Team TTO | Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee | teamtto.org

Racing was dealt a severe blow yesterday when 89-year-old racing legend, Dr Steve Bennett  passed away at his home on Gordon Street, St Augustine. Dr Bennett was the son of Oliver “Penlyn” Bennett, another racing legend and May Bennett (both deceased). His wife Clarie Bennett passed on some years ago. Dr Bennett was the youngest jockey ever to win the T&T Derby when he won aboard Danny Boy in  1937, at ten years of age. He later retired at 15.

The T&T Racing Authority established a “Racing Hall of Fame” in March 1998, which recognised the achievements of outstanding horses, owners, trainers, jockeys, grooms, institutions and other contributors and Dr Bennett was duly inducted in 1998. Apart from his professional responsibilities as a vet, Dr Bennett was an advocate of the buffalypso industry. He was born in Hardbargain, Princes Town in 1922. As a young boy, his interest in animals focussed mainly on horses, a passion he inherited from his father, who was a successful jockey. At the age of ten, he became a professional jockey, riding and winning until he was a teenager. He was also keen on other sports and at school he took part in athletics, boxing, cricket and football.

His love for animals influenced his choice of study. After attending  Presentation College, San Fernando, he studied animal husbandry and the breeding and caring for farm animals  in Canada and later in the US. Bennett worked as a veterinarian for a number of organisations in Trinidad. It was at his job at the agricultural company, Caroni Limited that he did his pioneering work on the buffalypso.

He was of the view that the buffalo produced high quality meat and milk and could become a major product in T&T. At his private veterinary practice, one of the largest in the Caribbean, he provided medical care for his beloved thoroughbred racehorses, dairy cattle, water buffaloes, mules and small animals. He has earned praise and awards for his work from countries across the globe—Jamaica, Brazil, Bulgaria and Egypt. At home, he received a national award, the Chaconia Medal Silver, for his contribution to agriculture and veterinary medicine.

Bennett will be remembered for his famous words of “One does best in what one likes doing best...” Bennett leaves to mourn Robyn Rostant, Patricia Rostant-Kerren, Sie Costello, Charlene Costelloe and Douglas Bennett. He was the brother of Joy Lucie Smith (deceased), Pat (deceased), Barbara Ross, and Joan Mahon. He was the grandfather of 16 and great grandfather of seven. Funeral arrangement to be announced.

By Kelvin 'N'

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

December 17 - Bernard Lapasset, chairman of the International Rugby Board (IRB), has welcomed the news that Glasgow will host the penultimate round of the HSBC Sevens World Series.

The announcement, which was made by the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU), but which was first on insidethegames in September, means that the Scotland Sevens will relocate from its traditional home of Edinburgh to the recently renovated Scotstoun Stadium in the West End of Glasgow.

Glasgow will now host the penultimate round of the Series from May 5 and 6 next year and the Lapasset, recently re-elected as chairman of the IRB for another four-year term, has expressed his delight.

"Sevens continues to go from strength to strength and 2011 has been a year of significant milestones," said Lapasset.

"We have achieved record broadcast and attendance figures for the HSBC Sevens World Series, delivered a first IRB women's event alongside the Series, welcomed Japan as a new host country and two new venues in the Gold Coast and Port Elizabeth.

"We are delighted to be welcoming Glasgow to the HSBC Sevens World Series and I would like to thank the Scottish Rugby Union for its on-going commitment as a proud host and participating nation."

The move of the event from Edinburgh comes as the SRU looks to continue to grow rugby throughout the country.

It is also a major boost for Glasgow, who will host rugby sevens when the Commonwealth Games comes to the city in 2014.

Ibrox Stadium, the home of Scottish Premier League (SPL) club Rangers, is likely to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games rugby sevens event, with the Scotstoun Stadium set to be a training venue for the competition.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond expressed his delight at the move to Scotstoun.

"Scotland is well known as the home of rugby sevens and it will be tremendous to see this global spectacular staged in Glasgow," he said.

"It is a city that knows how to put on a show and I have no doubt that come May, the people of Glasgow will take great pride in staging another major international event.

"Sport can be a tremendous power for good in society; keeping young people fit, teaching them about fair play, camaraderie and teamwork.

"Sport provides role models for the young people in our country to look up to and learn from and it is only right that we support events such as the Glasgow Sevens.

"I'm very pleased that we are part of the launch today and we look forward to working with Scottish Rugby and all those involved in making the event a worldwide success."

Giles Morgan, the group head of sponsorship at HSBC, added: "The competition is proving even more exciting this season so by the time of the Scotland Sevens fans should be in for a treat as the teams race towards the end of the Series."

