Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) News Thread

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TTOC #10GOLDS24 SYSTEM EXCELLENCE
Monday, 22 June 2015 09:26 (TTOC.org)

#10golds24 has set clear performance targets for Trinidad and Tobago’s high performance system. These targets are challenging and will require new and innovative approaches in order to achieve them. One area that #10golds24 can make the largest gains to meet and sustain these targets is to lead the development of a system that can deliver improved results over the longer term.

Many countries have tried and failed to initiate and implement successful High Performance systems. This failure has been largely due to a “one size fits all” approach with the application of models that are often ignoring critical cultural and environmental factors.

The success of #10golds24 approach to high performance system building will be centered on the alignment and better use of existing structures in conjunction with the integration of new and innovative approaches. To this end, #10golds24 will play a greater role in the development of athletes, coaches and technical leaders.


What is System Excellence?

It is an evidence-based approach centered on creating sustainable and repeatable podium performances by:

• Fostering the systematic development of world class athletes, coaches and technical leaders;

• Ensuring we have the right athletes in the right sports and that they are given the right support at the right time; and

• Ensuring we use our resources in the most efficient and effective manner for the best performance gains.


What is the scope of #10golds24?

It is defined by a three-pronged approach in the areas of:

• High Performance Coaching and Technical Leadership;

• High Performance Athlete Development; and

• High Performance Strategy.   


What does it mean for sports?

• #10golds24 will be working with national sport organisations to create High Performance Coaching and athlete development and Technical Leadership plans.

• High Performance Athlete Development plan will initially focus on Podium Pathway and Gold Medal Profile components.

• Coaching and Technical Leadership plan will initially focus on succession through alignment with the Podium Pathway.

• National Sport System partnership


Integrated Sport Science

Integrated sport sciences can be defined as sports medicine and other team management professionals that support coaches and athletes/teams.  These may include a physiologist, sport psychologist, biomechanist, nutritionist, physical therapists/athletic therapist, and a physician. Additionally, a performance analyst may be part #10golds24 to support the use of various new innovations in video and technology for the purpose of performance enhancement. Other professionals (including sport administrators) may be included depending on the nature of the sport and the specific needs of the coaches and athletes.

#10golds24 works regularly with the coaches and athletes to ensure athletes receive world-class care and support for their training, recovery and competition programs. 
The goal of #10golds24 is to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago athletes are healthy, fit and psychologically ready for optimal performance.

The delivery of sport sciences and sport medicine services is always athlete-centered, and coach driven, thus requiring continuous communication and integration between the coach and the team of experts that support the athlete and/or team.

#10golds24 pursues excellence and facilitates a sport innovation and applied sport research program. The overall goal of this approach is to increase the frequency of Trinidad and Tobago’s podium appearances at Olympic Games through strategically designed programmes.

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NLCB AND TTOC PARTNER TO DEVELOP LOCAL OLYMPIC TALENT
Friday, 03 July 2015 12:06 (TTOC.org)


Port of Spain, July 3rd 2015 – On Friday 3rd July, the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) and the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) revealed a landmark joint venture with the launch of “Going for Gold”, a brand new game which will raise funds for Trinidad and Tobago’s potential Olympians.
 
The NLCB has long supported sports development in Trinidad and Tobago, and the Going for Gold game is an important representation of the country’s sponsorship of the TTOC and its #1GOLDs24 initiative. #10Golds24 aims to cultivate a system of excellence necessary for the advancement of T&T’s local Olympic talent. The NLCB and TTOC anticipate that the Going for Gold game, which was designed by GTECH, will be instrumental in raising public awareness and stimulating further national support of the athlete’s cause.
 
“Today marks another huge and transformative step”, exclaimed TTOC President, Brian Lewis.
 
“Let me further add that we have also agreed with the NLCB that our partnership will include advertising and promotional support, internships for our athletes, training, education and ongoing professional and life-skill capacity building support and opportunities”, he concluded.
 
Launched in December 2014, the #10Golds24 programme aspires to make the dream of the country achieving 10 Olympic gold medals by the year 2024 a reality. The athlete welfare and preparation fund provides financial assistance to the nation’s promising sports men and women. It also provides them with the developmental tools critical to fostering a Champion mindset. The NLCB and TTOC anticipate that the Going for Gold game will be instrumental in raising awareness and stimulating further national support of the athletes’ cause.
 
Camille Forde, director of the NLCB, was enthusiastic about the game’s potential to augment the impact of #10Golds24. “It is our hope that the interactive element of Going for Gold will stimulate renewed interest and care for Trinidad and Tobago’s athletes,” she said. “The NLCB is passionate about supporting the achievement of our talented young people, and Going for Gold can play a significant role in helping our game-buyers feel invested in our Olympic dream.”
 
The NLCB looks forward to its continued partnership with the TTOC, and is confident that funds raised from the Going for Gold initiative will make a notable difference in the lives of T&T’s budding Olympic Champions.

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Going for gold
NLCB, TTOC launch new scratch lottery to help athletes
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 3, 2015, 8:37 pm AST

Going for Gold’ lottery launch: National Lotteries Control Board officials, Candy West, right,
and Brian Sawh, left, and Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee president, Brian Lewis,
at yesterday’s launch of the “Going for Gold” scratch lottery game. --Photo: Ian Prescott.

THE National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) has partnered with the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) to produce a new instant scratch money game, from which part of the proceeds will go to the development of sport in Trinidad and Tobago.

From Monday, 500,000 tickets of a new NLCB scratch game titled “Going for Gold” will be available at locations throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Costing $10, the game offers players the opportunity to win several top prizes a maximum of $100,000.

Yesterday the new game was launched at Olympic House, Abercromby Street, Port of Spain, where TTOC president Brian Lewis stated that it is a brave new step in trying to raise funds for sport development. Also present at the launch were NLCB marketing officer Brian Sawh and Candy West, a money game supervisor at NLCB.

The TTOC successfully pitched the idea to NLCB, to assist Trinidad and Tobago athletes in winning ten Olympic gold medals by 2024.

The TTOC head spoke of the organisation stepping outside of its comfort zone, taking risk, and developing new partnerships with the sole goal of funding sport development. They wanted to break the dependency syndrome with an attempt to generate its own funds

“As the (TTOC) president I have real positive expectations from this game,” Lewis said.

“This is an effort to raise a revenue stream to support sport and is in no way associated with illegal gambling,”stated Lewis, who noted that in England, Barbados and a lot of other countries sport is funded by Lotto revenue.

“If people understand what we are trying to do, they (NLCB agents) will sell this in record time,” said Sawh, who anticipates selling out the first batch in three months, if the public buys into the idea of putting a few dollars towards local sportsmen, while at the same time getting a chance to win a big cash prize.

“For every 500,000 tickets we sell, the TTOC may receive between $250,000 to $300,000,” West added.

“It could generate income of a million dollars or more over a year,” a very optimistic Lewis stated, while also declaring that all proceeds generated will go directly to a 10 Olympic gold medal by 2024 fund.

Lewis further challenged “those who like to talk sport” to start making a contribution. He admitted having less than favourable results from an earlier TTOC effort to gather funding through public donations to a Scotiabank account.

He challenged those who had not made a single dollar donation to the TTOC’s Scotia Bank account, to take a chance at winning $100,000 and at the same time contribute to local sport development.

“I grew up with Alex Chapman (former TTOC president) and bingo. I hope this game rolls over until I am gone,” Lewis said.

“If the game is successful it (tickets) could move within a month. If not, the game can drag, and they (NLCB) can shut it down.”

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‘Going for Gold’ scratch cards boost Olympians
By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH Saturday, July 4 2015 (T&T Newsday)

In search of an increase in financial assistance towards the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s Athlete and Welfare Preparation Fund, president of the local Olympic fraternity, Brian Lewis, unveiled a landmark joint venture with the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) to aid the growth of this initiative.

At Olympic House on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, yesterday, Lewis, NLCB chairman of marketing Brian Sawh and Instant Money Game supervisor, Candi West, disclosed their historic project which aims at generating approximately $1million per year towards the Athlete Fund and boosting the TTOC’s aim of achieving ten gold medals or more by 2024.

Together, the trio launched ‘Going for Gold’, a brand new NLCB sanctioned scratch game which will raise funds for Trinidad and Tobago’s potential Olympians. On Monday, 500,000 scratch tickets carrying the logo #10Golds24 will be on sale to the public for $10 at approximately 800 NLCB registered outlets nationwide. With a grand prize of $100,000, buyers of these tickets will be directly investing into the Athlete Preparation Fund. There are multiple other prizes customers can win in this scratch game and organisers have stated that chances are estimated at one-in-four. The first tranche of tickets is expected to run over a three-month period and will be renewed upon completion. This is a bold step in realising Lewis’ dream, having launched the #10Golds24 in December last year and then taking part in the Trinidad and Tobago International Marathon in January 2015.

