’s world.

We have an absolutely wonderful story to tell the world through sport. But because so many of us are being held back by outdated methods and thinking the true reality of the enormous potential and opportunities can’t be realised. It’s not and never was a guessing game. In the past we may have been able to get away but now given the ready access to information its hard if not near impossible to fool some of the people some of the time far less all the people all of the time.

There are significant opportunities waiting to be explored. This is not the time for hesitancy. We have to go for it. We have to seek out the information, knowledge and the intelligence, make informed choices, ask the right questions and create the right answers. It’s in this context that the TTOC must leverage its access to international resources and institutions to bring a positive contribution to the management, marketing and governance in T&T.

The issues and topics that are high on the global sports agenda must be addressed not after the fact but in advance. We shouldn’t wait until situations become far advanced to address them. In setting new standards we must champion and be in the vanguard of change. The goal should be to transform local sport through innovation and excellence in every area, be it sports marketing, digital media, brand development, event management and sponsorship.

It’s high time we stop playing at sport and get serious about the opportunities within sport. Implementing strategic shifts will require identifying those who will lose the most from the strategic shift as those individuals or groupings will make every effort to derail openly or silently any effort at making a strategic shift and progress.

It is never easy to execute a strategic shift, and doing it with limited resources is even more difficult. A critical strategic success factor is addressing the obstacles and hurdles.

Brian Lewis is the President of the Olympic Committee (TTOC). The views expressed are not necessarily those of the TTOC. Support #10golds24 athlete welfare and preparation fund. Make your donations at any branch of Scotia Bank Account number 171188. Support our Olympic athletes and the Olympic Dream.

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Things that Matter
Rugby sends powerful message despite struggles
By Brian Lewis
Published: Tuesday, April 28, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

President Anthony Carmona, second from right, applauds the T&T senior men’s rugby team during their NACRA final match against Mexico, at St Mary’s College Ground, Serpentine Road, on Saturday. To his right is TTOC president Brian Lewis, while Rainbow Rugby Club president Rudolph Jack, left, and TTRFU president Leslie Figaro join in the cheers.

For many of the athletes on national teams not considered major sports the struggle is real. That is not to say that those in major sports don’t struggle or face at times seemingly insurmountable odds.

On Saturday at the St Mary’s College Grounds the T&T national senior men’s 15 a side rugby team defeated Mexico to lift the North America and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) 2015 rugby championship. Previous winners in 2001 and 2008, the Calypso Warriors T&T rugby team has broken into the top 50 ranking in world rugby as a result of their recent exploits.

Rugby is considered a minor sport here in T&T. It’s not a status that should alarm anyone as it reflects the reality of rugby’s participation level as compared to football, cricket and track and field to name a few. Among the few hundred supporters — a decent crowd by local rugby standards — was present to see T&T Captain Adam Frederick lift the NACRA Championship  trophy was His Excellency Anthony Aquinas  Carmona, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The T&T team dedicated their win to former national rugby player Jason Clark who suffered a significant spinal cord injury a few years ago. Clark still remains a well-loved member of the T&T rugby fraternity and no doubt his comrades still consider him very much a part of the T&T team set up. Cleopatra Borel and Shanntol Ince were also present in a show of patriotism and support for their fellow national colleagues.

As pointed out earlier, the support of His Excellency, Cleopatra and Shanntol would have sent a powerful message of comradeship. At times our athletes struggle to comprehend the “whys” and “wherefores” of the challenges and struggles they face. For our athletes they find it hard to accept that the pride they share in wearing the red, white and black at times is not noticed or considered.

In trying to solve some of the momentous problems facing this small society of 1.3 million people the at times enormity of the problems can seem a mountain too high. But yet in the face of so many talented sons and daughters of the soil.  The inspiration to soldier on can be found.

That’s why supporting our national athletes and teams are always an important exercise in patriotism and nation building. Every day those involved in sport strive to make this country a better place using the values of sport. While the support can’t always be financial the mere fact of wearing red and showing up gives our athletes uplift.

Brian Lewis is the President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the national Olympic committee. Support #10golds24 athlete welfare and preparation  fund. Make your donation to any Scotia Bank Branch Account # 171188.

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Things that Matter
Preparing the modern sports administrator
By Brian Lewis
Published: Tuesday, May 5, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

TTOC’s 2015 class of sports administrators

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) focus on capacity support for member national sport organisations (NSOs) is bearing fruit and the turning point is underway. Those who believe that sport administration is facing serious problems need not be alarmed. Based on the participants signing up for the TTOC sport administration courses there is  significant interest in learning about what it takes to be a forward thinking modern sport administrator.

The participants attending the course are determined to make a positive difference as they share experiences and discussions about the betterment of sport. No matter the problems they have an enthusiasm and passion that augurs well for the future. This is not to say that frustration may not set in. But there is a positivity and willingness to confront the issues and wrestle with the solutions that is admirable. They are fearless, inspired and motivated.

The intention of the TTOC in hosting annually a number of courses and workshops is a singular one—to help build capacity, knowledge and skill. Enhancing the ability of those who have a keen interest in sport administration is an important priority. Encouraging participants to take the initiative. To unlock their sport leadership potential so as to transform T&T sport is well worth the effort.

Recent participants include a number of past and current national level athletes who have signed up for the courses and workshops and have stuck it out to the end. Unearthing a new breed of sport administrators who are imaginative and bright these disruptors aren’t contented to complain and do nothing. They are willing to get up and get, hardworking, committed and willing.

They are honest in facing up to the major issues facing T&T sport—the economy and other matters of public concern. That there are structural and systemic social and economic problems facing sport isn’t overwhelming and intimidating the new breed of course participants. They are prepared to challenge the status quo and those who are ineffective in representing the position of sport and the athletes.

The modernisation of T&T sport is an ongoing process. It is important that the TTOC through Olympic Solidarity programmes and funding continue to strengthen national sport organisations management and governance structures. Through the tools provided by Olympic Solidarity the TTOC has been able to continue to develop sport administration training courses.

Moving past the sport administrators’ course is the advanced sports management course which is based on student participation, practical implementation of the material studied through case studies, sharing of experiences and the development of a learning community. The aim of the advanced course is to give a new perspective on sports organisations.

The case study approach is aimed at placing the participants in reality based situations while thinking about future solutions. The sports administrators course provides basic training over a short period. The advanced sports management course is comprised of several modules and an emphasis on acquisition of the skills necessary for sports management.

Sport in T&T will repeat the benefit. The real challenge is for the older heads and thought leaders to not feel threatened by the new ideas and fresh thinking. The TTOC courses and workshops are an incubator of creativity and innovation. The dawn of a new era of T&T sport managers and administrators is here and not a moment too soon. Let’s do it. Embrace and empower change.

• Brian Lewis is the president of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC). The views expressed are not necessarily those of the national Olympic committee.
Support #10golds24 athlete welfare and preparation fund. Make your donation to any Branch of Scotia Bank account #171188.

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Things that Matter
Working together necessary for success
By Brian Lewis
Published: Tuesday, May 26, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

Shad Forsythe, Arsenal fitness coach

It takes mental strength and a winner's mindset to be the best in the world. If we want to be the best, we have to be willing to do whatever it takes effectively and ethically. Stuart Lancaster, national rugby head coach, has vowed that his squad will be fitter and leaner than ever for the Rugby World Cup in September, warning his players that they face a “grim” time during their training camp at altitude in Denver, Colorado, in July.

“In order to win the World Cup, you have to be the fittest team,” said Lancaster. “And the type of game we want to play, it is probably the most important thing that we need to get right. It is going to be pretty grim for the players in Denver. It is tough there. We are then going to Vail, which is even higher.”

Shad Forsythe, a new fitness coach at Arsenal—headhunted to invigorate their training regime—was one of four specialists who worked with Germany’s FIFA World Cup winning coach Joachim Low’s every session of the way at the World Cup. Arsène Wenger identified the need for improvement in the club’s training regimes and went about solving the problem by recruiting a man who has been working at the vanguard of elite performance.

The two cases above are highlighted in an effort to emphasise how important a proper fitness regime is to the creation of a high performance culture. The mantra is a simple one: if you want to be at your absolute best you have to prepare to be the best. In the absence of specific and detailed proper preparation, all else is wishful thinking.

Creating a high performance culture begins with having the mind-set and mental strength. Without the mind-set and mental strength one would hardly be able to attain the best performance that is required to achieve success at the highest level of world sport. Some have asked why is it so difficult to move the T&T sport environment and system to a high performance one.

That there are a cadre of individuals who understand and have the training needed to help build the high performance culture there can be no doubt. But the question is why is it –at least in the minds of the athletes- so hard to get the environment right? We can set all the loft goals and objectives we want. Unless we adopt a high performance mind-set and develop the requisite mental strength to insist that it is in place- the chances of reaching set goals will be difficult.