By Tom Degun

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

T&T Olympic bronze medal winner George Bovell III finished a creditable third in the men’s 50 metres freestyle at the Italian Open Long Course National Championship, Riccione yesterday. Swimming in lane six of the first of four heats, Bovell III, sped home in 22.44 seconds to trail Italian duo, Lucio Spadaro (22.20) and Luca Dotta (22.37) who were first and second overall as well. The other finishers in the heat were Marco Orsi (22.46), Federico Bocchia (22.48), Andrea Rolla (22.53), Holland’s Sebastien Verschuren (22.70), Luca Leonardi (23.29), Switzerland’s Erik Van Dooren (23.34) and France’s Jeremy Stravius (23.46). The 27-year-old Bovell III, who was fourth in the second of four men’s 100m freestyle heats in 50.72 seconds on Thursday for 14th spot also competed in the 50m backstroke where he placed 15th overall.

The top T&T swimmer’s time of 26.49 seconds was only good enough for fifth spot in heat two behind Sebastien Ranfagni (25.90), Enrico Catalano (26.17), Fabio Laugeni (26.33) and Daniele Di Deodato (26.38). The top four finishers all competed in heat one with Niccolo Bonacchi (25.61), Mirco Di Tora (25.74), Holland’s Nick Driebergen (25.79) and Stefano Maur Pizzamiglio (25.83). Last month at the Dutch Open, Bovell III was a joint-second place finisher in the 50m freestyle (22.24 seconds), with Sweden’s Stefan Nystrand. The meet in Italy was the third for Bovell III since his car accident on August 16 in Mayaro. In his come-back event at the Pro Duel Meet held in USA in November, Bovell III, a double Pan American Games gold and silver medal winner, won the 50m freestyle in 22.77 seconds.

His training partner Milorad Cavic of Serbia, the man who came closer than any other to stopping Michael Phelps on the American’s trajectory to an historic eight gold medals in 2008 was in winners row in Italy. Cavic clocked 52.10 seconds to win the 100m butterfly and was his 14th best ever and is his best ever in early winter, pre-March season. In 2008, Cavic finished 0.01sec away from Phelps in the Olympic 100m butterfly final and a year later as the shiny suit crisis escalated the two became the first to crack 50sec, Phelps the pioneer with gold once more. The silver in Riccione went to Dutchman Joeri Verlinden, 52.43 (24.86), the bronze to 33-year-old Slovenian policeman Peter Mankoc in 53.00.

By Nigel Simon

Source: www.guardin.co.tt

First things first, Celebrity Christmas wishes Jehue Gordon a very Happy Birthday! The T&T track star, who turns 20 today, says high on his birthday agenda is “training like a beast at the gym.” And he has good reason to, as he eyes Olympic glory for T&T next year in London. A Sport Management major at the University of the West Indies, Gordon is no stranger to success, having copped a bronze medal in the 400m Hurdles at the 2008 CARIFTA Games in St Kitts and Nevis.

Last year, the young athlete went on to capture Gold at the World Junior Championships in Canada and later signed a lucrative deal with Adidas. Gordon recently gained international attention when he was featured by the BBC as one to keep an eye on in the world of track and field.

What do you think of when you hear the word Christmas?

When I hear the word Christmas I think about peace, joy and happiness...Just a time to sit back relax and have fun with friends and family. It doesn’t really mean gifts and stuff for me. I have the gift of life and that’s the most important thing.

How early do you start your Christmas preparations?

I don’t start preparing for Christmas until a few days before because of training and exams at UWI.

Do you have a family Christmas tradition?

Our family Christmas tradition is for everyone to visit our grandmother and have lunch on Boxing Day. My family prepares different meals and we just have fun during the day. We listen to music, talk about memories and think about the past year.

Have your views on Christmas changed from when you were a child?
When I was younger I would be very excited for Christmas day so that I can open my gifts from Santa, now I just treat it as a normal day and be very laid back.

Who does the Christmas cooking in your family?
My mom usually does the majority of the cooking but my dad normally cooks on Christmas day. Even though my father was a chef, I would say my mom is the better cook. She normally cooks healthier and more delicious stuff.

What is your ‘must have’ Christmas dish?
It’s all about ham and sorrel and freshly baked bread. I don’t really pay attention to anything else…Turkey is too dry.

What would be your ideal 2011 Christmas present?
My ideal present is for everyone in my family to live in peace and unity. I just want to see that my family has life and strength and that everybody shows love for each other.

What is your Christmas wish for T&T?
My Christmas wish for T&T is for continued guidance from Jehovah above and continued blessings.

By Cherisse Moe

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

THE ROYAL Bank Junior Tennis Tournament will serve off today with 140 players scheduled to compete over six days at the Trinidad Country Club, Maraval.

There will be action in several categories including Boys and Girls Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18.

Some of the top juniors in the country are scheduled to compete including Breana Stamplfi and Nabeel Mohammed. Stamplfi, the reigning Tranquillity Open champ, is the undoubted favourite in the Girls Under-16/18 age group and it will take something special from one of her opponents to upset the number one seed.

Mohammed has been in equally good form this year and is expected to win his age group comfortably.

The opening ceremony will be held tomorrow at 8:30 am.