On this historic drive, Lewis explained, “The importance of continuing and trying different initiatives is very important given the determination to create the environment that will allow our athletes to achieve their goals and objectives. We want to cultivate a system of excellence which clarifies the development pathway.”

The NLCB and TTOC anticipate that the ‘Going for Gold’ game, which was designed by GTECH, will be instrumental in raising public awareness and stimulating further national support of the athletes’ cause.

Camille Forde, director of the NLCB, was enthusiastic about the game’s potential to augment the impact of #10Golds24. “It is our hope that the interactive element of “Going for Gold” will stimulate renewed interest and care for Trinidad and Tobago’s athletes,” she said. “The NLCB is passionate about supporting the achievement of our talented young people, and “Going for Gold” can play a significant role in helping our game-buyers feel invested in our Olympic dream.”

“With this idea, we are getting the public more directly involved in paving the future of our Olympians,” added Lewis. “We have had the Fund open since last year and have not attained what we have projected for thus far. This is why we must adopt and implement new ideas with a positive mind-set.”

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TTOC, NLCB sign Olympic deal
...$3.2m 'Going for Gold' scratch promotion
By Andrew Gioannetti (T&T Guardian)
Published: Saturday, July 4, 2015

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

Brian Lewis, president of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) says there may have never been a better time and opportunity for the public to do its part in supporting the TTOC’s quest for ten or more Olympic gold medals by 2024, than by supporting the partnership between the local Olympic body and the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB).

Lewis made this case yesterday when the TTOC and the NLCB announced an indefinite arrangement, which sees Olympic hopeful athletes benefit from part monetary proceeds earned from a new “instant win” scratch card launched by the NLCB titled: “Going for Gold”.

NLCB’s part of the bargain is specifically to aid the TTOC in achieving its goal of securing ten or more gold medals by 2024 by crediting an account created for the athletes with some of the money earned from the scratch cards.

The new game will become available to the public on Monday. They cost $10 each. The $3.2 million in prizes range from $10 to $100,000 individually. According to the NLCB, the odds of winning is one in four.

Thus far, the NLCB has printed 500,000 scratch cards and will continue to print new cards depending on the rate of sales. Represented by board member Brian Sawh and lottery ticket supervisor, Candy West, at yesterday’s function, the NLCB announced that the athletes’ fund will receive $200,000-$250,000 for every 500,000 cards sold.

Sawh said he believes the first batch of half-a-million cards can be sold within a month but that the continuation of the new scratch card will depend on its demand. Thus for the benefit of the athletes and the NLCB, the company will take an aggressive marketing approach, through print, radio and digital advertising to raise the public awareness.

Meanwhile, Lewis, who sought to put the arrangement “into context” said, “One can’t do something over and over and expect a different result.”

He noted that the partnership is just one of the ways in which the TTOC has materialised on the re-calibrated strategic plan, which started in May, 2013, to increase T&T’s gold medal count at the Olympic Games.

“In engaging NLCB, we found some like-minded individuals… So in a very real sense, for the TTOC, today is a huge step forward,” Lewis added, before thanking its new partner.

He offered assurance that the initiative will be one guided by “transparency and accountability” and “will meet the TTOC’s audited financial process,”      especially given the nature of the venture (funding for athletes) and the stigma that was once attached to the NLCB.

He said support for athletes’ development by means of funding “has not been what we expected.”

“This will test the public… Actions speak louder than words.”

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'Going for Gold' Scratch Game
Monday, 06 July 2015 (TTOC.org)


Today, the NLCB launches the 'Going for Gold' scratch game.
'Going for Gold' will be available at locations throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
Stop at any location to support Trinidad and Tobago’s Olympic Athletes in their journey towards achieving 10 or more Olympic gold medals by the year 2024.

 All proceeds generated will go directly to the ‪#‎10Golds24‬ Athlete Welfare and Preparation fund.

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TTOC offers prize money for Pan Am medals
Published: Tuesday, July 7, 2015 (T&T Guardian)

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

For the first time, the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) will offer monetary bonuses to any athlete who receives a medal at an associated competition, starting this month at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, with the highest award of $US3,000 being offered to a gold medalist in an individual event.

The TTOC announced its bonus structure yesterday via media release. This follows the launch of a “ten or more Olympic Gold medals by 2024 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund”, spearheaded by TTOC president Brian Lewis last December. The prize structure for the Pan Am Games covers medal winning athletes in individual, relay events and team events with a single athlete set to receive anywhere from US$750-$3,000 depending on the event.

Individual gold medal winners will receive US3,000, followed by US$2,000 and $1,000 for silver and bronze medals, respectively. Relay gold medal teams will earn US$9,000 for gold; US$6,000 for silver and US$3,000 for bronze, while each athlete who earns a gold medal in a team sport, such as football, takes US$1,500 each; US$1,000 for silver and US$750 per athlete for bronze.

The TTOC said it was determined to take the necessary steps and decisions in its effort to create the environment that would assist the athletes in striving to achieve medal winning objectives. The release said: “The introduction of medal bonuses is an essential component of the ten or more Olympic Gold medals athlete welfare and preparation programme.

“In pursuit of its strategic goals and objectives, the TTOC acknowledges the support of its corporate partners: bpTT, Guardian Group, Scotiabank, adidas, Lisa Communications and NLCB. “Its an exciting time for the TTOC. One year to Rio 2016 is just around the corner. Pan Am Toronto will get underway this week. Lots of challenges but its exciting.”

Last Friday, the TTOC announced a partnership with the NLCB intended to raise funds for the welfare and preparation of Olympic athletes. Yesterday, NLCB, through its 800-plus agents, began the sale of $10 scratch cards bearing a “#10Gold24” logo, of which part proceeds go to the athletes’ fund. For every 500,000 cards sold, NLCB will donate $200,000-$250,000 to the fund.

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Money for medals
Tuesday, 07 July 2015 12:07 (TTOC.org)

Pan Am athletes to be rewarded for success in Canada

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC), in an effort to give its athletes extra motivation to perform at the Pan Am Games in Toronto, Canada, has announced medal bonuses which will form part of the TTOC's 10 or more Olympic gold medals athlete welfare and preparation programme.
 
TTOC president Brian Lewis set a national objective to achieve eight more Olympic gold medals by the 2024 Summer Games and for the first time in its history the TTOC will have a medal bonus which will see athletes getting US$3,000 for winning a gold medal, US$2,000 for a silver and US$1,000 for bronze in individual competition at the Toronto Games which start on Friday.
 
In the relay events, teams will get US$9,000 for gold, US$6,000 for silver and US$3,000 for bronze.
 
In respect of team sports, US$1,500 will be rewarded per athlete for a gold, US$1,000 for silver and US$750 for bronze.
 
The TTOC is determined to take the necessary steps and decisions in its effort to create the environment that will assist
 
the athletes in striving to achieve medal winning objectives.
 
TTOC vice-president Dr Ian Hypolite feels that the introduction of the medal bonuses could be a very worthwhile initiative.
 
He said that while athletes are already motivated to do well, the incentives will let them know their efforts are appreciated and will be like the icing on the cake.
 
“Anything that serves to incentivise our athletes is obviously welcome,” Hypolite told the Express. “It is a bold initiative and principle in the cause in an attempt to incorporate corporate Trinidad in the process.”
 
“There are a lot of expectations surrounding our athletes but I think the public needs to understand that athletic success is not a give and that support is always vital. The incentives are one thing but what the TTOC is really calling upon is for corporate Trinidad and Tobago to support our athletes,” he explained.
 
“Motivation is a complex thing. Many athletes are already intrinsically motivated however some extrinsic motivation in the form of a reward can always be like the icing on the cake so to speak,” Hypolite added.
 
“I don't think there are any athletes who are going to say they are going to run for the money. They are already motivated to do well but I think the rewards will be an indication of some level of appreciation for the athletes' commitment towards Trinidad and Tobago and I think that is also a major consideration,” he said.
 
According to a TTOC press release, “the introduction of medal bonuses is an essential component of the 10 or more Olympic Gold medals athlete welfare and preparation programme.
 
“In pursuit of its strategic goals and objectives the TTOC acknowledges the support of its corporate partners: bpTT, Guardian Group, Scotiabank, Adidas, Lisa Communications and NLCB. It is an exciting time for the TTOC. Rio 2016 is just around the corner. Pan Am Toronto will get underway this week. Lots of challenges but it's exciting,” the release stated.

