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Offline Socapro

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NGC, NAAA announce $12M sponsorship
Friday, March 13 2015 (T&T Newsday)


NGC's vice-president of Finance and Information Management, Anand Ragbir, centre, holds a symbolic starting block with Ephraim Serrette, local track and field president, right, and Brian Lewis, head of the TT Olympic Committee, yesterday, Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.
Author: SUREASH CHOLAI


The sport of track and field is to benefit from a significant financial injection over the next three years. The National Gas Company (NGC) has committed to contribute $4 million annually to the Athletic’s governing body, the National Association of Athletic Administrations (NAAA) from 2015 to 2017.

The announcement, made by the NGC president, Finance and Information Management Anand Ragbir, means funding from the State-owned company has almost doubled from last year’s input of just over $2.3 million.

Asserting that the company was “meticulous”in ensuring that funds donated through its programmes are used in ways to ensure the best return on investment, Ragbir added the NGC was satisfied its support fitted in with three of the four priorities in the NAAA’s 2012-2016 strategic plan. Those identified priorities were: improved governance, including accountability and capacity building among its member clubs, operational effectiveness and the development of corporate and other partnerships.
Ephraim Serrette, the NAAA president, said the three-year sponsorship would enable his organisation to better plan its programmes, knowing what they have to work with.

“In 2014 we were able to effect a lot more of our operational plans, based on what was set out in the strategic plan because of the intervention of the NGC to the tune of $2.3 million. In the past, we would have been planning with a hope of getting funding to do some of the programmes. It now leaves us with a better planning framework.”

Serrette added that targets set in the sponsorship agreement would provide the impetus to deliver and evaluate. “Our targets,” he said, “are with respect to development, how many more technical officials we are going to train over the next three years, how many more developmental programmes based on the coaches, programmes to deal with drugs in sport, all the different educational aspects of the sport.”

“We can now leave whatever allocation is given to us by the Sport Company towards team travel,” he added, “and the funding that we are getting from the NGC would deal with the administrative and development aspect of the sport.”

Yesterday’s announcement was made at the VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Among those in attendance were national icon Hasely Crawford, Minister of Sport Brent Sancho and TT Olympic Committee president Brian Lewis.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The National Association of Athletics Administrators and the National Gas Company have signed a three-year multi-million dollar agreement that is geared towards development and preparation of our athletes for major meets. Kent Fuentes has the details on how this extended sponsorship will impact track and field locally.

SPORT: NAAA & NGC SIGN $3 MILLION AGREEMENT:
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/isUvp2-dtis" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/isUvp2-dtis</a>
« Last Edit: July 04, 2015, 08:58:25 AM by Socapro »
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NGC to increase contribution to NAAA
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2015, 12:03:01 PM »
Boosting support
NGC to increase contribution to NAAA

By Mark Pouchet (T&T Express)
Story Created: Mar 12, 2015 at 8:56 PM ECT


The National Gas Company (NGC) is pumping $12 million into the National Association of Athletics Administratons (NAAA) while NAAA president Ephraim Serrette mentioned the organisation is to introduce a board of directors by 2016.

NGC vice-president Finance and Management, Anand Ragbir, made the announcement of the deal at the VIP lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium yesterday. It will see the NAAA boosted by $4million annually over the next three years (2015-2017).

The sum represents a substantial increase from last year’s deal in which NGC contributed $2.3 million to the NAAA.

The funds are targetted at a kids athletic programme—similar to the NGC Right on Track programme of previous years)—developmental meets, participation and representation for international meets (for example Penn Relays, World Youth Championship, Pan Am Juniors and Pan Am Games) and capacity building which includes coaching courses and certification, club administration and management courses and officials training.

“NGC is meticulous in ensuring that funds donated through our programme are allocated in such a way as to ensure the best return on investment. We are satisfied, in fact, we rare very pleased that our sponsorship is aligned to the NAAA’s strategic plan 2012-2016,” Ragbir said, adding that the NAAA plan describes three priorities which are a good fit for NGC’s policy.

Ragbir said the first priority is improving governance, which he says will take place through constitutional reform and accountability in the management of athletics clubs.

Secondly the NAAA members will focus on operational effectiveness by increasing manpower and organisational restructuring.

Thirdly the NAAA will move towards developing corporate and other partnerships, leading to greater sustainability and improved financial independence.

“All of these goals are being sought in the context of the upcoming Olympic Games in Brazil next year, where we expect to see the fruits of our labours proudly on display on the international stage. No pressure,” Ragbir quipped.

“We would love to really thank the NGC for this intervention and I must say it is going to take us a long way , “ said Serrette, who had earlier recognised the NAAA for the First Citizens Sport Foundation Best Administration award. “The Association is on a new pathway with respect to restructuring and the whole reform of the constitution and to operate as a company, as a board and in order to do that you need to have some sort of sustainability to attract the skill set that would be necessary for us to function in such a manner. So an intervention like this over a three-year period would definitely be something good for the NAAA.”