Seeded players: BOYS/GIRLS U-10 - Adam Ramkissoon, Samuel West; BOYS U-12 - Kobi James, Brandon Tom; BOYS U-14 - Nabeel Mohammed, Gianluc Robinson, BOYS U-16 - Scott Lanser, Ethan Ammon; BOYS U-18 - Akiel Duke, Jabrille Kabli; GIRLS U-12 - Emma Davis, Aura Whittier; GIRLS U-14 - Dajohnique Delancey, Rebecca Roberts; GIRLS U- 16/18 - Breana Stampfli, Aryanna Roberts.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

The West Indies Players Association (WIPA) has presented the United Way Charity of Trinidad and Tobago with a cheque for $121, 721 to assist in various charitable work over the next year. The contribution represents proceeds from WIPA’s major charity event, Balls of Fire II, which was held in September and which featured players of the T&T national cricket team and the WIPA All Star team of present and former West Indies players. WIPA also played a football match against T&T’s 2006 “Strike Squad” members.

According to WIPA’s president Dinanath Ramnarine Balls of Fire II was a tremendous success. “What makes this event more important is that there are fans who support it, not just for the sports, but for the opportunity to contribute.  “WIPA has been fortunate to have the kind and level of support which guarantees the success of our charitable endeavours.” Major sponsors were Atlantic Trinidad, bmobile, First Citizens Bank, BG T&T, Toyota T&T, Blue Mountain and IETV. Conrad Aleong, chairman of UWTT said his organisation was pleased to receive the contribution.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

T&T’s three-time Olympian and Athens Greece, bronze medal winner George Bovell III will go head-to-head with Australian Ian “Torpedo” Thorpe at the Italian Open Long Course National Championship. The two-day meet, which is being used as an Olympic qualifier splashes at the National Swimming Stadium, Italy on Friday. The 27-year-old, coming off a joint-second place finish last month at the Dutch Open in the 50m freestyle (22.24 seconds), will line up against Thorpe in the men’s 50m freestyle along with Italian trio Luca Dotta and Filippo Magnini as well as Dutchman Sebastien Verschuren as he continues his build-up to next year’s London Olympic Games.

Thorpe, a  five-time Olympic gold medallist and ten-time World and Commonwealth Games champion retired in 2006 before announcing his return in February of this year in preparation for next year’s Olympics and will also be using the prestigious meet, open to foreigners for the first time to gauge his form. A double Pan American Games gold and silver medal winner, Bovell III who has been training in Serbia with  Milorad Cavic since participating in Holland will also compete in the 50m backstroke where Holland’s Nick Driebergen is the top seed, as well as the 100m freestyle where Dotto, Marco Orsi and Verschuren will be his main rival.

Looking ahead to the two-day meet in Italy, Bovell said he wants to claim the 50m freestyle gold medal. “I will try to win the 50m freestyle in Italy, but will be against shaved and tapered swimmers coming straight from European Short Course Meets so there will be a very high level of competition. “In terms of time, I hope to go the same or faster. It really depends how hard we are going after it in Serbia. I just need the racing experience long course as the more races I have under my belt, the better.”

The meet in Italy will be the third international one for Bovell III since his car accident on August 16 in Mayaro is among those recognised by FINA as valid for the achievement of “Standard Times” for inclusion in the Olympic Games in London 2012. In his come-back event in the USA, a Pro Duel Meet, he emerged victorious with a time of 22.77 seconds.

By Nigel Simon

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

To advance in any enterprise, not only in the arena of chess, it is useful to be imitative. We must look at the strategy and tactics of those who have succeeded and see in what ways we can adopt the measures they have employed. In chess, of course, this largely means a close study of the games of the masters, learning from them in a constant quest for improvement.

But eventually there comes a time when imitation can take us so far and no further. There is a ceiling to the advancement we can make by the imitation of others. And the only way for us to break through that barrier is to switch from being imitators and become innovators ourselves. The process, of course, involves the synthesis of all that we have learned from the masters and using this combined knowledge to develop and create our own ideas, initiatives and style of play.

Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov makes the point: “Even the most successful imitators eventually become innovators if they want to expand their territory and become more successful. “Those who fail to make this transition are usually supplanted by other imitators. As risky as innovation can be (one of my favourite sayings is “Pioneers get filled full of arrows), failing to innovate is riskier still.”

In chess, he adds, a young player can advance by imitating the top grandmasters, but to challenge them he must produce his own ideas and techniques. Indeed, the transition from imitator to innovator is seen in almost every aspect of civilised life. Great authors, for example, are not the products of a process of instant prestidigitation. They emerge out of a long period of apprenticeship in which the gathering of experience combines with encyclopaedic reading to produce a mind especially equipped for turning out original works of literature.

In the field of trade and industry we have also witnessed dramatic transitions from imitator to innovator. The Japanese story is particularly striking. For many years the goods of this eastern country, ravaged in the last World War, were regarded as cheap and poorly made imitations of American and European products. Starting virtually from scratch and using all their economic assets of cheap labour, low value currency and their determination to survive and prosper by imitating the productive capacity of the victorious West, the Japanese eventually made the transition from being imitators to innovators.