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National Lottery to finance Athletes' Fund in Trinidad and Tobago with "Going for Gold" project
By Nick Butler  Sunday, 5 July 2015 (InsideTheGames.biz)

A landmark "Going for Gold" project has been launched by the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) in conjunction with the National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) in order to raise funds for potential Olympians.

Under the agreement, money earned from the sale of a new game of instant scratchcards, open to public sales from today, will be passed into an Athletes' Fund.

A total of 500,000 scratch cards have already been printed, with additional batches to be generated depending on sales.

The fund will receive over TTD $250,000 (£25,000/$39,000/€36,000) for every 500,000 cards sold, it is hoped.

It is projected that the first batch will be sold within a month.

As well as the financial incentives, it is envisaged that this game will be instrumental in "raising public awareness and stimulating further national support of the athletes’ cause".

“It is our hope that the interactive element of Going for Gold will stimulate renewed interest and care for Trinidad and Tobago’s athletes,  said NLCB director Camille Forde,

“The NLCB is passionate about supporting the achievement of our talented young people, and Going for Gold can play a significant role in helping our game-buyers feel invested in our Olympic dream.”

"The NLCB looks forward to its continued partnership with the TTOC, and is confident that funds raised from the Going for Gold initiative will make a notable difference in the lives of Trinidad and Tobago's budding Olympic champions."


It is hoped the project will help allow more Trinidad and Tobago athletes to follow the success
set by London 2012 javelin champion, Keshorn Walcott ©Getty Images

A longtime supporter of sports development in the Caribbean nation, "Going for Gold" marks an extension of the NLCB's #10Golds24 scheme which aims to inspire sporting growth up to Rio 2016 and beyond.

Launched in December 2014, the programme aspires to make the dream of the country achieving 10 Olympic gold medals by the year 2024 a reality.

Through this, athlete welfare and preparation fund provides financial assistance to promising sports men and women, while developmental tools "critical to fostering a Champion mindset" are also being rolled out.

Trinidad and Tobago won four Olympic medals at London 2012, including a gold for javelin thrower Keshorn Walcott.

The short-term target is for Trinidad and Tobago to improve upon their London 2012 performance at Rio 2016.

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TTOC, THA host Youth Camp
Tuesday, July 14 2015 (T&T Newsday)

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee partnered with the Tobago House of Assembly to host the first leg of its 13th annual Olympic Youth Camp in Shaw Park from July 6-11. The second leg will be held in Trinidad from July 20-25 at Olympic House. The theme this year - “10Golds24” - intends to encourage youngsters in the 11 to 14 age group to Strive for Excellence in their sporting discipline, but aims to encourage participants to remember that “the most important thing is not to win but to take part”.

Each day the athletes were exposed to the Olympic Principles of Fair Play, Respect for Others, Joy of Effort, Pursuit of Excellence and Balance between Body, Will and Mind.

Guest Facilitators included Akanni Hislop (Youth Olympian), Pietra Gay (Women’s NBA) and Sherridan Kirk (Olympian) who gave the athletes encouragement to pursue their goals, and were on hand to give sound sporting advice.

Some other interesting highlights for the participants was the inclusion of life skill sessions which focussed on Critical Thinking, facilitated by Save our Children Foundation, Sport for Development and Peace (Janine Thornhill, Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Working Group member) and HIV/AIDS Awareness (Youth Department, THA).

The athletes were able to learn new sports from their fellow campers such as volleyball, chess, basketball, football and netball.

They were also exposed to Jump Rope (Thandiwe Prescott), Badminton and Tennis.

The closing of the camp was fashioned after the Opening Ceremony of an Olympic Games with campers parading flags from London 2012 to Tokyo 1964 made for their art project.

Youth Facilitator, Camryn Bruno performed spoken word on the 2015 activities and the Olympic Oath. Kes the band’s Olympic song “Conquerors” was sung by the campers after the “Olympic Games”were officially declared open.

Campers have the opportunity each year to return as Youth Facilitators to assist the Camp Coordinators in leadership roles.

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TTOC working on Sport Governance Code
Published on Jul 21, 2015, 8:25 pm AST (T&T Express)

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) is setting up a Governance Commission.

A TTOC press release on Monday stated that the Commission, established by TTOC president Brian Lewis will comprise five individuals who have no known official affiliation to any local Olympic sport organisation. Of the five persons, four are from Trinidad and Tobago and the fifth is well known Olympic sport governance expert Prof Leigh Robinson, Head of Sport Studies at the University of Stirling in Scotland.

The release said the intention of setting up the Commission was to put together a Sport Governance Code that meets international benchmarks in relation to good governance.

The TTOC said discussions with the proposed members of the Commission will conclude by the end of this month.

The Commission will begin work on the Code in August Lewis said.

The release added that the Commission will be pushing to have the Good Sport Governance Code included in the TTOC Constitution at next year’s Annual General Meeting. And the hope is that the Code will serve as a road map for Olympic sport governance in Trinidad and Tobago.

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Borel, Ramnarine back athletes housing plan
By Mark Pouchet (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 25, 2015, 7:50 pm AST

Cleopatra Borel, T&T and Pan Am Women's Shot Put Champion

Pan American Games shot putt gold medallist Cleopatra Borel and current national female boxing coach Ria Ramnarine are throwing their support behind Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Brian Lewis’ proposal for elite athlete housing assistance policy and programme.

Borel, who took home Pan Am gold and a medal bonus of US$3,000 from the meet in Toronto, Canada says she agrees with the proposal, “because as an elite level athlete, we make a lot of sacrifices in our personal lives and also financially because for some of us we would be in a better position financially if we were in another occupation and I believe that after you have done a number of years of service for your country, well it is nice to know that you have a small place in that country to call home just like other services people like firemen, police officers and such. “

Borel said elite athletes were not asking for free housing but to be afforded the opportunity to purchase a home.

“Elite athletes want the same thing like everyone else, we want a place, you know, that sort of security that we can afford a place where I can live and have a happy family life after my career is ended” the Pan Am champ says.

Borel said T&T athletes love representing the country but that to compete at the level they compete at requires “a 100 per cent commitment” and having to worry about a roof over their heads while preparing for world and international competition is an unnecessary distraction that could detract from performance.

“To be placed in a nice surrounding and to have that sort of security is important to us,” she said.

Borel added the T&T public would be surprised to know the circumstances some elite athletes exist under.

Ramnarine, a four-time world champion, also believes the athlete housing proposal is a great one.

For more reasons than one.

“First we have to make the athletes as comfortable as possible with regards to their training. It helps them to train better, be in a better frame of mind, the mental focus is there .

Speaking of her experience of applying for HDC housing since 1999, Ramnarine adds:

“The reason why I am saying that is coming from my athletic background itself and struggling to locate housing, I went through the process and it was incredibly difficult.“

Ramnarine said she is currently coaching a female athlete who qualified for the Pan Am Games but who is struggling to keep the roof over her head.

“Because of her training regime, three times a day, she is not working and what little savings she has is quickly dwindling because rent is very high, a high cost everywhere.... I am surprised that the relevant authorities have not taken it and ran with it, “she states.

Ramnarine said she felt really helpless and got flashbacks to her own situation when she was seeking housing as a world class athlete.

“It really touches my heart and I would take her into my home if I had the space for her. And as I said, it would not be for everyone but for athletes who have proven themselves and who have met certain objectives and athletes who are deserving based on that criteria.

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Lewis buoyed by Pan Am success
By Mark Pouchet (T&T Express)
Published on Jul 26, 2015, 9:32 pm AST

TTOC president Brian Lewis

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee president Brian Lewis described the country’s best ever medal haul at a Pan Am Games as “significant and encouraging” but added that there is no room for complacency as the TTOC continues to encourage systems and infrastructure for future success at the other multi-discipline Games like the 2016 Rio Olympics and beyond.

Team TTO picked up eight medals including three gold, Men’s 4 x 400 relay (Renny Quow, Jarrin Solomon, Emanuel Mayers, Machel Cedenio) Cleopatra Borel; and Keshorn Walcott), three silver (Mickel Thomas, Njisane Phillip, Machel Cedenio) and two bronze (George Bovell & Men’s 4x1 relay), a new record haul for the country, bettering the returns from the Winnipeg 1967 edition (two gold, two silver, three bronze) and the Santo Domingo 2003 edition (two gold, four silver, one bronze)

“For the country yet again sports continues to bring a positive image to Trinidad and Tobago. The performances of the contingent at the Pan Am Games were significant and encouraging,” Lewis said, adding that the TTOC had set a goal of eight medals for these Games.