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Brian Lewis hailed the relationship between the NAAA and the NGC.

Lewis noted that athletics and track and field had contributed 14 of the 18 Olympic medals T&T have won in their history of participation in the quadrennial Games. And the former Harvard rugby player suggested the sport had not been given its just desserts.

“Of the three sports that have guided this country to Olympic medals-athletics, weight-lifting and swimming, two have never had the opportunity to have a state of the art, world class facility and a training centre so that those sports could have built on their Olympic medals - weight-lifting and athletics,” he said , adding that the country also has not seen it fit to establish a galleria where T&T’s Olympic medalists and history can be seen.

“Of the 200-plus participants in Olympic history, over 150 of them have come from athletics and the question to be asked is why is track and field and athletics not given the respect it deserves given its Olympic record and track record,” Lewis said.

Track and field clubs were also given racing blocks, relay batons and stop watches as part of the NGC package deal.
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

Offline Socapro

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NGC continues support for athletics
« Reply #2 on: March 22, 2015, 11:34:05 AM »
NGC continues support for athletics
By Sean Nero (T&T Guardian)
Published: Sunday, March 22, 2015


The National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAA) is not a casualty of an investigation launched into the operations and spending patterns of state-owned National Gas Company (NGC).

Publicised documents claiming to show a questionable jump in the corporate communications department’s budget from $67 million to 200 million over a 24-month period and the subsequent probe into the matter by the Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine, had not affected the energy company’s investment in sport in accordance with its corporate social responsibility mandate.

At a media conference on March 12, held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain, Anand Ragbir, vice-president of finance and information management announced the company’s renewal of its contract with the NAAA amounting to $12 million over three years.

“Our local sporting industry refuses to rest on its laurels and we at NGC will not, either. We are holding further discussion with the NAAAs regarding a longer term partnership, in an attempt to sustain the progress it has made the past year and further strength the organisation,” he said.

“As such, we have agreed to contribute an annual sum of $TT4 million from 2015-2017. This money will specifically target the continuation of the initiatives from the 2014 agreement. There will also new initiatives, which include: A Kids Athletics Programme; Development Meets; Participation and presentation for international meets, for example the Penn Relays, World Youth Championship and Pan Am Juniors and Pan Am Games; as well as capacity building.

“All of these goals are being sought in the context of the upcoming Olympic Games in Brazil, where we expect to see the fruits of our labours proudly on display on the international stage. Those of you who actively follow sport in T&T will agree that we are steadily working toward our lofty, but very attainable goals of a greater presence of T&T athletes throughout the spectrum of athletes. We believe this is in no small part thanks to the efforts of the member bodies of the NAAAs and your determination to bring 21 century thinking to the world of sport.”

Its reinvestment in the NAAA was a direct result of the tangible results achieved during a previous contract, which caused the energy company to deepen their relationship.

Last year, Ragbir said, NGC signed as a major sponsor with a $2.3 million contribution to the NAAA.

NGC, said the vice-president of finance, was meticulous in ensuring that funds donated through its programmes were allocated in such a way as to ensure the best return on investment.

“We are satisfied that our sponsorship is aligned to the NAAA’s new strategic plan (2012-2016). This plan describes their targeted state and identifies four priorities required get there. Of these four, we consider three a good fit for our support, as they mesh nicely with NGC’s CSI policy. The first of these is improving governance, which will be demonstrated through constitutional reform, specifically, accountability in the management of athletic clubs. In this vein, NGC has sponsored several capacity building workshops with the executive members of the NAAAs, aimed at equipping them with the practical and leadership skills necessary for this transformation. Besides the officials, athletes were also exposed to workshops that focused on a variety of themes pertinent to their careers,” said Ragbir.

An interesting side effect of the growing national interest in sport, said Ragbir, was the move toward setting the international stage in T&T, instead of having this country go to the world. In his view, the time was ripe to bring the world to local shores, along with all the positive economic ripples that such a sports tourism initiative could offer.

“No one can discount the benefits to be derived from supporting this association and athletes by extension,” said Ragbir.

“It is a rare Trinbagonian who isn’t filled with pride when one of our own achieves glory for our beloved red, white and black in the international arena. We love to see our flag flown high before cheering crowds, we love to see our country’s name in print, lauding our athletes; because with this comes national respect and national recognition.”
« Last Edit: March 22, 2015, 11:45:06 AM by Socapro »
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

Offline Deeks

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Re: NGC, NAAA announce $12M sponsorship
« Reply #3 on: March 22, 2015, 08:07:28 PM »
This is very encouraging. But it is the govt to the rescue, once more.