It makes little sense being defensive or living in denial.   It is important that all who have an interest in seeing T&T adopt a high performance culture make the conscious decision to put aside perceived differences and integrate the available resources. It can be frustrating and at times easy to simply stay in our individual silos.

But we are too small a nation to be so inclined.  Working together for the common good is a necessary priority. There is too much potential and talent residing in T&T to allow differences to divide and disperse the development of a high performance culture. I saw this list on the Forbes.com website. It makes for interesting reading and is worthy of consideration.

The 18 things mentally tough people do:
1. They move on
2. They keep control
3. They embrace change
4. They stay happy
5. They are kind
6. They are willing to take calculated risks
7. They invest their energy in the present
8. They accept full responsibility for their past behaviour
9. They celebrate other people’s success
10. They are willing to fail
11. They enjoy their time alone
12. They are prepared to work and succeed on their own merits
13. They have staying power
14. They evaluate their core beliefs
15. They expend their energy wisely
16. They think productively
17. They tolerate discomfort
18. They reflect on their progress

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Things that Matter
Sports credibility is under attack
Published: Tuesday, June 9, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

Brian Lewis, president of TTOC

The historical legitimacy and rich heritage of the sporting spirit must be kept alive. To do so requires a profound transformation in the process of repositioning sport. Sport leaders have the serious responsibility to protect and harness the unique heritage and traditions while pursuing the challenge of integrating sport within contemporary society. It requires striking the right balance between perpetuating tradition while at the same time modernising sport governance and management.

Sport has extended its horizons and has benefitted from the considerable revenue generated by its undoubted popularity. Sport leaders have an enormous fiducary obligation, duty and responsibility To marshall your talent, joy, passion for the sport of your choice and just give it your all is the core of the sporting spirit. A desire to be exceptional makes champions think differently from the way most people think. But there is a simplicity to it all. Doing your best with what you have.

The ideas people choose to have about themselves determine the life they lead. In Lausanne, the Olympic capital of the world, the recent days have been a period of introspection coming on the heels of the Fifa scandal. Lausanne hosts over 50 international sports federations and organistions. The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) Commission meetings and the inauguration of ANOC’s headquarters were dominated by the  FIFA conversations.

The response to the negativity has been one of determination to overcome the situation.  The Olympic Movement, having come through the Salt Lake Bribery scandal, knows what needs to be done. Life is a collection of experiences. Every setback, every negative experience makes you stronger.  Its one of a number of life lessons you learn from an involvement in sport.

Sport teaches you to be motivated and inspired as you strive to develop and improve yourself. Edgar Davids said learning and experiencing that every injury you come back from makes you stronger.  In the process of healing you rediscover yourself. You have to be mentally strong to fight your way back into a team after an injury. To be successful you have to invest in your success and give it your all every single day.

Many of the things that are important in sport are important in other areas of life. The FIFA scandal is an opportunity not only for football but all of world sport to reflect and grow and learn from the experience. Champions don’t let setbacks, obstacles and mistakes derail their focus. Striving for success is no less a laudable objective simply because of a major high profile debacle and embarrassment.

Sport is developing all the time. Better administrators. Better coaches. Better athletes. Better sport. The question is are we doing every thing possible and is what were doing now the right way to make success happen? Unless you identify the things that bring real benefit a lot of time can be wasted in meetings and discussions.

Think not in terms of mistakes but solutions. Improvement is an ongoing focus. Sports credibility is under attack. Defending sport requires a re focusing on the values of sport and the sporting spirit. This awareness has to begin with national and international sport Federations and organizations. Some where along the way the sporting spirit has gone out of the heart of many who were expected to hold close to their bosom the best interest of sport.

Sport Matters. It is important that sport leaders make sense of the nonsense. Brian Lewis is the President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee. Support #10 Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund. Make your donations to any branch of Scotiabank account number 171188. Share the Olympic Dream.

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Things that Matter
The Buck Stops with NSOs
By Brian Lewis (T&T Guardian)
Published: Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Administrators from the various NSOs participate in the third BpTT Michael Johnson Performance (MJP) Workshop at Olympic house in Port-of-Spain, last month.

It’s not who wins or loses an election but how those in power govern. National Sport Organisations (NSOs) are responsible for the governance, development, administration of their sport and all else that goes with those mandates. This includes advocating for sport as a key pillar for the economic and social development of T&T.

Politicians and decision makers seem conflicted about giving sport a seat at the table. I believe that the public supports the idea of a key role for sport in the national, economic and social development of T&T. Economic factors underpin the problems facing sport, however, it is important to change the conversation in T&T about sport and move away from the superficial attitude and approach.

The Ministry of Sport and the Sport Company, guided by Government’s policy on sport will facilitate and provide tax payer’s funds subject to the availability of funds from Ministry of Finance. NSOs that allow their autonomy and authority for their sport to be compromised on the basis that they get Ministry of Sport or the Sport Company funding as a convenient excuse must not be allowed to get away with this deception.

The buck stops with the NSOs, not the Ministry of Sport or the Sport Company. The ongoing reality of elite level athletes both individual and team sports having to participate in international competition and Olympic Qualifiers woefully underprepared and under resourced is manifestly unfair on our individual athletes and national teams.

It is the standard to roll out aggregate financial figures to justify that financial support has been given. But that is just half the story. The grassroot reality of sport for those who have no political or other agenda is that sport in T&T has always been a battle; and don’t imagine the struggle will ever get any easier.

Unless political parties are prepared to commit from a policy perspective to make sport a key pillar in their forward vision for the country, the sustainable development of sport and aspirations to achieve ten or more gold medals by the year 2024 will continue to be a struggle.

International headlines for the wrong reasons and the negative impact on the country’s image. Problems and trouble never go away by denial. The uncomfortable truth is a stark fact of life. It takes real courage to search for the truth and to face the consequences.

We continue to send our national athletes and national teams to important international and Continental events including Olympic qualifiers, underprepared. Those who hide behind their desks, papers and pens and ineffective and shortsighted policies and processes, can continue to do so but it’s the athletes and national teams that face the embarrassment and humiliation.

Appreciate and understand the damage to brand T&T and the importance of protecting our country’s brand. We can’t let others with vested interest define our brand. We have to define it ourselves. Sport helps T&T market itself internationally. Transformation of the sport system is a strategic priority. Sport leaders are elected by sport stakeholders. The ultimate responsibility for their sport is the mandate of the NSOs. 

NSOs including the T&T Olympic Committee must do what they were elected to do, which is lead not hide behind the Ministry of Sport and the Sport Company.

Support #10 Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund. Make your donations to any branch of Scotiabank account number 171188. Share the Olympic Dream.

Brian Lewis is the president of the T&T Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee.

[Socapro]

Things that Matter
Fix your house or all fall down for sport
Published: Tuesday, June 23, 2015
By Brian Lewis (T&T Guardian)

Brian Lewis, President of Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC)

Today the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) joins the rest of the global Olympic Movement in celebrating Olympic day. The occasion will be marked by a number of activities at Olympic House, 121 Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain. Various schools will be hosted at Olympic House. Members of the public are invited to visit and join in the celebrations. Olympic day in T&T comes against the backdrop of troubling times for local sport.
 
Sport is at a critical juncture and transition, decisions can either harm or help the sustainable development of sport here. Decisions that impact directly on the national sport organisations and their capacity to develop and run their sport require transparent two way discussions. Any perception of a lack of transparent discussions in and of itself damage claims of a commitment to good governance.
 
In some quarters, the argument is still potent that both the Ministry of Sport and the Sport Company has not done enough to calm fears and allay concerns in respect of good governance. Post Life Sport, the local sport community remains troubled. International bodies are intolerant of government interference.
 
As the focus was put on a few individuals who may well have had less to do with the entire Life Sport debacle than the public has been led to believe. For certain individuals it’s business as usual and it serves a purpose to perpetually sing the song that national sport organisations don’t know what they are doing. Hence the refrain that Ministry of Sport and Sport Company is the solution.
 
Take away the fear of a loss of funding or access to funding there is need for broad discussions in respect of the sport system. Somethings aren’t as above board as some purport. Why is the Sport Commission and the establishment of the Commission on the back burner? What are the policy perspectives and imperatives informing the sidelining of the sport Commission? Who decided and why?
 
Has there been open and transparent consultation in respect of the way forward? What is the vision and strategic imperatives driving decision making? As the Ministry of Sport and Sport Company hold the microscope on national organisations and the Olympic Committee, there is a saying fix your own house first.
 