Lewis said some of the incentives and systems—the number of athletes on Olympic Solidarity, PASO scholarships, the ten or more golds by 2024 athlete welfare and preparation programme, the introduction of the medal bonuses, had helped.

“We are starting to put into place the infrastructure and systems at the level of the TTOC and we will be continuing to work with stakeholders like the NSOs, SPORTT and the Ministry of Sport to improve the process for our athletes to succeed,” Lewis said.

Lewis said this country’s results at the Toronto 2015 was a clear signal of the talent existing in the country and the TTOC would continue now to focus on Rio 2016 to ensure that athletes who have qualified or are likely to qualify for those quadrennial Games receive the needed assistance.

Lewis believed the athletes showed the talent and the desire to achieve a success, revelling in the performance of T&T’s 4 x 400m gold medal performance but also noting the performances of some who didn’t medal.

“When we look at young(Christian) Marsden, (Dylan) Carter, the more experienced ones got the job done. When you look at Sparkle Mc Knight Mc Knight, Semoy Hackett and Kelly Ann Baptiste, coming back after a long lay off, it is really important that we look past these Games now and start taking it up to the next level, because while Pan Am medals are a good indicator, both the Worlds and Olympic standards are going to be higher and we must encourage and facilitate our athletes moving up to that level,” Lewis said.

Lewis believed the introduction of the medal bonus created a positive vibe and the TTOC will continue to bring on new corporate partners. “The athlete welfare and support is going to be heightened by TTOC. We will focus even more and dedicate some attention to athlete and welfare services,” Lewis said.

“That’s what I would like to work on now. I think one of the pluses coming out of to 2015 more people may now believe in the potential of the athletes. A lot of people were sceptical before about the whole ten golds by 2024, saying there lacked systems and policies in place, there were gaps. I think that the buy-in is coming. There are some gaps, targets we need to set incrementally, some systemic issues that need to be addressed including the use of facilities and access to them by the NSOs,” he added.

“We need to look at whether we do more in support, from the sport science aspect. So there is a lot that still needs to be done but I genuinely and sincerely believe we can build from here and I call on stakeholders to let’s use the Pan Am as a platform to move forward in a real powerful and significant way.” Lewis concluded.

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Pan Am gains no mask for sport ills
...says head of the Olympic Committee
Wednesday, 29 July 2015 09:58 (TTOC.org)

Members of the Trinidad and Tobago team, standing, wear their gold medals during the medal ceremony at the Pan Am Games, on Sunday. The Cuban team which finished second show
off their silver medal. AP Photo

Success at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, which ended at the weekend, should not be used to mask the failing systems that exist in sports, says Brian Lewis, president of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC).

T&T secured eight medals, three gold; three silver and two bronze but Lewis said the country should not be conned.

Lewis said: “I don’t want us to use that to cover the shortcomings and gaps that exist in the sports system in T&T. Much more have to be done. I do believe the best is yet to come.”

While medals were being won at the Pan American Games, said Lewis, many sporting disciplines in T&T, still did not have access to the country’s sporting facilities. Further, so-called sport fans were not committed to their preferred sport and the athletes that specialise in it, until the athletes were engaged in a do or die contest.

“We are building a lot of facilities, but there has to be a stadium use policy because as much as we are doing, a number of sportsmen and women and a number of national teams don’t have access to the facilities in the volume and times that they need,” he said.

Lewis described as “interesting” recent developments in the sports sector related to public/private partnerships. He has been paying particular attention to remarks by sports minister Brent Sancho who was on record declaring that sporting facilities must earn revenue and ultimately pay their way.

The TTOC officials and the line minister were at odds on this issue, however.

“I don’t know what the context of that is, but that needs to be very carefully thought through and discussed. If it is a Government policy and they make sport one of the key pillars of national development, then they will see the investment in sport as just that, an investment rather than as expenditure. From a policy perspective, I don’t see anybody saying that schools must be revenue earners; that health facilities must be revenue earners; that the national security facilities–the fire stations and the police stations–must be revenue earners,” said Lewis.

He added: “I am saying if sports facilities must be revenue earners in and of their own right, you are really telling me that you are not giving sport the same consideration and prioritisation that you are giving health, education and national security. I firmly believe that sport is an important aspect of national development.

“We see countries such as Singapore and Qatar and Brazil that have made sports a key part of whatever big vision they have for their sustainable development. We really need to get the policy makers and the politicians into that head space where sport is concern.”

But despite those issues, Lewis said the TTOC remained athlete focused and described the efforts of his executive and the initiatives to be achieved, as work in progress.

“As far as I am concerned, there is much more that the Olympic Committee can do and must do and I also think that the Olympic Committee cannot do it alone. Even in the context of ten or more Olympic gold medals by the year 2024, it must become more than a TTOC goal. It must become a national goal.

“There are gaps, there are weaknesses, there and short comings and short falls in the sports system in T&T and we need to address them, because if we don’t address them we are not going to be able to help our athletes push on to their full potential.” Lewis said.

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Toyota pumps $750,000 into Olympic fund
Thursday, 30 July 2015 07:24 (TTOC.org)


Toyota Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TTTL) will invest at least $750,000 over the next five years into the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s (TTOC) #10golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund.
 
The local branch of the world renowned automotive company will also pair with the TTOC to provide internships in human resources, public relations, communications and sales for athletes, ongoing training and education and will be the official vehicle and mobility partner of the TTOC. Toyota is also expected to assist with certain TTOC promotional and advertising initiatives.
 
TTOC president Brian Lewis and TTTL marketing manager Sean Shaffie made the announcement of the five-year deal that will extend to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics at Olympic House on Abercromby Street yesterday. Toyota also presented the first cheque of $150,000 to #10golds24 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund.
 
Lewis revealed that in March this year, the Japan-based Toyota Motor Corporation, the parent company signed an historic US$835 million agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to become a top partner with the IOC until 2024. The deal gives Toyota rights in Japan until the end of 2016 but then exclusive worldwide rights with the IOC starting from 2017.
 
Lewis described that the IOC usually return 90 % of the revenue generated back to sport development and NOCs across the globe. “What would usually happen is even though you may have a worldwide partner it doesn’t necessarily mean in the domestic market there is a sign-on market. It usually happens in bigger NOCs, not usually in smaller NOCs, so Toyota T&T signing on to be a partner complements, so to speak, what is happening on worldwide basis but is a landmark deal for the TTOC and we would like to congratulate and welcome them on board,” he said.
 
Besides the $150,000 contribution to the Fund, Toyota has also agreed to offer internships to suitable athletes selected by TTOC and to offer ongoing training and education opportunities.
 
“To be fair to our other corporate sponsors, there is an ongoing emphasis in all our negotiations now in terms of actioning our athlete-centred approach from a strategic perspective. That component is very important and I acknowledge Toyota for agreeing to that,” Lewis said.
 
Shaffie said TTTL was forward-thinking and thus decided to jump in on Olympic support 12 months ahead of their parent company.
 
“Starting today, we will be supporting our local Olympic contingent via the TTOC in readiness for the Olympic Games in 2020, not only because our parent company is an official Olympic sponsor but it is part of our burning desire to coordinate and contribute to Olympic success for our very own athletes,” Shaffie stated.
 
Lewis underlined the importance of brand recognition and value to wooing corporate sponsors. Saying that the TTOC benefited from association with the iconic brand of the IOC, he said national sporting organisations (NSOs) also had to improve their brand to attract commercial investment and to show they can reciprocate in the relationship.
 
“It is also about the ability of the brand you are associating with to drive sales,” Lewis commented, “I am saying this because we hear a lot from NSOs about why corporate T&T is not coming on board. Maybe it is because the brand needs to be looked at, maybe we are unable to convince corporate T&T that we can help create a win-win, not only help them meet their corporate social responsibility ambitions but to drive sales.”
 
Lewis added that NSOs needed to get accustomed to that reality as he recognised the timely intervention of TTTL’s investment following T&T’s record Pan Am Games medal haul of three gold, three silver and two bronze.

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Toyota invests $750k in TTOC Athlete Fund
By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH Thursday, July 30 2015 (T&T Newsday)


Over the next five years, Toyota Trinidad and Tobago will inject a total of $750,000 into the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s (TTOC) 10 or more gold medals by 2024 Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund.

This announcement was made at Olympic House on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, yesterday, where TTOC president Brian Lewis and Toyota’s local marketing manager Sean Shaffie, elaborated on the partnership. Toyota TT’s inclination to get on board and heavily involved with the developments of the TTOC will see the major multi-national corporation invest $150,000 per annum into the Fund, until the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan.