Offline Socapro

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Serrette: Time for NAAA to change development systems
Published: Thursday, April 9, 2015 (T&T Guardian)


Ephraim Serrette, centre, president, NAAA, chats with Anthony Creed, executive manager, Sport Development, SporTT, left and Brian Lewis, president, T&T Olympic Committee at Piarco International Airport on Tuesday. PHOTO: SEAN NERO

Ephraim Serrette, president of the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) says his executive plans to overhaul the development systems for athletes across four disciplines in track and field, namely hurdles, sprint, medium and long jump, in a deliberate effort to bolster this country’s medal hunt internationally.

He was speaking to the T&T Guardian at Piarco International Airport, on Tuesday, where he was part of the welcoming party which applauded the T&T 2015 Carifta Games team on its return from the 44th Carifta Games in St Kitts and Nevis with six gold, eight silver and eight bronze medals for third place.

Serrette, a former national athlete himself, said he believed that the move to overhaul various aspects of the sports had become critical, as the developmental regime across these disciplines was too adhoc.

With no clear guidelines in place, Serrette said, coaches had free reign regarding what benchmarks were used to nurture the nation’s athletes.

In order for this country to benefit from its investment in athletes, he said, a national quality control system was needed to match the jumps and throws events, which was already paying dividends.

“The time has come where we need to put our foot down where the national hurdles programme, sprint and medium and long needs to be introduced. The coaches need to mature and understand what we are doing and not just keep their athletes to themselves. We have to work together as a unit to produce our athletes to represent us on the big stage, he said.

Serrette lamented, however, that local performances at this year’s championships did not surpass the medal haul from the previous year.

“It was below our expectations. We knew we had a fairly–I wouldn’t say weak team–(but) it was a challenge for us this year…A number of issues. We only had four development meets, Carifta being early; the loss of use of the (Hasely Crawford) Stadium, which is allowing us to make decisions and plan even better for next year. Carnival is very early next year, so our developmental meets next year would start in November, to give the athletes more opportunities for competition. This year only allowed about four developmental meets and I think that is insufficient to guide us where the selections are concerned,” he said.

Stand out moments from this country’s athletes during competition at the Silver Jubliee Athletic Stadium, over the Easter weeknd, did not escape Serrette’s attention, however.

“Yes. Our under-18 athletes. We have a very interesting group of U-18 athletes. Some of the analysis that we are working on is our national programme–the jumps and throws–and we have seen results,” he said.

The NAAA head recalled the Tyriq Horseford record breaking throw in the boys U-18 javelin event and the champion performance by Akanni Hislop in the boys U-18 200m. Both athletes were from Tobago.

Serrette disclosed that before leaving local shores Hislop stated his intent to win the event and break the record in the process.

The Carifta record was 20.84. Hislop’s time was 20.91.

“I think that’s commendable. He also has another year competition in U-18 competition. I think he is someone we need to invest in because I think that out future,” Serrette said.
« Last Edit: June 30, 2015, 07:13:54 AM by Socapro »
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

Offline Deeks

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Re: Serrette: Time for NAAA to change development systems
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2015, 05:55:36 PM »
4 stadia and none practice around Carnival. We can't be serious.

Offline gawd on pitch

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Re: Serrette: Time for NAAA to change development systems
« Reply #6 on: April 09, 2015, 07:32:10 PM »
 Between Trinidad and Tobago, TOBAGO is doing a better job with identifying and developing track and field talent.

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Re: Serrette: Time for NAAA to change development systems
« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2015, 09:17:35 PM »
Between Trinidad and Tobago, TOBAGO is doing a better job with identifying and developing track and field talent.

Well, is time! I hope they continue to more!

Offline STMB

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Re: Serrette: Time for NAAA to change development systems
« Reply #8 on: April 11, 2015, 08:52:20 PM »
I think what we need in T&T are more low-cost venues for training and keep-fit events. Governments and politicians love to build monuments; large multi-purpose facilities with cavernous concrete structures encircling the most critical real estate, the training and competition SURFACES.

Whether it's for ego and/or for project opportunities, we don't need anymore large stadia right now.

Take for instance the Clermont, FL facility (google a photo of it). it is a very low-key venue with a very fast track and very little in physical structure footprint - bleachers, equipment storage, probably some strength training and physio-prep facilities.

I think that for the cost of 1 multi-purpose (including cultural events) stadium, the government can build 3-4 facilities like Clermont's, with maybe a similar cost and maintenance outlay of a regional cricket ground with a pavilion, PA system, lights, security, surface maintenance, results screen, etc.

It is an easier and more effective budgetary approach to provide athletes around the country with greater access to the higher-valued infrastructure (the SURFACES), as well as alternatives for training and lower-key track and field events, like the keep fit events Mr. Serrette speaks of.
« Last Edit: April 11, 2015, 10:16:20 PM by STMB »

Offline A.B.

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Re: Serrette: Time for NAAA to change development systems
« Reply #9 on: April 21, 2015, 01:20:29 PM »
I remember when it was decreed that 'stadia would not be used for fetes'.