The Japanese economy is now one of the world’s strongest, turning out a range of superior best-selling goods, including electronic and automotive products. In their own way, countries such as Korea, Taiwan, China and India have also become economic giants via the transition from being imitators to innovators. The process, then, is a key to success in every field of endeavour. But every process of aspiration needs the dedicated application of inherent personal attributes, perhaps more so in the sport of chess where the action is competitively mental.

By Carl Jacob

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Youth Olympic gold medallist Christian Homer is scheduled to splash off in his only swim of the four-day Blue Waters Amateur Swimming Association of T&T (ASATT) December Invitational Swimming Championships this evening from 6 pm, the opening day of the meet. Homer is the top-seed in the 15 & over boys’ 50m backstroke in the competition that the world governing body for the sport, FINA, has sanctioned as an Olympic qualifying event. The Invitational is also the largest age-group swim meet in the Caribbean.

Homer, one of 45 swimmers representing the host club and defending champions Marlins, is among 400 swimmers overall from 29 clubs (both foreign and local) who will gather at the Morne Coco Road Olympic-sized facility in Westmoorings. Earlier this year on December 3, at the AT&T Winter National Championships in Atlanta, Homer, currently based with the Bolles Sharks in USA, achieved a personal best time of 56.86 seconds in his fifth place finish in the men’s 100m backstroke C Final, a time which was 0.56 seconds off the Olympic B standard time.

Other Olympic aspirants including Commonwealth Youth finalists 16-year-old Joshua Romany and 15-year old Dylan Carter will also splash into action at the meet, with the latter  competing with Homer for sole consideration of the men’s 100m backstroke Olympic B standard, which allows only one swimmer per country to participate in the event. Besides Carter and Homer, fellow Commonwealth Youth finalist Kristen Julien (girls 13 to 14) and Worlds representative Joshua Mc Leod (boys 15 and over) will also dive into action at the competition

In a history-making appearance, three Venezuelan teams—Emile Friedman, Club de Natacion Federados Sport Center Los Naranjos and Altamira Tennis Club—are making their debut at the meet. The Venezuelan teams, all hailing from Caracas, are three of 14 foreign teams coming to this country, with the remainder representing the Caribbean from Jamaica, St Lucia, Barbados, Grenada and Guyana. At a media conference last Thursday, Marlins secretary Davina Stephenson announced Blue Waters gold sponsorship of the meet which will be in addition to support from silver sponsors Republic Bank and Scotiabank to help offset the estimated $50,000 price tag of hosting the meet. Vemco, Irie Bites, Mario’s Pizza and Albrosco were also announced as part sponsors.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board president Azim Bassarath is expecting more intense competition in the 2012 domestic season, thanks to the restructuring of the National League competitions which were approved at the end of the 2011 season.

Bassarath, speaking at a media luncheon at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain Couva yesterday when the 2012 fixtures were revealed, said that 2011 was dominated by Queen's Park Cricket Club who won all three domestic titles, but "with an expanded Premiership in 2012, we expect keener, more intense competition."

The local cricket season bowls off on January 21, with the Premier Division Sunday League 50 over competition and concludes on June 2 with the Premiership Twenty20 Festival at Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre.

The new structure increases the number of teams participating in the top tier competition--the Premier Division--from ten to 12 while the second tier--the Championship Division--will now have 30 teams instead of 24.

The Championship Division will also be divided into a North-Central Division, a East-North East Division and a South Division comprising ten teams each instead of the previous format which had a North and a South Championship comprising 12 teams each.

"Our Championship Divisions have also been re-structured and we expect that the clubs in these divisions, with less travel and less costs to bear, will be able to give total focus to strengthening their institutions and building their game," Bassarath added.

Bassarath also spoke about the upgrade of the TTCB headquarters at Balmain which he said was "absolutely critical".

He explained that prior to the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007, plans were drawn up to transform the NCC to World Cup standard. These plans included revamped administrative offices, media facilities, a stand to accommodate 5,000 patrons, a children's play park, patron parking and a bridge to link the Ato Boldon Stadium, which were all budgeted at TT$25 million.

Referring to the still unfinished Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba which is estimated to cost more than a billion dollars to complete, Bassarath said: "Every day when I drive past a certain edifice in Tarouba…I experience a deep pain. A pain for all sport-loving people of Trinidad and Tobago, including the man whose name is attached to this ill-advised, incomplete and unused national albatross."

"We all know what happened and what failed to happen. Talk, swagger and bravado are cheap, poor decision making and ill conceived and or badly manage projects are not," Bassarath said.

"Let me state that we intend to pursue the improvements to this Balmain facility with fervor. I am dreaming of two years to the date, when tangible evidence will be seen by you, I, and all those who utilise this plant," he added.