Toyota TT’s most recent venture has now made them the official vehicle and mobility partner for the TTOC. In addition to financial aid, the motor corporation will provide transport for the local Olympic fraternity, along with advertising and promotional support, internship to selected athlete/s undergoing educational and training programmes, Toyota branded merchandise and other all-round support.

“Why we consider this a landmark initiative is because it is not customary for a national domestic arm to partner with the local Olympic organisation. Having taken this approach, Toyota TT has set an example. I would like to again invite the other top partners and locally-based entities to come in and be a part of our Athlete Preparation Fund,” Lewis declared.

On his company’s latest partnership, Shaffie lauded the TTOC’s hands-on development initiative and expressed great pleasure combining forces towards a patriotic objective of attaining Olympic glory.

“We have come together to support our nation’s efforts of medal accomplishments for the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan. Our monetary and other investments into the TTOC is solely intended on helping the athletes develop and perform well at the Tokyo Games. We believe in the TTOC’s professionalism in making this happen,” said Shaffie. So far, the TTOC has aligned itself with bpTT, Guardian Group, Adidas, Lisa Communications, Scotiabank, National Lotteries Control Board and most recently, Toyota TT.

With more and more corporations coming on board, the TTOC president concluded, “We have been receiving great support from our sponsors. We have at this point, one more major announcement to make, that is in the hands of the major partner and is very significant.”

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TTOC concludes Youth Camp
Published on Jul 30, 2015, 8:55 pm AST (T&T Express)

TTOC CAMP: Participants in the TTOC Youth Camp at Olympic House are pictured here with
Barbados Tridents skipper Keiron Pollard (back row centre) on Saturday. —Photo: TTOC

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) concluded the second leg of its 13th Annual Olympic Youth Camp at Guardian Holdings Limited, Westmoorings, on the weekend.

This marked the end of a two-week camp from July 6-11 (Tobago) and 20–25 (Trinidad) that targeted athletes in the 11-14 age groups.

The theme this year ‘10Golds2024’ or “10G24” encouraged young athletes to strive for excellence in their sporting discipline and also exemplified the Olympic principles of fair play, respect for others, joy of effort and balance between body, will and mind. Youth facilitators (past campers) explained these principles through drama and team building exercises.

Life skill sessions focused on media interview training, athlete welfare, setting goals (Donald La Guerre, sport psychologist), anti–doping (Andre Collins, Caribbean Sport and Development Agency), critical thinking (Save our Children Foundation) sport for development and peace (Janine Thornhill, Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Working Group member) and HIV-AIDS awareness (Youth Department, THA).

The closing of the camp was fashioned after the opening ceremony of an Olympic Games, with Trinidad and Tobago as the host country.

Campers paraded flags from Tokyo 1964 to London 2012 Olympics. In addition, the campers wore decorated face masks showcasing the Olympic flag, Olympic flame, peace and Trinidad and Tobago that were created for their art project during the camp.

In Trinidad, campers presented their art pieces on the 10Golds24 vision which highlighted aspects they believe are essential to achieving a gold medal. They emphasised sound morals and values, self-confidence, enjoyment of their sport, balance between school and training, respect for their competitors and support from family, friends, coaches, medical personnel and sponsors.

The campers also highlighted the significance of inclusion of the differently abled in sport, and the need to stay away from crime, violence and drugs in order to achieve their goals.

The participants were able to learn new sports from their fellow campers such as cycling, badminton, archery, triathlon, hockey, volleyball, badminton, chess, basketball, football and netball. They were also exposed to jump rope (Thandiwe Prescott).

Most impactful for the young participants was the athlete mentors; Mark Anthony Honore (Volleyball), Kieron Pollard (Cricket), Akanni Hislop (Track and Field, Youth Olympian), Pietra Gay (Basketball, Women’s NBA) Sherridan Kirk (Olympian) and Jeannette Small and Kwanieze John (Young Ambassadors Nanjing 2014 and Singapore 2010 Youth Olympics).

The TTOC will like to encourage athletes and mentors interested in the Olympic Youth Camp to send their profiles to the TTOC at jsmall@ttoc.org.

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TTOC head says no room for error in Rio
By Sean Nero (T&T Guardian)
Published: Friday, July 31, 2015

TTOC President Brian Lewis

Even as Olympic hopefuls engage in keen international competition to register qualifying times for Rio 2016, Sports Minister Brent Sancho and T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Brian Lewis are confirming that new and enhanced arrangements for the preparation of athletes ahead of the games are in place.

But neither official was willing to disclose, at this time, the level of investment required to boost T&T’s chances at the games. In a joint interview with the T&T Guardian, they assured the national community and most importantly the athletes and their representing bodies that this country’s medal push for Rio, would be unlike any before.

Lewis said plans for Rio 2016 were “going excellent,” and explained that a pre-qualification figure could not be disclosed because the approach by his executive, the minister and his staff, as well as national sporting organisations was integrated.

“Plans are going extremely well. The Olympic Committee continues to work very closely with the minister of sport and the ministry of sport, the Sport Company (of T&T) and all the stakeholders. We continue to put things in place. The fact is we are approaching a very crucial milestone in the context of Rio 2016, which is one year to go, from the 5th of August. It is very crucial that we continue to work together because with one year to go, there is no room and margin for error where our athletes are concerned,” Lewis said.

Sancho said his ministry staff met with officials of sporting organisation under the Olympic charter for a programme called the Podium Push.

The minister said, “We have asked the different disciplines to go out and come back to us with what they believe their athletes need to be podium ready for 2016. We are just waiting to put the final touches on that. We will now invest further to make sure that the athletes get everything for the next year to make sure that we achieve the lofty, but very attainable goals set by the TTOC president.”

The success at the Pan American Games said Lewis provided greater clarity in terms of who have qualified, while helping his executive to understand what athletes needed to do to qualify. In his view the Podium Push was an ideal complement to the 10 or more Olympic Gold Medals by 2024 programme.

Lewis said, “The Olympic Committee is very happy that everything is being done and we are having the positive, necessary and on-going discussions. I am confident once nothing comes in the way of that our athletes will have no reason to say they weren’t as prepared as they could for Rio 2016. We are on the same page with the minister and I feel confident that I can say that because he has been there before and he understands what is required and that it is about action and not talk.”

Sancho praised the TTOC’s 10 or More Olympic Gold Medal initiative, which in his view epitomized the kind of healthy relationship national sporting organisations needed to establish with the corporate sector.

“It’s a wonderful idea. It’s a true testament to the innovative idea that is set out by the TTOC. At the end of the day, I think any financial rewards at the end of it, is something that could be part and parcel of a drive for an athlete to compete and do well, as well as the national pride that comes with doing well for your country. It’s a truly ingenious idea,” he said.

Lewis said a number of joint projects were in the pipeline between the TTOC and the ministry of sport which includes the Elite Athlete Housing Programme and the setting up of the Good Governance Commission.

“So there is a lot taking place. We all recognise that we can’t continue to do the same things over and over and expect different results. The demands now being placed on our athletes and sports and sport administrators means we all need collectively to rise above the challenge,” said the TTOC official.

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News Release: TTOC celebrates ‘One year to Rio Olympics 2016’
Wednesday, 05 August 2015 13:14 (TTOC.org)

TTOC President Brian Lewis (left) presents 2015 Pan American Games medal bonus winners (2nd left to right) Emmanuel Callender, Keshorn Walcott and Dan-Neil Telesford at Olympic House.

Port of Spain, Trinidad - The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) hosted a ‘One year to Rio 2016’ acknowledgement at Olympic House in unison with the rest of the world in marking the one-year countdown to Rio 2016 Olympic Games on August 5th.

The TTOC used this landmark day to celebrate the road to Rio and commemorate the athletes that have achieved excellence at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.

The proceedings opened with a short video presentation highlighting team TTO’s performance at the recently concluded 2015 Pan American Games. TTOC’s President, Brian Lewis, reinforced the vision of achieving the 10 or more gold medals by the year 2024. “Toronto 2015 and the performances of our athletes started to make some people believe that it (#10Golds24) may have been possible; that it wasn’t far fetched and unrealistic,” he stated.

“Rio 2016 therefore, in the context of 10 or more Olympic gold medals by the year 2024 is going to be very important because thereafter comes Tokyo 2020 and then 2024,” he continued.
 
Toronto 2015 Chef de Mission, Diane Henderson led the Trinidad and Tobago Pan American Games contingent of 180 athletes and officials in fourteen different sporting disciplines. The T&T contingent left Toronto with 8 medals, surpassing the medal haul of the Guadalajara Games in 2011.