There are a number of extremely capable and honest individuals who make a hugely positive difference inside the Ministry of Sport and Sport Company. They have a clear sense of what needs to be done and why respecting the national sport organisations is a critical success factor. They know the hidden truth and need to be given a fair hearing. Ministers of Sport, generally, aren’t the intractable problem. Short term thinking overides the policy  cycle.
 
In countries perceived as best practice, the public sector functions  effectively and efficiently  on the basis of policy and a policy cycle. What the sport community wants to understand from the political parties contesting the upcoming general elections is a loud and clear perspective on how will sport be integrated as a key pillar  in their respective economic and national vision and development plans.
 
Resource allocation of$57 million dollars to national sport organisations is not adequate and reflective of a sustainable  approach to sport development.
 
Brian Lewis is the president of the T&TOlympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee. Support #10 Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund make your donations to any branch of Scotiabank account number #171188. Share and support the Olympic Dream.

[Socapro]

Things that Matter
Sport not a bully pulpit
Published: Tuesday, June 30, 2015
By Brian Lewis (T&T Guardian)

Brian Lewis, President of Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC)

The dictionary defines excellence as the quality of being outstanding or extremely good. The International Olympic Committee promotes respect, friendship and excellence as core values of the Olympic Movement. Propagating these values is the responsibility of the Olympic movement led by the respective National Olympic Committees.

It’s a difficult role and responsibility given the ever changing landscape that is contemporary society. Pierre Coubertin- founder of the modern Olympic movement articulated the following:
• Joy of effort in sport and physical activity;
• Fair play;
• Respect for others;
• Pursuit of excellence;
• Balance between body, will and mind.

However for the majority of people including many National Olympic Committees it is an Olympic medal preferably gold that defines excellence. What exactly is the pursuit of excellence? For some excellence is not just about winning. Sport inspires people in all walks of life to strive for excellence. There are no shortcuts to excellence.

Supporting the elite aspirations of those who aspire to win medals is a topic that causes significant discussions. Not everyone is of the view that elite level athletes should be supported. It may rankle some especially those of us who see the power of sport making a difference on a daily basis. But it is important to listen to the argument made by those who don’t support sport.

It’s a complicated issue that is shaped by individual experience, upbringing and perceptions. That sport is given special consideration is a source of resentment in some circles. Those of us who argue vehemently and passionately that the development of physical skills and positive motivation that comes from success in team and individual competition inspire the desire to pursue excellence must accept that not everyone buys the party line.

Sport at its best can help young people develop positive mental, social and psychological skills. But it has to be acknowledged that when sport is used for negative reasons it paints an ugly picture. It is in this respect that national sport organisations must be very conscious of the need to maintain the positive image and attributes of sport.

In embracing the duality of our human experience we find the ability to reach deep within ourselves and produce what we choose to define as excellence. In helping young athletes to pursue excellence we emphasize hope. Encourage positivity, set expectations and demand accountability. If we are to inspire champions it can’t be at the expense of the totality of human experience.

Excellence in many ways defines the experience of sport and the Olympic Movement. Aspiring for excellence in all that you do on and off the field is a worthy endeavour. Let’s continue to strive for excellence in life through sport. But let’s also embrace the challenge that sport isn’t a cure all and that making the argument for sport requires giving careful thought and consideration to different views.

Sport ought not to be used as a bully pulpit.

• Brian Lewis is the president of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee.

[Socapro]

Things That Matter
NLCB, TTOC a golden sporting mix
Published: Tuesday, July 7, 2015
By Brian Lewis (T&T Guardian)

Brian Lewis, President of Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC)

The National Lotteries Control  Board  (NLCB) has formalised its partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee  (TTOC ). The historic agreement resulted in the creation by the NLCB of a new instant money (Scratch ) game called Going For Gold that will carry the #10golds24 logo. The projected contribution is $200,000 with potential to generate one million dollars or more  per annum.



The upper end is an ambitious target that will require the Going for Gold game to be extremely popular and well supported by the public. It’s a start compared to what is received from national lottery funding  in other countries. Aside from the cash injection into the Ten or more Olympic Gold medals by the year 2024 Athlete Welfare and Preparation fund, there are a number of other athlete focused elements such as internship, ongoing training etc.

But the real win for the TTOC and NLCB is the creation of a new paradigm in respect of thinking outside the box. The willingness to come up with new answers to old questions is a credit to the decision makers at NLCB. Senior executives at NLCB were focused on creative solutions so as to support the TTOC to meet challenges and optimise opportunties.

How can we get sport in T&T to flourish? One of the key priorities is to take the guess work out of how sport is funded. What are our most important financial goals? Is our financial resources the determining factor in how we are able to plan and acheive set targets? There are pros and cons to everything.

Some of our athletes are extremely motivated to work hard to acheive their Olympic dreams and goals. Their motivation is evident. NLCB is a wonderful example of a corporate/state entity committed to finding a way to help and support the Olympic Dream. Our athletes are dedicated. They  have national pride and are fiercely competitive. To build a successful career in elite sport requires those three attributes among others in abundance.

Our athletes  matter. They have an unbridled excitement and enthusiasm and determination to give their all for their country. They have stories that everyone should hear. Since 1997, when national lottery funding was introduced to directly help British Olympic and Paralympic sport, Team GB has become one of the leading Olympic nations in the world.

Their legendary Olympic great Sir Chris Hoy has said without dedicated national lottery funding he would not have achieved his Olympic dreams. The British approach to national lottery funding for Olympic sport is now being adopted by a number of other countries.

So while the NLCB Going for Gold Instant Money Game rolled out to the public on Monday is new, it is not unprecedented around the world. It is a first and historic step to advance the discussion for T&T to follow the British approach to national lottery funding for Olympic sport. UK national lottery funding is supporting the stories of courage and resilience of British athletes who aspire to win Olympic medals and become Olympic Champions.

I believe a similar, dedicated and specific national lottery funding approach that is transparent and accountable will have a huge and transformative impact on Olympic sport here. To acheive the target of ten or more Olympic gold medals, the first challenge is for the NLCB and TTOC to ensure that the Going for Gold Instant Money Game is a success.

Brian Lewis is the President of the T&T Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee. Support #10 Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund make your donations to any branch of Scotiabank account number 171188.

[Socapro]

Things That Matter
All about work and duty
Published: Tuesday, July 14, 2015
By Brian Lewis (T&T Guardian)

A T&T fan cheers on his team as they played Cuba during the second half of a Concacaf
Cup soccer match Sunday in Glendale, Arizona. T&T defeated Cuba 2-0. AP Photo

Genius is one per cent inspiration and 99 per cent perspiration.

For some reason that quote appeared on my Samsung smartphone while I was waiting to Board the flight that would land me back in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday night, around the same time as the opening ceremony of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games was about to start. With everyone asking how could I leave Toronto on that day, I too, started questioning myself.

It was then the quote appeared and I refocused. With a full complement of administrative support in Toronto, the Olympic Committee had other projects and activities taking place and on going right here at home.

So contrary to the perception that the TTOC is a bunch of joy riding volunteer sport administrators always on the look out for the next free trip, I am back home, about to continue the efforts of the TTOC. It’s all about work and duty.  The fact that executive committee members aren't paid not even a stipend is no excuse for free loading. Duty calls and we go do it full stop. In and out. The work goes on.

Sport here is in a difficult place at this time, although one can argue the transformation is well under way. But not everyone is up for the challenge. Right now, our elite level athletes in both individual and team sports are ahead of the sport administrators in understanding what must be done.
That’s not an indictment of any one in particular. Its just a statement of fact.

But I for one maintain an optimistic attitude.  Every day I meet and speak to local sport administrators who are aware and acknowledge where we need to be. The battle that they face is the lack of the critical mass required to make the breakthrough. I am convinced, however,  the momentum is shifting.

Once those who can make the positive difference keep perspiring and working, the breakthrough is just around the corner. Case in point: Football. On Sunday, football decision makers met at the VIP Lounge at the Hasely Crawford and made a brave and bold decision. It wasn’t an easy process. There were some intense and hard discussions. There was not agreement all the time but in the end, no matter the challenges and obstacles, everyone stuck to the task.

The decision to adopt a substantially changed constitution was unanimously adopted and ratified. It was a journey that took 15 months of effort by a Reform Commission which I had the honour and privellege to serve on. All members served gratis and even dipped into their own pockets at times.

It was not an easy task.  But one thing that was always emphatic was that contrary to the perceived wisdom, no matter how strong the views, the best interest of T&T football remained the priority. The most vocal and demanding views and thoughts came from the experienced heads in local football.

Many have been much maligned.  But when it mattered most, some of these same individuals having insisted that their views be heard and considered put the best interest of local football first. The adopted TTFA Constitution is not the cure all, but it’s an important first step for local football.
The journey has just begun. Best wishes to Team TTO in Toronto. The Pan Am Games 2015 has started. Lets support unconditionally our athletes.