TTCB treasurer Sukesh Maniam said that one of the upgrades they were pursuing was the installation of international standard lighting at the facility to facilitate night cricket and that could be the first major improvement project for the venue in 2012.

Bassarath also noted that the TTCB will boost its staff in the areas of senior management and cricket operations in an effort improve the performance of the Board.

In terms of administration, he said the TTCB recently undertook an exercise to streamline their operations by revamping committees, having a strategic plan, revisiting their development programmes and reviewing the TTCB constitution.

"The work that is taking place away from the public glare is  to ensure that we do what is best for the sport. We want to be consistently top class. Those who have administered the game before us have left a strong legacy and it is our turn to strengthen and enhance that legacy," said Bassarath.

By Roger Seepersad

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Media saturation in everything, especially sport, has cheapened the meaning of words.

Twenty-four-hour television now means people talking for 24 hours. And there are just so many words for commentators to use to describe the play and the players.

The word "great", for instance, is used so often to describe everything from a shot or pass to a nice play, that in practice, there is little difference between great and good. The same goes for the description of teams. Every good team these days seems to be "great".

But for the record, the Oxford Dictionary defines "great" as: considerably above average.

To me, that hugely cuts down who and what qualifies for such a description. I would have no hesitation whatsoever, however, for using "great" to describe the current Barcelona football team.

I had come to that conclusion long before Saturday, when Lionel Messi and company met Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of Real Madrid for the first Clasico of the new Spanish League season.

Back at Woodford Cafe for the DirecTV experience, it was truly entertaining to see the manner in which Barca recovered from going a goal behind after 22 seconds to outplay Madrid in their own stadium and win 3-1.

The fact that Madrid were three points ahead with a game in hand, and on a ten-match winning streak (15 in all competitions) was made irrelevant on the night by a simply superior side.

The power and formidability of Madrid was made irrelevant by a group of Barcelona footballers—ball artists, really—who, better than any of their peers, win the ball with style, pass it with beauty and finish with panache.

My footballing heart does not lie in Barcelona or, worse yet, Argentina. But who but a Madrid supporter would not have been wowed by the way Messi raced at, and then went straight past three defenders to set up Alexis Sanchez's angled shot past Casillas for the equaliser on 23 minutes? And what of the third goal?

Hot-foot Messi finds Dani Alves on the right wing who swings a cross to Cesc Fabregas diving in with his head at the far post to kill off the match.

To play with such precision at the pace at which Barcelona move the ball around is simply breathtaking. And they are a group of football players from the back three come forward. Pass and move, pass and move, they go. When you play football in your dreams, you want your side to play the way the Barca men do.

Dream teams will beat the "Real" ones any day. So despite having a mastermind coach in Jose Mourinho preparing a high calibre side too good for probably every other club team around, Madrid will continue to play in the shadow of the Nou Camp masters so long as Pep Guardiola can keep the nucleus of this group--Messi, Xavi Hernandez and my favourite, Andres Iniesta—together.

I got that sense after my trip to Camp Nou in August for the second leg of the Spanish Supercopa, when Barca won the second leg 3-2 to take the trophy.

They were short of pre-season work then and not at their most fluent, but still too good for the Madridistas.

On Saturday, the Cafe was as noisy as it was back in May when the last league Clasico was shown there. The young people on hand made a good go at creating a stadium atmosphere. But I was intrigued by what produced this fervour. So I asked a few of them.

Hassan, a Madrid fan for six years, was impressed by how much Real had already won.

"It's a championship-winning side...31 Spanish leagues, nine Champions Leagues, can't get better than that."

Miguel, who has backed Madrid for 12 years, is impressed by the "cohesion in the team, a lot of unity, a lot of love, a lot of desire. We have a team that wants to win things".

On the Barcelona side, Kurt loves "the history behind the club, the importance of the club to the city, and the whole Catalonian region, also the brand of football they play and the philosophy behind the type of football they play. That's why I support them. They will stick with their philosophy no matter what".

Nigel was even more articulate.

"I support Barcelona mainly because of the type of football they play...what they stand for. Initially, they didn't have a paid sponsor on their shirt...now you would see Qatar Foundation. The motto of the club: 'Mes que un club', 'More than a club?' It speaks volumes about what the club stands for which is way different to other clubs. There are no outright owners of the club, the members are shareholders. The club is like an organisation for the people of Barcelona. It represents the struggles of the people of Barcelona against Franco and that era in Spain...Barcelona represents Catalonia in Spain. I just identify with that team. I love what they stand for and it comes right back down to football and the football that they play... They play selfless football."

Nigel was expecting victory by "either 2-1 or 3-1". He was spot-on.

What struck me, though, about all those expressions was how much these Trinidadian youths appreciated and identified with the HISTORY of these Spanish clubs.

I didn't ask, but I wondered nevertheless whether any of my interviewees knew and loved the history of West Indies cricket in the same way.