In celebration of the one-year mark to the Rio Olympics 2016, the TTOC presented Trinidad and Tobago’s medalists from the 2015 Pan American Games with their medal bonuses. Of the 13 athletes were Keshorn Walcott, Dan-Neil Telesford and Emmanuel Callender.
 
The complete list of medal winners include: Cleopatra Borel, Keshorn Walcott, George Bovell III, Njisane Phillip, Mikel Thomas (Individual medalist), Rondel Sorrillo, Emmanuel Callender, Keston Bledman Dan-Neil Telesford (4 x 100m Relay team), Renny Quow, Jarrin Solomon, Machel Cedenio and Emmanuel Mayers (4 x 400m Relay team).
 
With the conclusion of the Pan American Games, the TTOC moves forward with full force in preparation for the Olympics in 2016. The games will take place from 5th – 21st August 2016 in four regions throughout the city.
 
Thank you to other distinguished guests Olympic gold medalist Hasley Crawford, President of the National Association of Athletics Administration Ephraim Serette and Senator Elton Prescott SC for attending.
 
The TTOC would also like to thank our official partners Guardian Group Limited, National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB), Toyota, Lisa Communications, ScotiaBank, Adidas, BPTT, Columbus Communications for their continued support.

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Walcott: Medal bonus was a motivator
By Mark Pouchet (T&T Express)
Published on Aug 6, 2015, 9:11 pm AST

London Olympic gold medallist Keshorn “Keshie” Walcott

London Olympic gold medallist Keshorn “Keshie” Walcott believes the medal bonus initiative by the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) was a motivator for local athletes to perform and can drive them to achieve more medal success.

Walcott, winner in the javelin event, was one of three Pan Am Games medallists at Olympic House to receive their medal bonus and to mark one year to go to the RIO 2016 Olympics. As a gold medal winner at last month’s Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, Walcott picked up US$3,000.

Fellow individual gold medallist, shot putter Cleopatra Borel will receive a similar amount. Silver medal winners, hurdler Mikel Thomas, quarter-miler Machel Cedenio and cyclist Njisane Phillip will get US$2,000, while bronze medal swimmer George Bovell III will receive US$1,000. The 4x400 gold medal and 4x100 bronze medal relay teams will get a combined US$9,000 and US$3,000 respectively.

“I think it’s a good idea to begin with the initiative. Some people may not admit it but it is always something to look forward to besides the medal itself, something that will give you a little extra push, knowing you are going to get some reward for all your hard work outside of the competition,” said Walcott. Walcott related that he and Cuban-born coach Ismael Lopez Mostrapa always try to time the big throws for the major championships like Worlds, Pan Ams, Commonwealth, and the Olympics, but said “it was a bit of a surprise” when he launched the spear to a new national record of 90.16 metres in Switzerland on July 9.

“My coach and I always try to the big throw at the right moment but we always expected that throw (over 90 metres) to come this year. I guess it came a bit earlier than we expected,” said Walcott.

Walcott also related that he and Mostrapa pondered heavily on his decision to participate in the Pan Am Games after he injured the left ankle on July 17 in Monaco, days before his event in Toronto. He said he was embarrassed to be pushed in a wheelchair through the Pearson International Airport in Toronto ahead of the quadrennial hemispheric Games.

“I always tell myself tomorrow is never promised, so I always try to do my best when I get out there to achieve my goals while representing the country to the best of my ability. So coach and I sat down and decided this may be my only chance (at a Pan Am Games) and we might as well take it’’, Walcott said.

Walcott said he has matured significantly from the dark-horse 19-year-old who shocked the world with a gold medal toss at the 2012 London Olympics, and is a more experienced and seasoned campaigner these days.

And he was especially complimentary of his training partner and fellow Pan Am Games gold medallist Cleopatra Borel, the Women’s shot put champion.

“Cleo and I have been training together and knowing how hard she works, it is great seeing that she is rewarded in her performances. Hopefully she can go on an do much better and achieve more success at Worlds and other major championships,” Walcott said.

The TTOC hosted the ‘One year to Rio 2016’ acknowledgement at Olympic House on Wednesday in unison with the rest of the world in marking the one-year countdown to the Olympics on August 5 next year.

According to Lewis, the TTOC used the landmark day to celebrate the road to Rio and commemorate the athletes that had achieved excellence in Toronto.

The proceedings opened with a short video presentation highlighting team TTO’s performances in Canada and TTOC president Brian Lewis reinforced the vision of achieving the ten or more gold medals by the year 2024. “Toronto 2015 and the performances of our athletes started to make some people believe that it (#10Golds24) may have been possible; that it wasn’t far fetched and unrealistic,” he stated.

“Rio 2016 therefore, in the context of ten or more Olympic gold medals by the year 2024 is going to be very important because thereafter comes Tokyo 2020 and then 2024,” he continued.

National Association of Athletic Administrations (NAAA) president Ephraim Serrette said his organisation had a good working relationship with the TTOC and would work hard to facilitate the athletes in their pursuit for international glory.

Also in attendance on Wednesday was Emmanuel Callender and Dan Neil Telesford, both part of the 4x100m relay team, the country’s first Olympic gold medallist Hasely Crawford, TTOC general secretary Annette Knot, Pan Am Games Chef de Mission Diane Henderson and former TTOC general secretary, senator Elton Prescott.

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TTOC to spearhead Olympic Park
Published on Aug 9, 2015, 12:01 am AST (T&T Express)

TTOC Olympic House

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) has announced its desire to convert the Lord Harris Square in Port of Spain into an Olympic Village. The local Olympic governing body detailed its plans in a recent media release which followed its "One Year to Rio" acknowledgement at its Abercromby Street head office on Wednesday.

According to TTOC president Brian Lewis, the park will be focused on creating an Olympic experience for the supporters of the T&T Olympic team. The park will also include a number of different features to attract the public, with the intention of building greater awareness and support for sport in T&T.

The TTOC also intends to attract the attention of the numerous primary and secondary schools in the Port of Spain area. The park will create a space for learning, as the TTOC continues to educate people about the Olympic movement, T&T's Olympic history, healthy lifestyles and culture.

The village will form a part of not only the TTOC’s "Road to Rio" campaign, but also its recent mandate to bring home ten Olympic gold medals by 2024.

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Podium Push
By Mark Pouchet (T&T Express)
Published on Aug 12, 2015, 10:23 pm AST

HAVING FUN: Captain of the Women Soca Warriors Maylee Attin Johnson, left, and Dwayne Bravo, skipper of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel team play with each other during the Sports Ministry Achievers Luncheon at Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, Port of Spain, yesterday. --Photo: ANISTO ALVES

The Ministry of Sport (MoS) announced a major new sports programme called ‘Podium Push’, which officials say is designed to supplement the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s (TTOC) drive to 10 golds by the 2024 Olympics goal. But officials failed to disclose the amount budgeted for the initiative.

At an Achievers’ Luncheon hosted by the MoS at the grand ballroom of the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, yesterday, MoS director of sport Gabre Mc Tair, speaking on behalf of the absent Minister of Sport Brent Sancho, said the Ministry had created this initiative called ‘Podium Push’ to further enhance top local athletes’ chances of securing podium performances at the Rio 2016 Olympics next year.

“Our Elite Athlete Assistant Programme needed some refocusing to ensure that our sporting elite received proper funding, I recognised that even more was needed to help Brian Lewis and his team at the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee achieve their aim of ten gold medals by the year 2024. Providing funding to take our top athletes to the Olympics is not enough. I realise that getting there is not the challenge but finishing in the top three requires additional commitment and effort from the athletes, coaches support teams and the Ministry of Sport,” Mc Tair said, without disclosing any budgeted figures for the initiative.

Mc Tair said the various national sporting bodies will have to recommend to the Ministry of Sport the athletes who they feel are podium ready, not athletes who would just compete but those who are in the top 20 in the world in their discipline.

“These are the athletes who we feel have a real chance of finishing in the gold, silver or bronze positions,” Mc Tair added. Mc Tair said that medals are separated by fractions of a second, metre or kilogramme.

Mc Tair vowed that T&T Olympic athletes will receive the best possible preparation for the Rio Olympics so that Lewis and TTOC can have a realistic chance of achieving the 10 golds by 2024 objective. Mc Tair added the expenses to be covered include travel to competitions, overseas training camps, sessions with a nutritionist, sports psychologist or specialist trainer.