Brian Lewis is the President of the T&T Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee. Support #10 Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund. Make your donations to any branch of Scotiabank account number 171188. Share the Olympic Dream.

[Socapro]

Things that Matter
Sport leaders face challenging times
Published: Tuesday, July 21, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

Brian Lewis, president of TTOC

The 21st century environment requires a nimbleness of thought and decision-making on a daily basis that is proving challenging for almost every sport leader. Having to focus daily on growing the sport you lead while working with key stakeholders from all over the globe, while at the same time addressing national needs, is at best interesting and at worst simply overwhelming.

In T&T, a huge challenge is to return sport participation to previous levels and then manage exponential growth strategically  in a sustainable way. Making choices that are best for the long term viability of sport becomes the strategic priority. Building the understanding and trust across the various stakeholders is also necessary.

Adding value to stakeholders, who are in essence clients, require balancing the increasing demands inherent in a member based non-profit organisation that also functions in a burgeoning commercial industry. Coming up with strategies for the direction of the NSO, specifically on the business development side is proving a significant step up for every single NSO.

Most sport leaders are facing the hard question: how to balance their love of sport with the business of sport while at the same time facing up to the realities of the political side of sport. There need to be some hard choices made; the resistance to change is powerful and influential. Moving local sport forward is a journey. And like every journey it starts with a single step with obstacles to overcome along the way.

Where is T&T on that journey from developing a strategy to making important decisions and delivering on objectives what is our guide? How do we position sport in T&T for accelerated growth? How do we position T&T as an emerging force in global sport? How can we integrate the diverse objectives and agendas to develop a united strategy?

I remain convinced that T&T provides the near perfect stage to develop and sustain a powerful presence in the theatre that is global sport. T&T is alive with potential. Sport talent and potential is in our DNA. What will it take for policy makers and manifesto drafters in the political realm to wake up to the untapped value of sport?

Modern sport is a diverse business. Setting goals, single minded focus on success, being a team player are all leadership skills that are developed from playing sport. NSOs are responsible for governing their sport, following rules and regulations as established by their international federations and at the same time providing member organisations with increasingly demanding service expectations, often in the face of tremendous financial difficulties.

The person ultimately responsible for the strategic direction and implementation for the NSO, for understanding its strengths and weaknesses, is its president. The president must be able to demonstrate the full range of modern leadership skills commonly found in successful corporate and commercial enterprises.

The ability to serve, inspire, motivate, empower, guide and attract the best people. The NSOs brand, image, reputation and commercial value can either be enhanced or diminished by the leader. However, notwithstanding all that has been said previously, the most important people in any sport organisation are the athletes not the sport leaders.

Next week we will take a look at the national sport policy which should be the document that provides the guide and systemic framework for all local sport stakeholders including the Ministry of Sport and Sport Company T&T. Brian Lewis is the president of the T&T Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee.

•Support #10Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund. Make your donation at any branch of Scotiabank TTOC Account #171188. Share the Olympic Dream.

[Socapro]

Things that Matter
Golden era for sport at hand
Published: Tuesday, July 28, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

Members of the Trinidad and Tobago Men's 4x400m team wear their gold medals on podium;
back row from left to right, Renny Quow, Jarrin Solomon, Emanuel Mayers, Machel Cedenio.
Front squatting are the Cubans with their silver medals.

The goal of achieving 10 or more Olympic Gold medals by the year 2024 created debate. There were those who felt, and probably still do, that its unrealistic.  They think that making the leap from two Olympic champions to 10 by 2024 is beyond real. Then there are those who understand that achieving that goal must first begin in the mind.

What comes next?  Having accepted mentally that achieving  10 golds is possible and is not out of reach, the next step is how are we  going to get those 10 or more gold medals. The Olympic Committee has conducted a survey and a follow up is now due. The survey and other research based sources are aimed at providing important data and  analysis.

Budgets have to be done. Assessments, monitoring and evaluation. What are the targets and projections? These specific targets must be established within the context of a long term athlete development programme. Harnessing the abundant talent and potential can be done if there is a systematic approach. Winning medals are the end result of a systematic approach be it local or foreign.

When one considers the performances of T&T on the sporting stage in recent weeks. It’s about time that we put our collective energies to work. We can make a name a positive name for T&T on the global sport stage. I accept that based on all the economic experts T&T is facing a daunting economic future. The predictions are that who ever wins the upcoming national election must make some hard decisions.

That being so. There may well be the view that sport is surplus to requirements. It is hoped that this is not going to be the attitude towards sport. Give T&T sport a fighting chance. Double even triple the allocations to sport. But put in effective monitoring and evaluation systems.  Get the key stakeholders involved. Let them say what they want.

The funny thing is that even as this column is calling to triple the allocation, we are mindful that certain changes require an attitudinal and mindset change more than a monetary one. It can be done. Lets give it a really good go. With one year to go to Rio Olympics lets put a huge effort behind a podium quest.

Lets aim to exceed the London 2012 medal count. Be not afraid of the challenge. Lets not be intimidated. Lets go for it. There is little margin for error with 365 days to go to Rio 2016. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate this country's Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games team, Soca Warriors and The Red Steel. They all lifted the spirits of a nation buffeted by an intolerable crime situation.

The joy that spreads through the nation because of the positive exploits on the field of sport is there for all to see. Time and time again sport has delivered. What more can sport do to prove its case? T&T,  the dawn of a new golden era for sport is at hand. Lets not blow it because of short sightedness.

Brian Lewis is the president of the T&T Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee. Support #10Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund make your donations to any branch of Scotiabank account number 171188.

[Socapro]

Things that Matter
One year to go to Rio
Published: Tuesday, August 4, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

Triathlon athletes Erin Jones, left, and Kevin Mcdowell, of the US, lead a swimming clinic for local swimmers along Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, yesterday. Triathletes swam in waters off Copacabana Beach despite published warnings that water in the area was “unfit” for swimming. Last Thursday, The Associated Press released the results of a five-month investigation that showed that Olympic venues are rife with disease-causing viruses and bacteria. AP Photo.

The average person will tell you almost anything can be done. There is an old saying; all big ideas meet with opposition and all big things have been accomplished by men and women who stuck to their big idea. Tomorrow, Rio 2016 will celebrate one year to go to the opening ceremony of the first ever Olympic Games in South America.

The Olympics is about setting big goals. Rio and Brazil had a dream to host an Olympic Games. The South American nation hosted the 2007 Pan Am Games as a test of their capabilities. They would have learned some valuable lessons and used those lessons and experiences to inform their winning bid.

In the face of some well-publicised issues including the awful state of the location for sailing, Rio is in a stepped up mode with one year to go. Their ambition to host a successful Olympic Games is upon them. For national Olympic committees one year to go is also an important milestone since there is an intensity and focus that is elevated. The pressure starts to build.

With the increased focus on Rio 2016, sponsors wake up to the opportunity  but in most cases the long-standing partners become very rigorous in ensuring that their rights are activated. One year to go to Rio. The realisation that the big moment is on the horizon. Marketing efforts start to mount.
Rio 2016 one year to go.

Reports suggest that about 500,000 visitors will travel to Rio next year. Airlines will be stretched to the max. Finding accommodation is going to be challenging and with an Olympic premium.  The Rio Olympic Organisers have signed Airbnb. In respect of the commercial use of the Olympic properties there are standards, protection of the value of the Olympic properties.

The use of the Olympic properties must be aligned with the Olympic values. Any use of Olympic properties that is perceived to devalue the Olympic Movement, the Olympic Games, and that detract from the Olympic ideals will not be approved. All rights to the Olympic symbol and other Olympic properties belong exclusively to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and can only be used with the express prior written consent of the IOC.

It is important for the public and corporate T&T to appreciate that the role of partners in promoting the Olympic Movement and the Olympic values must not be underestimated. Olympic partners play a vital role in communicating the Olympic symbol by sponsorship activation not only during the period of the Olympic Games, but 365 days a year.

Everyone associated with the Olympic Games have big ideas and goals. The T&T Olympic Committee and its athletes, coaches, managers and administrators and medical support staff also have high aspirations. One year to go to Rio. One year to go is for some a wake up call, while for others it’s simply another phase in a well structured long term plan.

It is going to be an exciting but challenging 365 days.

Brian Lewis is the president of the T&T Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee. Support #10 Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund make your donations to any branch of Scotiabank account number 171188.

[Socapro]

Things that Matter
NSOs must loosen creative shackles
Published: Tuesday, August 11, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

Brian Lewis, president of TTOC

From an economic and financial perspective, sport in T&T is facing a real threat of the next few years being bleak, given the near complete dependence on Government funding.