Guess not. :cursing:
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Re: Serrette: Time for NAAA to change development systems
« Reply #10 on: May 01, 2015, 09:37:31 AM »
I remember when it was decreed that 'stadia would not be used for fetes'.

Guess not. :cursing:

Is T&T we taking bout, them f00ckers throwing fete in lat-trin if they get ah chance.

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National Association of Athletics Administrations Press Releases
« Reply #11 on: June 30, 2015, 06:10:35 PM »
National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) Press Release
Tuesday, 30 June 2015 (NAAA TT)


Michelle-Lee & Richard Thompson, 100m T&T Sprint Champions in 2014

During the course of the day yesterday, Richard Thompson, Michelle Lee Ahye along with many other athletes were screened by a medical team led by Dr. Anyl Gopeesingh. The purpose of the screening was to determine the health and well being of each athlete, as the safety of each athlete comes first. All athletes with minor injuries or problems would be treated and monitored as they prepare for future events
 
After the screening, it was determined that Ms, Lee Ahye has a hamstring grade ll muscle strain, and that it would be wise for her to sit out the Pan American Games in Canada and attend rehab and prepare for the World Championships at the end of August.
 
A decision was also taken between Dr. Gopeesingh and Mr. Thompson for him to opt out of the rest of the 2015 track season due to a recurring injury to the tibiofibular joint (knee) and irritation of the illio tibial tract. which has been interfering with his day to day training. This will give him more time to recuperate and prepare for the Olympics in Rio 2016.
« Last Edit: June 30, 2015, 08:16:24 PM by Socapro »
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

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NAAA Press Release: Pan Am Games 2015 Athletics Team - Women
« Reply #12 on: June 30, 2015, 06:43:07 PM »
NAAA Press Release: Pan Am Games 2015 Athletics Team - Women
Tuesday, 30 June 2015 (NAAA TT)


Kelly-Ann Baptiste, T&T 100m Sprint Champion 2015

Kelly Ann Baptiste and Cleopatra Borel leads the charge for the women going into the Pan American Games.

 PAN AM GAMES 2015 ATHLETICS TEAM

 WOMEN


 100m KELLY-ANN BAPTISTE
 SEMOY HACKETT

 4 X 100m KELLY-ANN BAPTISTE
 SEMOY HACKETT
 REYARE THOMAS
 KAMARIA DURANT
 LISA WICKHAM
 PELI ALZOLA

 200m REYARE THOMAS
 KAMARIA DURANT

 400m JANEIL BELILLE

 4 X 400m JANEIL BELILLE
 ROMONA MODESTE
 JESSICA JAMES
 ALENA BROOKS
 SPARKLE MC KNIGHT
 JOSANNE LUCAS

 400m Hurdles JOSANNE LUCAS
 SPARKLE MC KNIGHT

 Heptathlon MARSHA MARK BAIRD

 TJ AYANNA ALEXANDER

 HJ DEANDRA DANIEL

 SP CLEOPATRA BOREL


Cleopatra Borel, T&T Shot Put Champion 2015
« Last Edit: July 03, 2015, 05:43:05 AM by Socapro »
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

Offline Socapro

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NAAA Press Release: Pan Am Games 2015 Athletics Team - Men
« Reply #13 on: June 30, 2015, 06:58:17 PM »
NAAA Press Release: Pan Am Games 2015 Athletics Team - Men
Tuesday, 30 June 2015 (NAAA TT)


Keston Bledman ...T&T 100m Champion 2015.

Keston Bledman, Jehue Gordon and Keshorn Walcott will lead the way for the men.

 PAN AM GAMES 2015 ATHLETICS TEAM

 MEN

 Event Name


 100m KESTON BLEDMAN
 MARCUS DUNCAN

 4x100m KESTON BLEDMAN
 MARCUS DUNCAN
 RONDEL SORRILLO
 EMMANUEL CALLENDER
 MIKEL THOMAS
 DAN-EIL TELESFORD

 200m KYLE GREAUX
 RONDEL SORRILLO

 400m MACHEL CEDENIO
 RENNY QUOW

 4x400m MACHEL CEDENIO
 RENNY QUOW
 JARRIN SOLOMON
 LA LONDE GORDON
 KYLE GEAUX
 JEHUE GORDON

 110m Hurdles MIKEL THOMAS

 400m Hurdles EMANUEL MAYERS
 JEHUE GORDON


Jehue Gordon ...T&T 400m Hurdles Champion 2015.