In Real Madrid and Barcelona, these young fans could see sides playing to their traditions, attempting to play to an established standard.

West Indies cricket has a history as impressive and as worthy of consideration as those Spanish football teams. Like the Barcelona side, the West Indies cricket team has become an expression representative of the people of the region. And like the Catalan team, Caribbean sides, even today, try to play with flair and attacking intent.

In their pomp, West Indian squads, like the current Barca team, also played their own way everywhere...and won.

So why is West Indian cricket not so fashionable today? The steady licks obviously.

Nothing makes sports teams as unattractive as steady defeat. Even for a team that was unbeaten in Test cricket for 15 years, the succeeding years of empty have been hard to withstand. And the West Indies Cricket Board does not have access to the kind of money available in Madrid and Barcelona to fund success.

WI cricket also suffers because its history has not enjoyed enough media exposure, I feel.

You can go to the Camp Nou and see video of Maradona, Romario, Messi, et al.

Allen Stanford's Sticky Wicket restaurant in Antigua used to have stuff on West Indian stars. Don't know about now.

However, footage of the best of West Indies cricket is just not accessible to the masses in a way so as to capture the imagination of the present generation. Solving that problem is a matter of economics as much as it is about a lack of vision.

But there is no price too high, reader, if the viewing of true sporting greatness can inspire in future more ones who are "considerably above average".

By Garth Wattley

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

England

Asafa Powell will return to indoor competition next year, when he runs on February 18 at the Birmingham Grand Prix.

The Jamaican sprinter has not run anywhere on the indoor circuit over the last seven years and said the radical shake-up of his competition programme was part of a bold attempt to claim his first individual Olympic medal in London in 2012.

"My coach and I have been speaking about the ideal preparation for next year's Olympics and we think doing an indoor season is the best move for me," he said.

"To prepare for a major championship you need to be racing against the best people in the world."

Powell said he expected to face stiff competition from other runners at the Grand Prix meet.

"The calibre of athletes there has always been strong and if I'm going to be challenging for medals, I need to be racing against the best opposition all the way up until the Olympics," he said.

"It's not long now until the Games so every minute counts. I'm taking that attitude into everything I do so, believe me, when I get out onto that track in Birmingham I'm determined to put on a show. Hopefully, everyone's going to see something really special."

Powell is also expected to return to the West Midlands with the Jamaica team who will be taking part in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

"It'll be a good opportunity to have another look around and get familiar with the city," he said.

"I've always felt really comfortable in Birmingham so I should be feeling really positive and ready to go when the Olympics come around."

In July this year Powell stormed to victory in the men's 100 metres in a time of 9.91 seconds at the outdoor Birmingham Grand Prix, the ninth stop on the prestigious IAAF Diamond League circuit.

—CMC

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Steve Bucknor describes current team

Former world rated cricket umpire Jamaican Steve Bucknor who for more than two decades watched - up close - the world's best cricketers at work has painted a damning picture of the recent crop of West Indies players and administrators. In a report in the Jamaica Gleaner yesterday, Bucknor described the region's once formidable team as now littered with money-hungry, prideless players. He suggested that this must change if the region is to   return among cricket's elite. “There is no problem as far as they (the players) are concerned,” said Bucknor, who stood in 128 Test matches between 1989 and 2009, including 26 in the West Indies. “I can see it. Once they are making money, (they) will play.” Bucknor suggested a change in the system of compensation. “When they play, there should be an incentive base,” he explained. “When you do well, you get paid. When you don't do well, you can't get paid. So, you now must perform to be recognised properly, and that is not happening.”

Bucknor witnessed the ugly attitude creep into West Indies cricket, a stark contrast to years past. “A Test match ends under three days and the cricketers, it doesn't matter to them,” he explained. “In the days when people were playing for pride, people were sad when they lost a game. Today, at the end of a game, somebody is gone partying or something. So the care is not there. “(It's) definitely a loss of pride,” added Bucknor, whose first Test featured India against a West Indies team loaded with many proud standard-bearers, including Viv Richards and Courtney Walsh. “Because when you're playing and money is not the factor then you're playing because you love your country. Now, today, money is a factor. You're paid, you lose, it doesn't matter.”

Bucknor did not spare the current West Indies Cricket Board, lashing the region's administrative body for failure to establish a “West Indies way” of cricket; not implementing a system to properly teach cricket in each territory; discarding quality, experienced players too soon; hiring foreign coaches; and not ensuring more cricket is played at the grassroots level - particularly in schools. “(The problem) is from the bottom up,” said the 65-year-old from Montego Bay. “I don't think enough persons are playing cricket in the West Indies. So there's not the love for cricket. We'll do well, but I do believe that the board must think seriously. We need academies around the West Indies. Every island should have their own academy, and there should be a West Indian way to play. In other words, there must be the coaches who coach the West Indian way and think about exactly what they're doing. “(Players) must be taught how to play properly. And this, I think, is the biggest drawback. Not enough support is there for cricket. But the West Indies (Cricket) Board can make it happen. I don't think they are thinking in that direction at all.”