In the current situation, national sport organisations will not be able to fund their operational costs, development and high performance plans. Sport is not a high priority as the return on investment based on conventional economic and political thinking is just not enough to justify significant fiscal consideration.

It’s not just in fiscal terms that sport struggles to catch the attention. The lack of implementation in other policy areas is noticeable. As an example there ought to be a an implementable requirement that every housing development both public and private should include sport facilities that will foster and encourage communities to maintain an active lifestyle.

Projects such as the Invaders Bay Development Project should include sporting facilities while all HDC projects should have built-in sport facilities.

However world class facilities will not by itself move sport forward. Sport requires more policy and less politics. Vision and policy will trump politics. National Sport Organisations need more support rather than less, and it is not just money. Simply talking sport and making statements that sound good doesn’t mean that sport will receive improved policy consideration.

National Sport Organisations need to come together and take their destiny into their own hands. If this is not done, the future will certainly not get any brighter. If sport is to overcome the stark economic, political, fiscal and policy realities, national sport organisations must shake loose their  creative and innovative shackles.

Trying to get people to be open-minded about doing things differently is always a bit of a challenge. But if we don’t create new boxes, problems will continue to become even harder to solve. New ideas and new thinking about old problems can deliver solutions that would not have been considered an option. There is no limit to imagination.

Oil prices have fallen below the US$45 per barrel revised price on which the national budget is predicated, and T&T may see further budget streamlining in the 2015/2016 fiscal year, according to Finance Minister Larry Howai who noted this at the launch of the inaugural annual Oxford Business Group (OBG) report at the Hilton Trinidad.

Sport stakeholders need to take heed of all the predictions. Coming up with solutions can’t be based on ignoring or avoiding the economic reality. With the Olympics falling in fiscal 2015/2016, some very well feel that the negative impact may prove too much to overcome. These days it’s difficulty to predict with any degree of certainty what will happen.

There is always some new issue. Where are we heading? What will happen on September 8? There are many crystal balls that one can have a look at in the hope of finding predictability. What can the sport fraternity look forward to after elections? To my mind, looking into the crystal ball would only ignite frustration.

National sport organisations have to give careful thought and consideration to what they want to do and how they will do it. Remaining optimistic is easier said than done. September 7 is looming large. The uncertainty is not productive. As such, September 8 can’t come soon enough. Brian Lewis is the president of the T&T Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee.

Support #10 Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund make your donations to any branch of Scotiabank account number 171188.

[Socapro]

Things that Matter
Sport has vote on September 7
Published: Tuesday, August 18, 2015
By Brian Lewis (T&T Guardian)

Brian Lewis, President of Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC)

After arch rivals South Africa had beaten the New Zeaand rugby team for the third straight time in 2009, New Zealand captain Richie McCaw laid an All Black jersey in front of his men at the Heritage Hotel and said: "There have been some great men who spilt blood for this jersey, made sacrifices. The toughness, ruthlessness, power, pace. The want. That's got to come from within, the inner desire if that's what it takes."

The above quote is an apt summary of what representing your country is about. All sportsmen and women can attest to that deep down emotional resonance. National pride. Sport stakeholders have national pride and commitment in abundance. It’s the power of sport. As we head into the final three weeks of general election campaigning,  many questions are being asked and platform promises are aplenty.

A question that come to mind is: are the political parties mindful that sport stakeholders have a vote? What will be the future like for sport in T&T? Will the cuts and belt tighten have a devastating impact on sport? What are the respective parties’ policy regarding to sport? Under which party and government will sport be better served?

There are pertinent questions that have to be asked by sport stakeholders. If sport is going to be looked at in the usual way then it is going to be a long hard road. Harbour no illusions of grandeur. If sport is to achieve any semblance of sustainable progress, growth and development it requires a quantum leap forward.

Sport stakeholders have a vote and like all citizens sport stakeholders have a stake in determining what T&T will look like post September 7. A fundamental, foundational and radical change in thinking is needed for sport to thrive in the coming years. The reality of falling oil and gas revenues is not an illusion. Sport stakeholders must value their vote.

These days are not the best of times for harried sport administrators,  athletes, coaches and sport clubs, sport fans and supporters and sport club members. Any one with a passion and keen interest in sport in T&T will be failing in their duty, responsibility and obligation if they didnt give serious consideration to the future of sport.

So much is still needed to be done to develop a sporting culture in T&T. With media houses cutting back on the alloted time and space for sport in the election frenzy, it is very clear that sport is low down on the national value chain. Sport has a vote and that vote should not be taken for granted or underestimated.

Sport has the power to make a difference in all areas of national life. If, however, sport stakeholders don’t have respect for their collective power then don’t expect anyone else to take sport seriously. Sport in T&T should not allow itself to be designated as insignificant and unimportant. It has been said that you can’t win or lose a general election on the basis of a lack of a sport policy or because you have one.

That may well be so but we are in changing times. Post  September 7, sport will move up the national value chain and be a serious topic on the national agenda. Sport matters. Sport has a vote and sport can and will make a positive difference.

Brian Lewis is the President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee.  Support #10 Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund make your donations to any branch of Scotiabank account number 171188

[Flex]

Bledman’s comments shock Olympic boss
Published: Tuesday, September 1, 2015
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/HziJNCmP_oU" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/HziJNCmP_oU</a>

President of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC), Brian Lewis, has expressed surprise at statements attributed to sprinter Keston Bledman after he pulled up during the first round of the 100 metres at the World Championships currently being held in Beijing.

Speaking after pulling up, Bledman said: “My season is done here. I have to pull out of all my meets. There is now no relay team because we were already down to a bare four, and sorry to say, this is on Trinidad. I told them, and my coach told them it was not smart for me to go to the Pan Am (Games). I do not know who it is, NAAA or TTOC, but I more feel it is TTOC because it is like we giving you guys funding, so once they call you, you have to come but (look at) no one sent their top athletes there, but I had to go. There is a need to listen to the athletes sometimes. It is not always about funding. Yes, you giving us funding but there are times when you listen. In the end it was not in God’s plans for me today.”

Clearly-astonished Lewis told the Trinidad Guardian: “I was very surprised to read what was said and I can understand the depth of his frustration, based on all that I have read and the situation in China where his aim was to do much better for all of us. At the TTOC, it is the same, we all want our athletes to attain their goals.” He said it was always the policy of the TTOC to ensure that an athlete’s welfare, health and future is first priority. “I can categorically without fear of contradiction say that we will never force an athlete to run where there are concerns over an injury. I have spoken with both the chef de mission, Dianne Henderson and the chief of the medical staff for the Games in Toronto, Dr Terry Ali, and both have no knowledge of such.” Lewis, who has started a campaign to benefit athletes under the banner ‘10 or more Olympic gold medals by 2024’ said that people who know him will know that he is athlete centred and athlete driven. “I do not know who may have told Keston this but it was not the TTOC.”

Lewis explained that while it was the TTOC’s belief that the best athletes should represent their country and they normally will have consultation with all related national organisations on such, there is a process if an athlete has to miss a games.

“All the athlete needs to do is to present a medical certificate showing the injury status and of course certainly we will ensure he is withdrawn.” Lewis called on  Bledman to contact the T&TOC. “If the TTOC can assist him with any of his medical needs at the moment, he should contact us and we can sit down with him and his team and work something out because Keston, like all our athletes is very important to this athlete driven Olympic body.”

[STMB]

I think Brian Lewis is missing the point and is not "listening" as Keston Bledman shared.

Lewis seems to think that the only reason an athlete wants to be excused from what he views as a "major" games (PanAms) is because of injury.

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd years in the Olympic cycle both have 2 "major meets" - World Champs followed by World Cup (Americas); CAC followed by Commonwealth Games; then PanAmerican following/preceding the World Champs (depending on where PanAms are held).

This year's pair of games are a bit more high-level in parity than the other 2 years, forcing competing countries to strategize whether to use PanAms as developmental, and then the World Champs for their big guns. Others use PanAms as a proving ground for their final WCs squad; while some others use it where competition fitness for WCs is needed, on an athlete-by-athlete basis. But generally you don't send an entire WC squad to both games in succession.

I believe T&T still views the PanAm Games by its past stature, before the WCs began, and as such think that the athletes would want to compete there as priority. TTOC is also focused on its measuring stick of winning "medals" to prove its effectiveness, but winning medals at a "lesser" games, while it is encouraging for developing athletes (not quite yet at the WC finals level), is not a good indicator that our program as a whole is improving, unless we were a country that was not as yet placing athletes in the finals at WCs and OGs.

I hope someone of stature and experience, worth "listening" to - whether it's Crawford, Ato, Ian Morris, Richard Thompson; or even if Lewis consults with his peers in Cuba, US, UK to understand these nuances/priorities, etc so that he could continue to be "athlete-centric" as he states/claims.