 TJ ELTON WALCOTT
 STEVE WAITHE

 DT QUINCY WILSON
 EMMANUEL STEWART

 JT SHAQUILLE WAITHE
 KESHORN WALCOTT


Keshorn Walcott...T&T Javelin Champion 2015.
« Last Edit: July 03, 2015, 05:50:24 AM by Socapro »
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

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NAAA extends congratulations to its athletes
« Reply #14 on: July 27, 2015, 12:58:34 PM »
PAN AM GAMES
NAAA extends congratulations to its athletes
Published: Sunday, July 26, 2015 (T&T Guardian)


From left, Sparkle McKnight of Trinidad and Tobago; Shamier Little, of the United States; Sarah Wells, of Canada; and Deborah Rodriguez, of Uruguay; race during the finals of the women's 400 metre hurdles at the Pan Am Games on July 22 in Toronto. Little won the gold medal in the event. AP Photo

The National Association of Athletics Administration of T&T (NAAA) has extended congratulations to T&T’s successful track and field team which competed at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada during the week.

In a media release yesterday, the NAAA said: “We would like to congratulate Cleopatra Borel, Keshorn Walcott, Machel Cedenio and Mikel Thomas on their latest achievements and wish them all the best as they continue to prepare for the World Championships being held in Beijing, China from August 22-30, and the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Borel is the very first woman and only the sixth T&T athlete in history to win Gold at the Pan American Games. Borel’s winning throw of 18.67m came in the second round of competition. With this Gold, Borel now has a complete set of Pan American Games medals, as she won Silver in 2011, and Bronze in 2007.

Keshorn, won the men’s javelin throw, with a throw of 83.27 and became the seventh athlete in history with a Pan Am Gold, he can now add this Gold medal to his many Carifta and CAC, World Jr Championship, Continental Cup and Olympic medals What most of you do not know is that Mr Walcott injured his ankle a week ago while competing in Monaco and had to wear a soft cast for about four days while in Toronto.

Yet he was able to show the heart, determination and temperament of a true champion to go out there and perform with this injury and still bring home the Gold. The winning throw came in his second round, he fouled the third and the passed on his last three throws, protecting the ankle from any further injury, with Worlds just one month away.

Nineteen-year-old Machel Cedenio, the 2014 World Jr Champion, won Silver in the men’s 400m dash in a time of 44.70, and became only the fourth quarter miler in the history of the Pan Am Games to win a medal over this distance. Ian Morris who also won silver was the last athlete to do this way back in 1991.

Not only did Mikel Thomas win a Silver medal at the games, he also ran his personal best 13.17 setting a New National Record in the process and became the first male T&T hurdler ever, to medal at the Pan Am Games. Well done ladies and gents, you have made us proud.”
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

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Serrette: Toronto is just a stepping stone
« Reply #15 on: July 27, 2015, 09:37:04 PM »
Serrette: Toronto is just a stepping stone
By Nicholas Clarke (T&T Guardian)
Published: Tuesday, July 28, 2015


Ephraim Serrette, President of the NAAA TT.

President of the National Association of Athletic Administration Ephraim Serrette hopes that T&T’s performance at the recently concluded Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada will be a stepping stone for bigger things to come. T&T’s squad bagged eight medals at the meet, a national record, including six in track and field to rank 15th out of 29 countries overall.

Looking ahead to next month’s IAAF World Championships in Beijing and further down the road to the Olympics in Rio next year, Serrette said the country’s athletes were showing a lot of promise. “It was an exceptional performance,” he said. “The athletes did us proud and it augers well for the future.”

The track and field athletes won three gold medals (Kershorn Walcott (Javelin), Cleopatra Borel (Shot Put) and the 4x400 metres relay quartet of Machel Cedenio, Jarrin Solomon, Renny Quow and Lalonde Gordon. Mikel Thomas (110 Hurdles) and Machel Cedenio (400m) won silver. However, he noted that a different standard of competition would await them in Beijing.

“The Pam Am Games are something of a dress rehearsal for the World Championships, but we have to remember that the Americans and Jamaicans sent second and third string teams. They were still strong but a lot of big names were missing. It served as good preparation but our athletes who medalled will now have to turn up a gear to succeed on the world stage.”

Serrette commended the T&T Olympic Committee for recently launching its medal incentive programme, which he felt had had its desired effect. “I can’t say exactly how much it influenced the athletes but it was a good gesture by the TTOC,” he said. He added that he hoped to see improvement from the Women’s 4x100m team, which did not complete its semifinal in Toronto.

“I hope they will go back to drawing board,” he said. “We had high expectations from them after they won bronze at the IAAF World Relays in May. Now with Kelly Ann (Baptiste) and Semoy (Hackett) back on the team, they should be a very strong unit.”
« Last Edit: July 27, 2015, 09:39:14 PM by Socapro »
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

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Medal haul impresses NAAA president
« Reply #16 on: August 12, 2015, 09:11:37 AM »
Medal haul impresses NAAA president
By Nicholas Clarke (T&T Guardian)
Published: Wednesday, August 12, 2015


National Athletics Association of T&T President: Ephraim Serrette.