Bucknor, who also stood in 181 one-day internationals (ODIs), including five consecutive World Cup finals between 1992 and 2007, admitted there were times he was stunned by the quality of West Indies cricket while actually standing in a game. “Many occasions,” he said. “I'm out there (in an ODI) and I see a bowler, first five balls of an over, very good deliveries, five dot balls. And ball number six he's experimenting. “And when you experiment the ball goes for a boundary and you're wondering now 'why is this happening?' “They're batting, nobody is able to pass your bat. Suddenly, you want to play all your shots and your team needs you to remain at the crease.”

According to Bucknor, West Indies' recent teams are so damaged by failure they no longer recognise success. “You're never on top in any game,” an astonished Bucknor said. “How can you make 590 runs (in the first innings of last month's drawn third Test against India) in one innings and you're close to losing a game? “So we don't understand that by making 590 runs we're not losing, we're nearer to winning. But we didn't know that.” The man nicknamed “Slow Death Bucknor”, for his deliberate style of nodding before giving a batsman out, is not ready to bury the West Indies. He doesn't, however, see a quick turnaround for the team which once ruled world cricket, but is now ranked seventh out of nine Test playing nations; eighth of 13 in ODIs; and eighth of 10 in T20. “No,” said Bucknor, “not the near future.”

Source: www.guaardian.co.tt

Action threatened against ex-Boxing Board members

Sport Minister Anil Roberts was not present. However, Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Board of Control (TTBBC) special adviser Boxu Potts yesterday held a press conference at the Ministry of Sport, where he declared that the Minister had instigated audit proceedings, and that in the coming months, fired former members of the Board will have to appear before a tribunal to answer charges that may be brought against them.

"I was advised by the Minister that there will be an audit. The legal agencies will do their work and we will see how this ends," Potts said. "Based on the finding of the audit you will see where the Minister and the Permanent Secretary will take it. A tribunal will be held and based on where this goes, people will have to answer questions."

Recently, former acting chairman Yaqub Abdul-Haqq and ordinary board members Janet Dennis, Mala Nasib and Ricardo Phillip were fired by Sport Minister Anil Roberts, and replaced by newly-appointed chairman, attorney Annabelle Davis, Ruth Marchan, Colin Mills (Tobago) and Neale Greaves. They were accused of not doing their jobs. However, while still a Board member Ricardo Phillip wrote the Integrity Commission, making a complaint with regards to the Minister, Permanent SecretaryAshwin Creed and Potts. Phillip said his position was in keeping within the laws of Trinidad and Tobago and specifically, the Integrity in Public Life Act chapter 22:01.

Former chairman Abdul-Haqq subsequently complained that there was a conflict of interest overshadowing the Board involving special adviser Potts. Among the issues Haqq listed were Potts' contract and his position of influence as it related to his son Giovanni Potts, a major boxing promoter whose fight promotions company has in the past benefitted from Government financial grants.

Yesterday Potts issued a press conference invitation to the local media stating: "Please be advised that special adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Board of Control Boxu Potts will respond to statements made by the former chairman of the Board (Abdul-Haqq)."

However, Potts largely side-stepped the issue of a conflict of interest involving himself and the Boxing Board. Instead, he showed documents alleging financial indiscretions involving the fired Board members. Potts subsequently accused several of his recent detractors of similar conflict of interest issues and said the Ministry will act on the accusations. In response to this, Potts was asked that, having known about such irregularities, why didn't he inform the Minister?

"Three months ago, a comprehensive report was given to the Minister and he acted on it," Potts said.

Potts also claimed Sport Minister Anil Robert did not hire him, stating: "I am categorically not a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Board," Potts declared yesterday. "I am an employee of the Board. It is the Minister who employs the Board. He does not employ the Board staff. "

However, Potts was named special adviser at the same time the former Board was announced in 2010 by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. The Board which was then chaired by Dr. Kenneth Sebastian Smith, had not yet had a first meeting at the time of his appointment.

By Ian Prescott

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

YOUNG cyclist Quincy Alexander was voted the Emerging Athlete of the Year yesterday at a launch of the Spirit of Sports Awards at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port of Spain.

Alexander, a Junior Pan Am gold medallist in the Match Sprint and number #1 ranked cyclist in the sprint, got the better of a number of other outstanding athletes including female sprint star Michelle Lee Ahye and cricketer Felicia Walters.

However, fans will have to wait until December 28 at the same venue when athletes and media reporters will be highlighted for their outstanding contribution towards the growth and development of sports in TT.

Winners of different categories will be named such as Male Athlete for 2011. Nominees include batsman Darren Bravo, cyclist Njisane Phillips, sprinter Richard Thompson and sharp shooter Roger Daniel.

The Female category is being led by sprinter Kelly Ann Baptiste and includes golfer Monifa Sealy, cricketer Anisa Mohammed and tennis ace Breanni Stampfli.