[Socapro]

Things that Matter
Together we can achieve greatness
Published: Tuesday, September 1, 2015
By Brian Lewis (T&T Guardian)

Hasely Crawford...T&T’s first Olympic gold medallist

In 2013 when the vision of ten or more Olympic gold medals by the year 2024 was announced by the Olympic movement, there were those who felt it was unrealistic. However, in 2014,  a sports sentiment survey commissioned by the Olympic Committee (TTOC) found that 76 per cent of the population believes that winning ten Olympic gold medals by 2024 is achievable with proper planning and implementation.

In August 2013, Solutions by Simulation (SBS) was approached by the TTOC to conduct a nationwide survey to guage the opinions and perceptions of the public concerning sport and the TTOC. The survey sought to provide a quantitative evidence base to allow for data driven information for the TTOC’s strategic plan.

The survey found that a significant per centage of the population support sport with 85 per cent of the population saying they were sports fans. Some 76 per cent of the population view corporations that support sport favourably. Another 77 per cent support the use of public funds for sport while 79 per cent indicated they enjoyed playing sports.

While surveys may represent the populations views at a particular point in time, they can also provide critical information. Certainly I am a proponent of surveys and polls and hold the strong view that without necessary research be it surveys, polls, focus groups etc, decision making can be flawed and biased.

The 2014 survey found that 92 per cent of the population believe that young people should be encouraged to pursue sport as a career and 78 per cent consider a good sportsman and woman a hero. Some 89 per cent of those surveyed believe that sport can have a role to play in the fight against crime while 79 per cent feel that success in sport is necessary to be considered a great nation.

Ninety-three per cent  felt that a village or town is not complete without a sporting ground. Just over 80 per cent  think that the Olympic rings symbolise excellence, respect, hope, optimism. Ninety-seven per cent believe sport can teach important skills that can be used in other aspects of life. It is not far fetched to believe that there is a national consensus that sport matters.

What the surveyed made abundantly clear is that national sport organisations—the TTOC included—have the opportunity to be significant contributors to national development through sport. The public is on the side of sport and wants sport to be well led and governed. It is also clear that weaknesses aside the challenge is to seize and build on the opportunities.

As we acknowledge as a nation and people,  the 53rd anniversary of Independence, it is essential that we sharpen our focus on sustainable development and nation building. Sport matters to Trinidad and Tobago. We must remain ever vigiliant and focused. Acheiving great things and greatness is not beyond our capabilities or our capacity.

We are a talented, creative, resourceful and inventive people. Sport is no exception. Trinidad and Tobago be brave, be fearless, let’s believe in ourselves. We are a great nation. Let us believe in ourselves and a bright future. No matter the obstacles, challenges or failures, together we can achieve greatness.

Brian Lewis is the President of the Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee.
Support #10 Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund make your donations to any branch of Scotiabank account number 171188

[Socapro]

Things that Matter
Sport cannot be bottled like water
Published: Tuesday, September 8, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

Brian Lewis, president of TTOC

The uniqueness of sport and that human beings view sport as a special experience and having a special place in their lives underpin what some say is a love-hate relationship. In the best and worst  of times, sport is intangible, experiential and subjective. Bernard Mullin, Stephen Hardy and William Sutton probably said it best— sports are expressions of our humanity that can’t be bottled like water.

They emphasized that what each person sees in sport is subjective in nature. Marketing sport isn’t the same thing as selling soap or bread. Peter Bavasi expressed it this way: “You are selling a memory, an illusion.  Each sport fan or participant creates a different illusion.” Many sport organisations simultaneously compete and co-operate while fee sport organisations can exist in isolation.

Product salience and strong personal identification lead many sport fans and participants to consider themselves experts. The expert mentality argues Bernard et al is a feature not found in any other business or sector. “They made the point in this manner.” No other business is viewed so simplistically and with such personal identification—unpredictable,  inconsistent and open to subjective interpretation.

There is a great need for better sport marketing so where do we go from here?

How do we create independence rather than dependence, future focused, encouraging initiatives that  lead to economic independence, and a sustainable future? The long-term betterment is through standing on your own two feet and being independent. No matter where in the world you travel, it’s hard not to wonder if humanity has lost the art of human interaction.  How to stand out from the competition and be unstoppable.  How to delight each and every person who calls on you and give them a great customer experience.

How do we rediscover that human touch. It’s as if life has beaten the soul out of humanity.

Soul...it’s a  vibe that gives purpose.

It’s at the core of what draws us to things and people.

Success doesn’t have to be predictable. Soul matters. Pure passion and desire matters.

How do we remain fearless when ambition isn’t enough?

What keeps your passion going ?

Focus, productivity and a clear view of the end game.

How do we create relevance?

There are so many young people in T&T who are thirsty for personal and professional growth and development.

The greatest enemy of excellence is talent: talented individuals assume they will do well because they are talented.  When times get tough, it’s the ones who are used to trying their hardest who stay the course.

Good leadership is about getting the best out of everyone.

There are times when it seems that the more things change the more they remain the same.

Our athletes endure the same problems and issues over and over.

Trying to get the answers that are needed to move sport forward seem never to come.

Daily those who can facilitate the betterment of sport seem more focused on creating roadblocks rather than sustainable progress.

As national sport organisations face an uncertain future, a better way must be found.

Sport cannot continue along the path of futility.

Forged from the love of liberty...this our native land...where every creed and race find an equal place.

Side by side we stand islands of the blue Caribbean Sea.

Come T&T, awake from your slumber.

Sport wants to make a contribution.

Brian Lewis is the president of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee.
Support No 10 Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund. Make your donations to any branch of Scotiabank account number 171188.

[Socapro]

Things that Matter
Moving past ‘gimme gimme’ mentality
By Brian Lewis (T&T Guardian)
Published: Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Brian Lewis, president of TTOC

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has appealed to the society at all levels to get rid of the “gimme gimme” mentality and return to the spirit of volunteerism. It’s a most timely message given the economic truth facing T&T. Self sufficiency and ambitious visions to achieve and maintain financial independence must be the goal of our major sport organisations.

Policy proposals that deliver on  the argument  that sport is a positive force for good are a priority. National sport organisations (NSO) have a broad agenda. What they need is support not harangueing. They must be supported in their efforts to move sway from applying 20th century solutions to 21st century problems.

Sport should represent the values of equality, human rights and excellence and fairplay, defining the present and shaping the future. Sport has to answer the call to move away from gimme gimme. A new Minister of Sport has taken up the mantle of leadership at the Ministry of Sport. He has the responsibility of implementing the Government's policy for sport.

Policy is what will ultimately determine minister Darryl Smith's legacy. Better yet his adherence to policy and the policy cycle. In overseeing Government’s policy for sport, the next critical success factor is building a positive relationship with the various stakeholders and taking on board their respective interest.

The question making the rounds since Dr Rowley announced his cabinet has been what do you think about the Minister of Sport? My response is a practical one. Ministers of government are very dependent on their ability to work with the public service and motivate the public service to work with the Minister in delivering on government policy.

In the current situation, Smith will have to operate within the financial realities as determined by the Minister of Finance. The power of sport in the midst of darkness to offer a guiding and illuminating light to the youth of the nation is not in question. What is always in question is: How? How can we best harness and direct that power?

Many children and youth who endure life in troubled and at risk environments know little else than the evil they see and endure around them. Sport can make a difference. Sport can provide positive experiences. Inspite of weaknesses and shortcomings, sport can make a difference. That is why the Prime Minister's vision for volunteerism is relevant.

There are too many mercenaries about the space we call Trinidad and Tobago. The spirit of volunteerism is about giving back, paying forward and being the light for others. Our have to need to change into a want to. To help sport answer Dr Rowley's call and make the shift from mercenary to volunteer it falls to the sport leaders in the respective NSOs to listen and understand.

If we are to buy into something larger than ourselves, the motives we start with don’t have to be the motives we end up with. Mercenary motives can change and become volunteer motives. Moving past ‘gimme gimme’ will require a change in mindset and behaviour. Given the problems we are facing as a nation it may well be that there is no choice.

‘Gimme gimme’ has failed as a strategy. Its time to go back to basics and rebuild and there is no better place to start than sport. Lets put country and the bigger picture first.

• Brian Lewis is the president of the Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee. Support #10Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund. Make your donations to any branch of Scotiabank account number 171188.

[Socapro]

Things that Matter
Things done with a purpose cannot fail
Published: Tuesday, September 22, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

By Brian Lewis TTOC

Maximising  commercial potential is often easier said than done.

Forging a commercially viable path demands strategic alliances and partners who have not just the knowledge and expertise but the passion and desire to understand the specific and unique attributes of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC), its history, heritage, brand platform and future.