President of the National Athletics Association of T&T Ephraim Serrette has praised the performances of the national squad after it returned with ten medals from the NACAC Senior Championships in Costa Rica.

The team won two gold medals, three silver and five bronze and is looking in solid form ahead of the IAAF World Championships in Beijing from August 22-30. 

Serrette said it was a convincing follow-up to last month’s Pan American Games, where T&T won six track and field medals.

“I think it was exceptional to get ten medals and finish third on the table. That was great,” he said.

“Sparkle McKnight ran a personal best in the 400 metre Hurdles. Semoy Hackett broke the national 200m record. They are peaking at the right time.”

He added that based on the team’s current form, he was expecting a strong showing in Beijing.

He said: “The World Championships is a different level than the Pan American Games and NACAC but if they are at their best then they should be competitive… I think that the female sprint relay team is poised to be on the podium with Semoy Hacket and Kelly Ann Baptiste back on the team.”

The squad will next embark on a training camp in Beijing from August 12-21 sponsored by the National Gas Company.

Serrette said it would give the athletes adequate time to prepare and get settled. “Acclimatising to the time zone and shaking off the jet lag is very critical,” he said. “It takes three to four days before they can have a good workout.”

Meanwhile, team manager Durley Lucas was also pleased with the athletes’ showing in Costa Rica.

He said: “I’m satisfied with performance. Not only did we win ten medals, but a lot of the athletes got to the finals and there were lot of fourth place and fifth place finishes. In an overall sense, it was an above average performance.”
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

Offline Socapro

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Voisin: NAAA athletes unfairly pressured
« Reply #17 on: September 12, 2015, 06:46:09 PM »
Voisin: NAAA athletes unfairly pressured
By ASHFORD JACKMAN Tuesday, September 8 2015 (T&T Newsday)


NAAA TT Team Manager: Dexter Voisin.


TTO Women 4x100 relay team on podium in Beijing 2015.


TTO 4x400m Relay Team on medal podium at 2015 World Champs in Beijing.

IN REVIEWING Trinidad and Tobago’s performance at the IAAF World Championships in China, one TT team official is suggesting that the country’s track and field athletes are subjected to more pressure than those in other sports.

Dexter Voisin, manager of the 21-member squad in Beijing also took aim at those who might wish to match TT to Jamaica in terms of performance.

Voisin was speaking about the fact that several leading TT athletes either failed to qualify for their finals or simply never competed, due to injury.

“I don’t know that track and field was given a mandate to be the number one sport in TT ,” he told Newsday.

“I don’t know who gave us that mandate. But what I know is that each sport in TT should be striving to be number one. I am hearing people comparing us to Jamaica, I am hearing people also suggesting that the standard must be raised so that the athletes who travel will be medallists, and that is an unrealistic goal. I’m not seeing other sports being pressured to perform at the international level.” TT returned last week with two medals- bronze for the 4x100m women and silver for the 4x400m men.

“Track and Field has been qualifying at all the international meets...

and we have been performing,” Voisin continued.

“We are not like Jamaica who have X amount of athletes winning on the podium consistently. But Jamaica is ahead of TT in netball, they’re ahead in football; I saw a Jamaican win a gold medal at the World Swimming Championships; so I’m trying to figure out why Track and Field is always being pressured to lead the way in sport in TT .

We are not getting the majority of the funding, we don’t have the majority of the facilities, we are doing our best from our part.

“We could never be compared to Jamaica; Jamaica is a totally different system in sports throughout, not just in track and field,” he maintained.

What appeared to disturb many TT fans was the significant number of athletes who were eliminated by injury even before the start of competition; especially as many of them admitted that they had been “carrying” the injuries while in training.

Voisin said the medical team only “discovered” the injuries when workouts in Beijing began.

“(We) had a plan to examine athletes before Pan Am and Worlds and pick up injuries early and manage injuries which could be managed,” he explained. He recalled that following a medical screening after the National Open Championships, Richard Thompson chose to quit for the rest of the season and Michelle-Lee Ahye was advised to skip the Pan Am Games.

“So we did our part as a federation to ensure that our athletes going on to the World Championships would have been medically fit, and also if there were any injuries that were manageable, that a course of action was being taken from there on to the World Championships.” Voisin described Cleopatra Borel’s injury to her fingers during the warm-up for the shot put final as a “freak accident” that hampered her ability to throw.

He admitted that, having taken Pan Am gold despite competing with a leg injury, Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott’s failure in Beijing to throw the javelin anywhere near his best was not easy to explain.

“Keshorn had a cast on his foot going to Pan Am Games; no complaints when he arrived in Beijing,” Voisin said.

“With regards to his performance, not the coach neither him could explain exactly what went wrong. He just didn’t perform and it was a case where I would imagine it was one of those days.

For anybody to get an explanation with regards to what happened there, that definitely would have to come from the athlete.” Looking toward Rio 2016, Voisin emphasised the need for planning.