Earlier, members of the Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago team received plaques for their 48-medal haul (15 gold, 9 silver and 24 bronze) at the Special Olympics World Games that concluded in Los Angeles, California, USA, earlier this month.

Also receiving plaques were medallists of the Pan Am Junior Championship athletics team and medallist at the Pan American Games in Toronto that concluded on July 27. None of the Pan AM Games medallists was present because they were either outside the country or on their way to the IAAF World Track and Field Championships in Beijing that commences from August 22. Other members of the Pan Am Games team including swimmer Dylan Carter, T&T men’s hockey captain Darren Cowie, and shooter Roger Daniel, were also present.

Also recognised were members of the Red Steel team who won the Caribbean Premier League championship title last month and members of the Trinidad and Tobago Blind and Visually Impaired cricket team, which clinched the T-20 and 40-overs Caribbean titles in St Lucia over the weekend.

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Sports Ministry launches —
Rio’s Podium Push
By Nicholas Clarke (T&T Guardian)
Published: Thursday, August 13, 2015

The Ministry of Sport has launched a new programme, entitled the Podium Push, aimed at providing elite athletes with the best preparation possible for next year’s Rio Olympics. This was revealed during a function held in recognition of the country’s athletes at the Hilton Ballroom in Port-of-Spain yesterday.

Speaking on behalf of Minister of Sport Brent Sancho, who was unable to attend, director of physical education Gabre-Jesu McTair said the programme was designed to ensure the T&T Olympic Committee’s aim of winning 10 gold medals by 2024 could be realised.

“Providing funding to take our athletes to the Olympics is not enough. Getting there is not the challenge, but finishing in the top three. That requires extra effort from the athletes, coaches, support teams and the Ministry of Sports,” said McTair as he read from the Sancho’s prepared statement. “I am asking various national sporting governing bodies to recommend the athletes who they feel are podium ready. In other words, those athletes who won’t just compete, but those who are in the top 20 in the world in their discipline. These are the athletes who we feel have a real chance of finishing in the gold, silver or bronze positions.”

The function was attended by dozens of local athletes, including members of the CPL-winning T&T Red Steel, the 48-medal winning Special Olympics team, the Pan American delegation, and the national blind cricket team.

President of the TTOC Brian Lewis called on the country to take sport more seriously by creating conditions under which athletes could thrive.

“I remind everyone that actions speak louder than words. There are so many things that still need to be done for our athletes and it’s not only about money. There are simple things. We still have a corporate culture where representing your country is not considered a national service and our athletes have to take no-pay leave or time from their vacation to represent their country. It is a reality that for many people involved in sport, they have to make those sacrifices 80 percent of time,” he said. “If in the wider community, sport is not seen as key development pillar in the future vision for this country similarly as it is done in country’s such a Singapore, then notwithstanding the best intentions, dedication and commitment of sport stakeholders, we will all continue to struggle. Sport can make a powerful difference to society and I urge the country and its decision makers to take sport seriously.”

Meanwhile T&T Red Steel captain said he had been personally inspired by the achievements of the Special Olympics team.

“They are the real heroes of our country. To do what they do, words cant’ explain. I think they give us more appreciation of what we have and make us realise we should never take anything for granted,” he said. “Maybe one day our management can actually get the Red Steel team to do some kind of games with those Special Olympians.”

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TTOC's 2015 Advanced Sport Management Course is at the half way mark
16 August 2015 (TTOC.org)


Port of Spain, Trinidad - The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) hosted a ‘One year to Rio 2016’ acknowledgement at Olympic House in unison with the rest of the world in marking the one-year countdown to Rio 2016 Olympic Games on August 5th.

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s (TTOC) Advanced Sport Management Course (ASMC) is at the half way mark. The second edition of the TTOC / Olympic Solidarity course began on the 16th May 2015. Scheduled to end on the 28th November 2015, the course will be concluded where participants will present on the overall course impact.
 
28 participants started the course, with three modules completed; the fourth module begins next week Saturday 22nd August 2015. Kairon Serrette will facilitate the financial management session. Modules already completed: Organizing an Olympic Sport Organization, Managing Human Resource and Managing Strategically facilitated by Mrs. Annette Knott, Ms. Anna Thompson and Ms. Carol Charles Austin respectively.
 
The main objective of the course is to stimulate change within National Sporting Organizations (NSO). Successful completion of the course requires 100% attendance, plus submissions of one case study for each module and a final report on the impact of the learning process on the participant’s organization.
 
The course consists of volunteer and paid staff of National Sport Federations/ Associations and other bodies responsible for the development of sport who are involved at a senior level in the management of their organization.  Sports represented are Football, Judo, Karate, Rugby, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Athletics, Chess, Cricket, Sailing, Swimming, Netball, Squash and the Paralympic Committee.

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Flow invests $5m in T&T Olympic medal quests
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Guardian)
Published: Thursday, September 17, 2015

T&T Olympic Committee & T&T Commonwealth Games Association, President, Brian Lewis, right, receives a cheque for TT$5 million for the next 5 years from Managing Director, Columbus Communication T&T, Brian Collins, during a function held at T&T Olympic Committee yesterday, Abrecomby Street, Port-of-Spain. PHOTO: SHIRLEY BAHADUR

The T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) received a further boost towards its goal of ten or more gold medals by 2024, as Flow has agreed to give $5m over five years to the local track and field committee.

This announcement follows the decision by Toyota in July to give $750,000 over the next five years leading up to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

At a press conference yesterday at the TTOC office on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, managing director of Flow Brian Collins spoke about the partnership.

Collins said: “I am delighted to share with you some of the details of the partnership between the T&T Olympic Committee and Flow.

“We wanted to deepen Flow’s support for the T&T Olympic Committee. These talks began about eight months ago. We always knew we would come together because we share the similar passion for excellence and wanting to see Trinidad and Tobago athletes perform at the very highest level.”

Collins said Flow believes in long term investment. “We believe this five-year partnership is something that is truly significant and allows Brian (Lewis) and his team some headspace to plan ahead. They know they (TTOC) have a partner, a sponsor, and they could rely on us. Not just what is written in the contract but outside of that as this is a partnership in every form.”

Collins added: “As a corporate sponsor of development and community in the country in which we do business we examine our involvement from three perspectives—how are we supporting, how are we helping and what will success look like as a stakeholder.

“The ten or more gold medals by 2024 helped us see that clearly by helping our T&T athletes prepare for the Olympic Games. Contributing to the success of these individuals, who are so passionate about what they do and who would like to do well for themselves and for the love of their sport and country, it was a no brainer for us.”

President of the TTOC Brian Lewis said the money will be used initially for the elite athletes. “This is focused initially on the elite athletes. This is about ten or more Olympic gold medals by 2024.

Today the T&T Olympic Committee is a proud partner of one of the most innovative and visionary corporate entities in the region, and one can dare say further afield.”

T&T has won two Olympic gold medals in its history. Hasely Crawford won gold in the men’s 100m event at the 1976 Games, while Keshorn Walcott captured gold in the men’s javelin in 2012.

Yesterday, the TTOC also distributed outstanding medal bonuses to T&T athletes for their performances at the Pan American Games earlier this year. Cleopatra Borel collected her bonus after winning gold in the women’s shot put, while Renny Quow’s father collected on his behalf. Quow was part of the men’s 4X400m team that won gold.

[Socapro]

TTOC announce partnership with FLOW
By JOEL BAILEY Thursday, September 17 2015 (T&T Newsday)

THE TRINIDAD and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) yesterday announced a partnership with FLOW (Columbus Communica t ions Trinidad Limited) at the Olympic House, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain.

The partnership is meant to ensure FLOW’s support towards the TTO C’s drive of ten or more Olympic gold medals by the year 2024.

Each party signed a five-year multi-million dollar agreement which will guarantee funding from FLOW to the TTO C’s Athlete Welfare and Preparation Fund.

The TTO C noted that they will receive $1 million annually — $600,000 towards the athletes and $400,000 for brand ambassador representation.

Brian Lewis, president of the TTO C, said, “it’s about going into the future. It’s absolutely fantastic partnership, not just for the multi-year contract but, from the Olympic Committee’s perspective, it’s the first time in our history we have done a multi-year contract that’s built around an athletes-centred approach.” He continued, “from my perspective, it aligns where we want to go as an Olympic Committee, in terms of our marketing. One of the targets we have set from a marketing perspective is to raise our revenue to $20 million by the year 2017 and $100 million by the year 2021.” Lewis went on to state, “as part of the arrangement with FLOW, it allows us to develop another brand ‘Team TTO ’ which we’re in the process of formalising. What we’re intending to do is the teams who go to (various) Games will be going as Team TTO , which is another opportunity in terms of merchandising.” The TTO C president revealed that FLOW will also be sponsoring the National Beach Games, on an annual basis.