Creating a brand narrative that fits into the zeitgeist of today’s interconnected world, has broad appeal to be the pre-eminent brand for relationship building and engagement must be a front of mind strategic priority for the TTOC.

The FlowTT/ TTOC Partnership is the culmination of an interesting meeting of minds shaped by a clear vision of what the future will look like, an unbridled passion for sport, human development and striving for excellence. Things done with a good purpose cannot fail. Small scale to high profile sport organisations have to figure out a way to embrace the perception that sport is important for branding and marketing.

Finding the right partner is important. The key quality  is consistency of brand philosophy and values. Last week, Brian Collins, managing director of Columbus Communications Trinidad Ltd  announced that FlowTT is now the TTOC’s exclusive telecommunications partner and had signed a five-year partnership deal .

On the surface it appears  a major telecommunications sponsorship that supports ten or more Olympic gold medal by the year  2024 vision.

More than that it is futuristic.  Flow can help the TTOC drive a marketing plan that seeks to create a sustainable revenue generation platform for the National Olympic Committee in the ecommerce economy. Social media, technological innovation and mobile penetration will open up a whole new realm of possibilities for the TTOC.

Online commerce, the internet economy, tapping into shifting consumer habits in the age of mobile against a backdrop of Trinidad and Tobago having the highest smart phone penetration in the region are  trends important to the TTOC ‘s strategic marketing plan. The TTOC ten or more Olympic gold medals by year 2024 is not only a medal  related vision. Supporting the athletes to attain Olympic champion status will require the TTOC to break barriers and generate commercial rights revenue to an extent not attempted before.  To do so the TTOC must embrace the ecommerce economy.

Flow provides access to cutting edge technological innovation, industry knowledge, operational excellence, cost efficiencies, digital services, data security, an ability to do business anywhere anytime.

The Internet of things, data capture, analytics, metrics, monetisation opportunities, creating intellectual property rights and assets that have commercial value, investment, innovation, fan engagement and brand strategies must become part of the daily language at Olympic House. The TTOC remains non profit, volunteer  and member based but (1) must redefine itself as a marketing and content creation entity with a portfolio of brand assets (2) adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, drive new business development and sponsorship, grow its marketing programme, build its brand locally and internationally .

Athlete centred purpose driven people focused. The TTOC cannot be afraid to lead the charge  into the economic promise of the online age. Mobile penetration and changing consumer habits has seen many people in T&T move through the desktop generation into the mobile generation to engage ecommerce.

Next generation connectivity and IT solutions, managed networking and cloud-based services, capacity and IP services, corporate data solutions and data centre hosting are all on the TTO’s wish list. Technology platforms that engage TeamTTO athletes, fans and supporters anytime, anywhere. The TTOC’S connection to Team TTO fans will become even more valuable and important and help athletes develop their  brands. Think beyond the conventional.  Flow and the TTOC will break barriers along the road to vision #10Golds24.

•Brian Lewis is the President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee.

[Socapro]

Things that Matter
Elite athletes in T&T face financial hardships
Published: Tuesday, September 29, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

By Brian Lewis, TTOC President

Athletes can’t be competitive in elite sport without some form of financial support.

Even though many athletes in T&T are amateur in that they don’t earn a living from their sport, their ambition to achieve excellence in their sport demands supreme effort.

The net result is training is full time. In fact it’s not only the athletes. Coaches, administrators and officials at the highest levels of competition are essentially full time.

Being professional in your approach to the various roles and responsibilities is a requirement. Taking extended leave from work in order to prepare for major competitions is more the rule than the exception.

I envisage the day in T&T when elite level athletes can carve out a career that pays the bills. Commercial opportunities will increasingly become a reality. Our most talented athletes receive extensive media coverage and will generate income both on and off the field.

It’s important to prepare our athletes for the bright lights. There will always be additional stresses. Coping and learning how to cope is important. Managing their time and energy and balancing the demands is going to be a high demand skillset.

Sponsors as willing as they may be, will still want to ensure their brand is looked after.

Attending functions and meet and greet aren’t an impediment to meeting performance targets but a reasonable contractual obligation. Code of conduct clauses will impose certain duties.

Managing the conflicting demands isn’t for the faint hearted or clueless. Each stakeholder has a crucial role to play.

Sport in T&T is bursting at its seams.

At the Olympic Games the interest and pressure to perform is tremendous. The IOC has its own world wide sponsors who pay for exclusive rights to the Games emblems. Each National Olympic Committee has its own sponsors who pay for their product to be the Olympic team official partner.

Athletes also have their own sponsors.

There is potential for conflict and managing the conflict requires huge reservoirs of goodwill. With just under one year to go to Rio decisions need to be made. There is no time to quibble or be indecisive.

For our athletes there is too much at stake. Athlete-first and athlete-centredness is not about being passive.

At the TTOC, athlete-first and athlete-centred is who we are and what we do every single day. Raising the bar in respect of service levels is placing great demands on everyone. But meeting the service expectations is what the Olympic Committee is about.

In order to meet the expectations of the athletes, clarity in respect of delivery of specific services are a high priority. Satisfying expectations means having an integrated approach to communication and assessment of the impact of all communications.

There are many who say they are athlete-centred. Being athlete-centred is easier said. Ten or more Olympic gold medals by 2024 must be athlete centred if the programme is not athlete centred it will have a snowball’s chance in hell of succeeding.

Closing the gap between expectations and perceptions where they exist is important. The TTOC is currently making efforts to understand what athletes expect of the TTOC. Understanding their expectations means you can meet them.

Brian Lewis is the President of the T&T Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee.  Support #10 Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund make your donations to any branch of Scotiabank account number 171188

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Things that Matter
Big cash incentives for T&T medallists
Published: Tuesday, October 27, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

Brian Lewis, left, with 2012 T&T Olympic gold medalist Keshorn Walcott.

The medal bonus for Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil will be US$10,000 for an individual gold medal, US$8,000 for silver and US$5,000 for bronze. While in the relay it will be US$20,000 for gold, US$15,000 for silver and US$10,000 for the relay bronze. Many people have focused on track and field in the context of the relay but the relay bonus will also apply for swimming and the team sprint in cycling.

Given that the concept of a medal bonus was only introduced for the first time in T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) history for this year’s Toronto Pan American Games what some consider to be a hefty increase in the dollar amount for the Olympics has come as a surprise.
The Olympic Games is the pinnacle event in world sport. Winning an Olympic gold medal and becoming an Olympic champion is the dream.

The TTOC, as the sole and exclusive authority and rights holder for the Olympics and all multi sport events sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), must set the tone in respect of ensuring that both the intrinsic and extrinsic prestige, status and reality of the accolade of Olympic champion is maintained.

Some 10,500 athletes will travel to Rio with the dream of climbing the podium to receive one of the 305 medals up for grabs. Great acheivements don’t usually just happen, they start with ambitious goals. At the TTOC we must proudly set ambitious goals knowing that in doing so we will defy history.

There are larger nations with larger population numbers and more money to spend and they are prepared to invest millions of dollars in preparation, innovation, technology and the success of their athletes and teams for Olympic podium success. And as such there are many who feel that setting a medium term goal of 10 or more Olympic gold medals by the year 2024 is a fantasy.

But those who doubt that the quest for Olympic gold is a serious pursuit are undervaluing firstly the enormous potential and talent of the athletes in T&T. The Olympic Games is the World’s biggest sporting event. T&T in winning to date 18 Olympic medals since making its Olympic debut in 1948 has shown the Olympic world that the twin-island republic with a population of 1.3 million that we can shine on the big stage.

T&T can build on those 18 Olympic medals. We have in T&T, athletes who are brave, ambitious and talented. What they need is the support of those who sincerely believe in them. The 10 to 15 years that it takes to develop into an Olympic or world champion is a journey.

Just as the athlete is required to show fortitude, resilience, perseverance, courage and an indomitable will and determination, the same characteristics must be shown by those who profess to care about our athletes. There are those who underestimate the support that is needed and question the investment required.

That the country and the people of T&T are the beneficiaries of the patriotic efforts of our sportsmen and women is or should by now be unquestioned. Our elite sportsmen and women make incredible personal and career sacrifices in service of T&T.

The two Olympic gold medals won by T&T at the prestigious Olympic Games united the twin-island republic. The positive image and inspiration and motivational vibes touched children, youth and young people across communties, race, religion and class barriers.

• Brian Lewis is the President of the T&T Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee. Support #10Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund make your donations to any branch of Scotiabank account 171188 . The NLCB Going for Gold Instant Money Game is dedicated to supporting the Olympic Dream.