The former distance runner said the TT Olympic Committee needs to get involved with all the federations, including the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAA).

“Now, when the TTO C said that they have this vision for 2024, I think to get X amount of medals, for some reason everybody thought it’s track and field (alone) that they speaking about. Track and field is not the only Olympic sport in TT , so I think the interest should be across the board,” he said. “We are doing our part, we are trying our best to represent TT at the highest level at all the different age groups, and sometimes I feel the athletes do not get sufficient credit for that, it’s always a criticism.”
« Last Edit: September 14, 2015, 11:12:58 PM by Socapro »
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

Offline Socapro

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Congratulations to Darryl Smith
« Reply #18 on: September 14, 2015, 11:12:03 PM »
Congratulations to Darryl Smith
Friday, 11 September 2015 (NAAA TT)


Honourable Darryl Smith, newly appointment Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs.

The National Association of Athletics Administrations of Trinidad & Tobago would like to congratulate, the Honourable Darryl Smith on his new appointment as Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, and look forward to working with him closely for the further development of track and field in the country.
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

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NAAA extends condolences on Brown’s passing
« Reply #19 on: November 05, 2015, 09:48:55 PM »
NAAA extends condolences on Brown’s passing
Published on Nov 2, 2015, 7:02 pm AST (T&T Express)


PASSED AWAY: Winston Brown

The National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) has sent its condolences to former world junior sprint champion Darrel Brown and his family. The Trinidad and Tobago track star's father, Winston Brown passed away last Thursday.

In a press release, yesterday, NAAA general secretary Allan Baboolal acknowledged the contribution of the elder Brown to athletics here in T&T.

“It is with great sadness that the athletic family reaches out to Mr Darrel Brown on the death of his father, Winston Brown. Death is always a time of great sorrow, and on behalf of all members of the National Association of Athletics Administrations of Trinidad and Tobago, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family.

“Mr (Winston) Brown was an ardent supporter of track and field and was always eager to assist in any way possible at our events. He will be truly missed.”

Brown's funeral service takes place on Thursday at Belgrove's in Tacarigua, starting at noon.
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

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NAAAs spend $50,000 on drug testing annually
« Reply #20 on: November 13, 2015, 12:01:15 AM »
NAAAs spend $50,000 on drug testing annually
By WALTER ALIBEY (T&T Guardian)
Published: Tuesday, November 10, 2015


National Athletics Association of T&T President: Ephraim Serrette.

President of the National Association of Athletic Administration (NAAA) Ephraim Serrette said dope testing is a must at all his administration’s events.

He was speaking following a report by the World Anti Doping Agency Commission which examined allegations of doping, cover ups and extortion in Russian athletics that also implicated the world governing body for athletics- the IAAF.

The commission is also calling for Russia to be banned from athletic competition while five of its coaches and athletes to be handed lifetime bans. The report which shocked world athletics yesterday also identified ‘systemic failures’ in the IAAF that it said prevented an ‘effective’ anti-doping programme.

But when contacted yesterday Serrette said he did not want to comment on the issue because of the world implications. However he made it clear his administration does not make joke where drug testing is concerned. He explained that the NAAAs spends a lot of money on testing each year.

That amount, the Guardian understands is in the region of approximately TT$50,000 spent on drug testing every year. Secretary of the administration Allan Baboolal in giving a break down of the monies spent by the NAAAs annually, explained that there is a cost of US$950 for a kit which comprises of two vials (A and B); there is also a cost to do the testing which is unknown as well as a cost to send the test back to be examined.

The administration selects athletes at ramdon and these athletes are between six to 10 for each championship. The Meets at which drug testing is done in T&T are the Senior and Junior National Championship and the Carifta Trials. To date only two athletes from T&T were found guilty from the NAAAs drug testing- the first was caught at the 2006/2007 junior championship and the another at the 2011 senior championship.

Serrette said the athletes were immediately sanctioned by the world governing body when they were caught. The NAAAs boss claimed that his administration do not take action against people caught on drugs but instead are guided by the penalties of the world governing body.

Sprinter Kelly-Ann Baptiste, who claimed a bronze medal at the World Championship Games in Daegu, South Korea, in 2011, tested positive for a banned substance only a day before she was expected to compete in the Women’s 100 metres in Moscow 2013. She has since served a two year suspension.

Semoy Hackett, also served a retroactive six-month ban by the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) for her use of Methylhexaneamine in March in 2012 and again for the same drug in November of the same year while representing her school Louisiana State University (LSU) at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 Outdoor Championship.
« Last Edit: November 13, 2015, 12:54:45 AM by Socapro »
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

Offline Sando prince

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T&T has an impressive record in the sprints and field events, but efforts are being made to improve other areas of track and field.
Towards that end the NAAA opened a middle and long distance seminar designed to encourage participation in the sport and to pass on some of the latest techniques in running the middle and longer distances from 800-metres and up. WATCH: https://www.facebook.com/csportslive/videos/1080388905346074/

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#abtflkintime

Offline Socapro

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Track Alerts speaks with TT athletic body president on local athletic season
March 4th, 2016 2:40pm (TrackAlerts.com)


National Athletics Association of T&T President: Ephraim Serrette.