Brian Collins, Managing Director of Columbus Communications Trinidad Limited, was also pleased with the announcement of the deal.

Concerning the brand ambassador representation, Collins noted, “we will be working with Brian and his team to pick (the) athletes. It will be a collaborative approach.” He revealed, “I’ve gotten to know Brian over the last year and a half.

We sponsor a Rugby League in South (Trinidad) so it was from that meeting that I got a lot of respect for Brian, and his ‘10 Gold for 2024’.

And I saw it as something that FLOW could get involved in, a long-term vision, a long-term plan and it can be a path to success.”

[Socapro]

Money ‘Flowing’*
Cable company gives $5m to 10goldsby2024
By Mark Pouchet, mark.pouchet@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Sep 16, 2015, 10:36 pm AST (T&T Express)

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee ‘s (TTOC’s) 10goldsby2024 Athlete Preparation and Welfare fund received its biggest boost to date when TTOC president Brian Lewis announced a five-year $5 million deal with Columbus Communications and their Flow brand yesterday.

Lewis also stated the intention of the TTOC to brand national teams for games under the TTOC umbrella (Olympics, Commonwealth, Pan Am, CAC, Youth Olympics etc) as Team TTO. TTO is the International Olympic Committee‘s official abbreviation for Trinidad and Tobago.

Lewis added that the TTOC is looking to capitalise on the entire spectrum of revenue-earning opportunities with a goal of raising $20 million by 2017.

At Olympic House yesterday, Lewis described the injection of funds for his brainchild project as “a breakthrough”. The landmark deal will see $600,000 every year plunged into the Fund while $400,000 will cater to two brand ambassadors selected for Flow on behalf of the TTOC.

That $400,000 will include a monthly stipend for the chosen ambassadors, commercial commitments and promotions for Flow and Flow equipment and technologies.

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TTOC to focus on injury prevention *
By Mark Pouchet, mark.pouchet@trinidadexpress.com
Published on Sep 21, 2015, 7:58 pm AST (T&T Express)

TTOC president Brian Lewis

PORT OF SPAIN

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) intends to be proactive and reach out to national sport organisations, athletes and coaches to address the injury situation negatively impacting Olympic sports in Trinidad and Tobago.

So said TTOC president Brian Lewis in a media release yesterday.

"The TTOC earlier this year established an Olympic Sports Medicine and Injury Rehabilitation Support Services Network (OSMIRSM) as part of its 10 or more Olympic Gold medals by year 2024 athlete welfare and preparation programme," the release stated.

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TTOC Concerned about injuries and impact on Athlete Welfare and Preparation
21 September 2015 (TTOC.org)


The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) intends to be proactive and reach out to National Sport Organisations, athletes and coaches to address the  injury situation negatively impacting Olympic sports in Trinidad and Tobago.

The TTOC earlier this year established  an Olympic Sports Medicine and Injury Rehabilitation Support Services Network (OSMIRSM) as part of its 10 or more Olympic Gold medals by year 2024 athlete welfare and preparation programme.

The objective of the OSMIRSM is to prevent injuries occurring in the first place by facilitating the correct preventative measures, and when injuries do happen to ensure a speedy recovery.

Accelerating progressive rehabilitation is essential in elite and Olympic sport.

The TTOC believes that athlete centred medical services support includes efficiency from a medical expertise perspective,  communication and case management between the different areas of expertise.

Our athletes welfare short and long term are at risk there is a performance, social and economic cost.

Sports medicine, rehabilitation and traumatology, injury management and prevention and the process of recovery require specific focus and organisation.

Sharing of knowledge and experiences will increase the quality of service to our athletes in particular those in the elite and Olympic level environment.

Its important to work with stakeholders to put in place appropriate strategies.
 
Brian Lewis
President
TTOC

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FLOW and Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) Agreement Signing
21 September 2015 (TTOC.org)

Brian Lewis, right, receives a cheque for TT$5 million for the next 5 years from Brian Collins, Managing Director, Columbus Communication T&T

 •Good morning everyone. Well it has certainly been a productive and thrilling 2015 thus far for Flow.
The merger, with Cable and Wireless, which was announced in 2014 but became final early this year.

 •Today however, we are speaking strictly about sports and I am delighted to share with you some of the details about our new partnership between the TTOC and Flow.

 •Just as a reminder, our parent company C&W Communications in April signed as the official broadcast sponsor – and the exclusive telecom partner – of the 2016 Rio Olympics in the Pan-Caribbean region.. C&W Communications as the broadcast sponsor is historical and important simply because it revolutionises the experience of watching the Olympics for any sports enthusiast, any patriot within the Caribbean region. For Rio 2016 any Caribbean fan will have access to a unique variety of live video feeds, offered across a number of media platforms, including radio, ESPNS’s live television coverage, video on demand, as well as mobile and Internet streams – all of which can be accessed from your preferred device at no additional cost to you. From historical features to contemporary stories, you will have more than 12 hours each day of extra Olympic programming much of which will focus on our local and regional athletes, because we want to showcase material that is relevant to you and we want you to watch your heroes in real time – and not just on the highlight reel.

 •It’s your Olympics, as you like it.

 •But that is about watching the Olympics in 2016.

 •Back in April while that announcement was made we were already having a conversation with Brian Lewis about deepening Flow’s support for the work of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee. These talks began just about 8 months ago, around the time Brian launched the 10 golds by 2024 program, via his participation in the National Marathon. We made our initial contribution to the programme, but we felt we could do more. We loved the idea of supporting the athletes’ development and helping them prepare directly to participate in the Olympics. Brian shared his vision for athletes that are supported by the TTOC; and how the 10 golds by 2024 would do for the athletes and it resonated with us.

 •As a Corporate supporter of development of any community/country in which we do business, we examine our involvement from three perspectives – who are we supporting/how is it helping/and what will success look like for the stakeholder. The 10 golds by 2024 helps you see that clearly. We’re helping our Trinidad and Tobago athletes prepare for the Olympic Games and the end result is improved performances and medals by our athletes. Contributing to the success of these individuals, who are so passionate about what they do, and who are so intent on doing well for themselves, for the love of their sport and for their country, well, helping them is really a no brainer.

 •So here we are. This agreement which we’ve signed onto for five years solidifies our support for Rio 2016 and 2020 which will be in Tokyo. The financial contribution that we have provided today will go directly to 10 Golds for 2024 Athlete Preparation and Welfare Fund which means it will directly impact the athletes who are right now prepping for next year. As a result of supporting this initiative we are supporting not just one sport, but all the athletes who are in line to be in Rio next year. Also as a result of this agreement we are happy to be the official telecommunications partner of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee joining a committed group of partners who share this vision of success.

 •I want to take this moment to thank Brian, whose commitment to sport and athletic development of Trinidad and Tobago is unparalleled. Ever so often he posts on Twitter under the hashtag #acceptnolimits and I believe he truly doesn’t. He is a great advocate for athletes and for the development of sport in Trinidad and Tobago. We at Flow are truly excited about this partnership and supporting the Trinbagonian passion for sport and its athletes.

 •Last night I had the extreme pleasure of speaking at the Opening Night of the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival which is celebrating 10 years and the Opening Film was about the journey of Michel Martelly to President of Haiti. This story was inspired, supported and produced by Praz Michel of the Fugees who was there last night and he said something that resonated with me. He said, he was an American, but he lived and breathed Haiti, he said Haiti was his lifeblood, his background, his heart. Words like that, said with the passion in which he said it, they are powerful. I think it’s the same way for Trinidadians and Tobagonians – and by supporting your excellence in sport, Flow is demonstrating its support for your lifeblood, your  background and your heart.
                                                                       
 •At Flow we pledge commitment to our partners, to our customers and to the communities in which we work as we continue to seek ways to amplify the message that we are a provider that is passionate about development in the region in which we serve. Our business may be technology but we pledge our allegiance to the development of Trinidad and Tobago, through technology, sport, education, in the arts and culture and of the individual as well.

 •Sports are such an important and defining part of any culture, especially those as rich as the ones found here in the Caribbean. We are so proud to have this opportunity to bring a more enhanced Olympic experience to our region, but in a more meaningful way locally, right here to the athletes of Trinidad and Tobago.

 •It truly is a privilege to be a part of this partnership with TTOC and the wider Olympic Family which started months ago. The journey to those 10 golds for 2024 is truly underway. Join us as we showcase the skills and talents of Trinidad and Tobago and the rest of the Caribbean.