[Socapro]

Things that Matter
Ambition by Jehue—how refreshing
Published: Tuesday, October 20, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

Jehue Gordon launches his signature "Ambition" cologne

Ambition by Jehue.  It was with a great measure of pride that I accepted an invitation to be present last Saturday when Jehue Gordon launched his signature cologne at Brian Lara’s house. Jehue creating history as the first local based athlete to take the brave, bold and ambitious step.

It is not that previous generations of national sport stars have ignored the opportunity to leverage their brand. Launching your signature cologne is a major step forward. These are different times. Jehue is a difference maker.

It was a gorgeous evening with the panoramic view as a backdrop and  Lara's majestic home was the perfect setting. Jehue had the support of a number of his fellow national sportsmen and women. Dwayne Bravo, Keiron Pollard,this country’s first ever Olympic Gold medalist Hasely Crawford, former national cricket captain Daren Ganga were among the high profile personalities lending support.

Ambition by Jehue. I myself have a keen interest for signature colognes.  From the sample. I can say I will be adding Ambition by Jehue to my must have list. As I listened to Jehue I couldn't help but reflect on the reality that this may very well be the glass ceiling being shattered. I wish Jehue every success with his signature cologne.

For years sport and sportsmen and women have endured a torrid time simply because the rest of society do not take local sport seriously. They are more than happy to fawn over foreign sport practitioners filling their cupboards with numerous foreign memorabilia and merchandise. Anything foreign is almost guaranteed to flood the cash register to the delight of the business community.

Local is shunned never considered good enough. With the TTOC roll out of its branded merchandise and replicas on the verge of reality, the embrace by our sport stars of the value inherent in their respective brands augurs well for the commercial potential. The marketing and branding of T&T sport and sportsmen and women are now real.

Ambition by Jehue has broken the glass ceiling. I am so excited about Ambition by Jehue and might I add for all the right reasons.

The TTOC is focused on athlete centred welfare and programmes. And it is not only about their performance, it is also about building our athletes’ capacity and ability to successfully manage and build on their brands, in essence to be entrepreneurial and see the business side of sport.

While the older heads including administrators focus on fighting down governance reform based on their narrow and dated view of sport, those who grasp that we are in different times, generation and era are about creating a sustainable future on the basis of marketing and brand building.

It is about taking sport off the plantation and emancipating sport from economic bondage and dependency . Our athletes at the world and Olympic level are ready to burst loose on and off the field. Ambition by Jehue is a statement of intent. Critics will always criticise. Haters will always hate.

We have right here an abundance of talent and potential on and off the field. I keep telling anyone who will listen that it is time we shake ourselves free of the mental shackles that limit our achievements. We have to free our minds and be ambitious. Accept no limits and dare to believe impossible is nothing.

Lets go for Olympic gold and commercial and entrepreneurial gold. Dream Big. Go Brave.

•Brian Lewis is the president of the T&T Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee.
Support #10 Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund. Make your donations to any branch of Scotiabank account number 171188.

[Socapro]

Things that Matter
Sport bodies must aspire to effective governing
Published: Tuesday, November 3, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

By Brian Lewis, president of TTOC

Unelected and unaccountable. When the unelected flex their muscles sport is less democratic. Free and fair elections, it is argued, is the bulwark of democracy in any sphere. Any effort to promote and strengthen democracy in sport governance must be embraced no matter how bothersome. Those who are appointed, or self-appointed, dilute their legitimacy when they either intentionally or unintentionally frustrate democracy.

Do not underestimate the importance of sport governance reform. Sport needs governance reform and constitutional change—radical transformation. Sport stakeholders deserve better. It will not be easy, but stakeholders will be unwise to turn a blind eye. Participating in sport according to the United Nations is a basic human right. Then, if that is so, any deficit in democracy and good governance undermines human rights.

Cynical manoeuvring sabotages efforts to enhance and buttress good governance. Sport organisations undertaking sincere efforts to reform their governance will need understanding and support. The process of governance reform is not a simple one. It carries with it the heavy baggage of culture and politics.

If we want to turn sport into a positive force that works for the betterment of society the challenges of governance reform must be met with poise and an unflinching and resolute determination and commitment. Sport leaders and stakeholders must work together. Investing in the things that matter. Different people and different perspectives can make a bigger difference. Fresh perspectives have to be encouraged.

No two sport organisations are ever the same. Good governance drives sustainable growth. As sport seeks to improve its services and running of sport, innovation and technology come into play. Demanding excellence in operational and governance is not troublemaking. It is in my view essential that sport establishes a reputation and be recognised as having some of the best operational and governance frameworks in the non-profit sector.

Driving governance policy and guidelines and support and training has to be core strategic priority. National, regional, continental and global sport organisations must work towards shaping and securing the future of sport.

Life is getting tougher for sport organisations as the glare of social media and probing scrutiny exacts a reputational and credibility toll. In such an environment a strong governance structure will ensure the fittest and strongest in respect of governance will not just survive but thrive. Public faith in sport organisations suffered a severe blow as a result of ongoing claims of poor governance. Some suggest that fears and concerns are overblown.

No matter what the divergent views may be its an undeniable fact that a sport sector that is perceived and in actual fact reflecting improved governance will generate significant benefits to stakeholders. In setting out and charting a course for the coming years the main message will be stronger and improved governance. Improved governance will have big implications for sport.

Just imagine if sport organisations considered athletes, coaches and stakeholders clients and made quality client service a priority. Redefine what is sport about? Efficency, quality or service? Or improving the quality of their product and service offerings? Creating opportunities for and enhancing the lives of athletes and coaches. Rather than complain about the state of affairs innovate and make things better.

Sport leaders can delegate authority, but the responsibility is always theirs. Be it governance or other areas sport organisations should see themselves as yardsticks of quality. A relentless drive to improve and establishing standards of excellence. It all begins with improved governance. The T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) Good Sport Governance week began yesterday. A series of meetings with National Sport Organisations will be held. On November 7, a good governance workshop will be conducted by Professor Leigh Robinson.

Brian Lewis is the president of the T&T Olympic Committee. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee. Support #10 Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund. Make your donations at any branch of Scotiabank account number 171188.

[Socapro]

Things that Matter
Making sense of purpose and priority
Published: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 (T&T Guardian)

By Brian Lewis TTOC

T&T has an abundance of world class talent and potential.  If only we believed in ourselves and not spend too much time focusing on what’s wrong. When life happens and things don’t go the way you expect it, it is easy to question yourself.Self doubt sets in and you  question yourself and allow others to get into your head with their negativity.

It’s tough to be accountable when you really want to indulge in self pity. On the road to 10 or more Olympic Gold medals by the year 2024 there will be many obstacles. In the face of these obstacles the questions you ask yourself will be very important.

Last  Saturday I accepted an invitation from Dr Heather Cateau to participate as a member of a panel at a UWI, St Augustine, Campus and Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut Turning Tides conference entitled: Caribbean Intersections in the Americas and Beyond .

A special session saw the panel which included TTOC secretary general Mrs  Annette Knott, Olympian and Pan Am champion Cleopatra Borel, Major David Benjamin and sport journalist Kwame Laurence discuss the Topic “Trinidad and Tobago’s Olympic Quest 2016: Past  Victories, future prospects.”

One question asked was what are the things needed to achieve 10 or more gold medals? For me it begins with the why. Next comes figuring out what’s most important and give it your undivided attention.

Other theories that provide guidance for clarity in decision making include: The 80/20 principle (Pareto’s Principle), it’s pretty simple: the 80/20 principle says that the minority of your effort leads to the majority  of your results. It’s not necessarily about the exact numbers (80 percent; 20 percent) as much as it’s about the simple truth behind them, which is this: a small percentage of what you do accounts for  a large percentage of the results you experience.

In his book Gary Keller asks:” What’s the ONE Thing I can do / such that by doing it / everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”

What’s the ONE Thing I can do? This first part of the Focusing Question is about taking action, it’s not the ONE thing you “should do,” or “could do,” or “would do”—but the ONE Thing you CAN do. The word “can” implies action, as opposed to others, which imply intention.

This part of the question lets you know you’re about to get specific. It means that you’re about to take action on something that actually has a purpose. Everything else will be easier or unnecessary. This final part of the Focusing Question is about LEVERAGE. It says that when you do this ONE Thing, everything else you could do to accomplish your goal will now be either doable with less effort or no longer even necessary.

For example: hiring an assistant to handle your calls and emails is a levered action that frees up the time you used to put into calls and emails, thus making it easier for you to focus on growing your business. When you have a strong purpose, you can become clear about your highest priority.
Whats your why? Think big, but focus on one thing at a time. Ask the wrong question, and you will get the wrong answer. When you have a strong Purpose, you can become clear about your highest Priority.

•Brian Lewis is the President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee ( TTOC ). The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Olympic Committee. Support #10 Golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund. Buy #TeamTTO Teeshirts at Fan Club Stores.