Track Alerts speaks with president with the T&T track and field association (NAAA) Ephraime Serrette on 2016 track and field season. TA’s Clayton Clarke spoke with Serrette at the NAAA’s Seven Development Meet at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on February 28.

Clayton Clarke (CC):  Several athletes achieved Carifta qualifying performances. Your thoughts on those performances?

Ephraim Serrette (ES): Most of the (Carifta qualifying) performances we saw were in the field events. In the track events just a few qualifiers.

CC: Is that concern?

ES: It is concern and it has always been a concern but for some reason at the (Carifta) Trials some people find their space and put on their performances. We have been collecting data  and will be looking at consistency over the seven Development meets and will make decisions on selection based on that.

CC: What are your thoughts on decision to begin the Development Meets in December?

ES: It was a decision we had to take with the early staging of the Carifta (Games) held on the Easter weekend. In (some) other countries the outdoor track season begins as early as November. So we took a conscious decision to make sure we had competition so that our athletes will be better prepared for the Carifta Games and future competitions this year.

CC: Your thoughts on the overall performances at the Development meets?

ES: Every year you get a different set of athletes. Some are moving from one age group to another and don’t do the transitioning too well. For the ones coming from the under 16 to the under 18 it is always a challenge but we are going to work with it and see what we have. We have standards set and we will see what the selection committee puts forward to the executive. I am not impressive where the track (athletes) are concern. I have not seen a performance of the World Junior level. It might be early days yet but I have not seen that performance that would tell me that an individual is one to look out for this year.

CC: After the Carifta trials, what is going to happen in terms of preparations?

ES: When the team is selected the management team will work with the team. We normally make arrangements for the Tobago athletes to come down to do some sessions especially where the relays are concerned. With the Falcon Games going back to the Dwight Yorke Stadium (in Tobago), the team is expected to compete (there). The relay teams will compete in the high age groups. The under 18’s will run in the under 20 (division) and the under  20 in the open. We have continued to do that and it will not change this year.

CC: This year is an Olympic year. What are some of the plans by the NAAA with regards to preparations?

ES: We (the NAAA) continue to work closely with the TTOC (Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee) because the Olympic Games are under the auspices of the Olympic Committee. We try not to duplicate resources so we are working closely with them in the planning. They (the TTOC members) would have gone to (Rio) Brazil to look at areas for camp purposes. We continue to use Penn Relays for our relay preparation.

CC: Will the NAAA be sending teams to the Penn Relays?

ES: We should have athletes available (for the Penns). Most of them are out of school (university) now. The challenge before was that athletes were in schools and we could not get them to run at the (Penn Relays). We have competing (at the Penn Relays) on our agenda once the invitations come. We are sure for the men’s 4x100m, 4x400m and the women’s 4x100m. We are not sure of the women’s 4x400m but we are working to see what we can do get the women’s  4x400m team in competitive gear.

« Last Edit: March 06, 2016, 10:16:59 AM by Socapro »
De higher a monkey climbs is de less his ass is on de line, if he works for FIFA that is! ;-)

Offline Sando prince

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The National Association of Athletics Administrators have officially launched its Track And Field Month that takes place in June, beginning with the Juvenile Championships on June 4th and 5th and ending with the Sagicor National Open Track and Field Championships from June 24th to 26th. Kent Fuentes has more.
https://www.facebook.com/csportslive/videos/1158547207530243/

Offline Storeboy

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I do not currently live in Trinidad and Tobago but I try to follow our teams and athletes wherever they are. But, here is one reason our athletics seem to be going no where.  I could only find small snippets of reports of the National Athletic Championships. Are there Videos anywhere? Interviews ?
Never, never, ever give up! Go T&T Warriors!

Offline Deeks

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I do not currently live in Trinidad and Tobago but I try to follow our teams and athletes wherever they are. But, here is one reason our athletics seem to be going no where.  I could only find small snippets of reports of the National Athletic Championships. Are there Videos anywhere? Interviews ?

Breds, don't raise your pressure on these people.

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« Last Edit: June 22, 2021, 12:19:06 PM by maxg »

Offline Sando prince

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Who, if any, has made the Olympic standards?

Ok. Found it

https://newsday.co.tt/2021/06/22/trinidad-and-tobago-athletes-miss-olympic-standard-at-naaa-trial/

Reminds me of all the local swimmers you been talking about in your lil swimmers thread

Where does the talent go? how many ever made Olympics?


Offline Deeks

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The last I read, most who went on trial failed to meet the standards

 

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