The gala function will be hosted by TT’s quadruple Olympic medallist Ato Boldon.

Also among the awardees yesterday were Matura United Football Club which received the Community Team award for 2011. They beat out strong challenges by FC Santa Rosa Under-15 team and Manta Ray Swim Club while Airbon Sonics’ athletic coach Earl Eton Carvor Bourne was the recipient of the Community Coach award.

Bourne got the edge from Terrance Boissiere of the Marabella Family Crisis Football Club and former national footballer Ulric Buggy Haynes. Ronald Rogers, trainer of the TT cricket team, was given the award for the Sports Technical Team while Judith Ann Robertson-Daniel was adjudged the best Sports Educator.

Meanwhile, Shiva Boys’ Hindu College won Best Performing School. They got the better of Toco Secondary and Santa Flora Government Primary School.

Minister of Sport Anil Roberts congratulated the award recipients and nominees and believes organising community sports plays an important role in the development of sports in TT.

By Walter Alibey

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

Northern Rugby Club were convincing winners in the first ever Caribs Tobago International Rugby Sevens Tournament which took place at the Canaan/Bon Accord Recreational Ground on the weekend. Northerns overwhelmed Caribs 49-0 in the men’s final to take home the Carib Beer Trophy in the 12-team tournament which featured teams from Venezuela (Universidad Catolica Andres Bello), Guyana (Pepsi Hornets), Aesculapians (England) and a St Lucia/St Vincent and the Grenadines combined outfit. Northern captain Gordon Dalgish said his team was happy with the win. “ It is good feeling to take the title. Northern is not normally known for its capabilities in the ‘seven’ version of the game, but we managed to get it together.”

He said that his team members worked together to ensure the victory. “We had a good team. We bonded together. Everybody played together and things flowed. You did not see any individualism and everybody played for each other.” He added that his team looked forward to playing in Tobago. “We were training all year for the ‘15 version’. We trained hard every Tuesday and Thursday.  The weather was great even though the sun seem hotter than in Trinidad.  The pitch was great.  We are looking forward to the beach now.” Hornets took the women’s crown trumping a Caribbean select team by 53-0.

Tournament director Brian Stollmeyer said the tournament was an overwhelming success. “It was a huge success. We had good participation with teams from England and Guyana and Trinidad as well. There were also supporters from Trinidad and the Caribbean who came in for the tournament. He added that Tobago was a suitable location for the event. “We thought it was ideal for Tobago as it has all the ingredients for the amateur tournament—lovely grounds, beaches and people. The organisation by the Tobago Rugby side was beautiful. “There were glitches but no major problems.” Stollmeyer said the organisers are planning to expand the competition to include more teams. Next year we are hoping for it to be three times as big and then four times as big in three years’ time.”  

The former president of Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Union was impressed with the play of Nicollete Panto who won the Jamie Walther Memorial Cup after being voted the Most Promising player of the tournament.  “Nicollette (Panto) was absolutely superb. Her play throughout the tournament really stands out for me. If (her play) is any guide for the future then it is promising. Host club Tobago Rugby captured the Larry Mouttet Memorial Trophy for the Best Camaradrie.

By Clayton Clarke

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

PS Creed refutes letter, boxing card allegations

Ashwin Creed, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, has refuted allegations brought against him and his Ministry by former Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Board of Control (TTBBC) member Ricardo Phillip, in a letter to the Integrity Commission, as "unfounded".

Creed was speaking at a media conference at the Ministry's headquarters in Port of Spain yesterday, when he insisted that no money was or will be given to Unified Promoters' Boxing Association for a Boxing Day card.

"Unequivocally, no money has been given to the Unified Promotions for any upcoming fight. Not one dollar, not 1.9 million dollars," said Creed.

He also addressed other allegations cited in Phillip's letter to the Integrity Commission, stating: "I have no family in this Ministry. I have no family in the Boxing Board. Mr (Boxu) Potts was never a member of the Boxing Board. He is an adviser to the Board. There is nothing before us except for the request for the $1.9 million. There is no other request coming from the Board to refute what was sent for this fight."

Creed said the Ministry will be moving in a different direction when it comes to boxing over the next six months. He said the future of boxing has to be about development.

"In the future months we will not be funding any professional card until we are satisfied that we are seeing a proper development programme coming about. For the next six months, the focus will be on development of boxing and given this new dispensation, the new Board will have to come up with a plan for this development," Creed explained.

But while the Ministry will not be funding professional boxing cards for the next few months, Creed insisted: "We deliberated and we thought it best that the major activity of the (Boxing Day) card be transferred to the Tobago card and we will give support in that direction."

About the letter to the Integrity Commission, Creed said: "We are not moved by any letter sent to the Integrity Commission because, at the end of the day, you have to prove your allegations.

"All we have seen are email letters to the Integrity Commission...levelling certain allegations of which all are unfounded.

"And what are the allegations? Employment?" he asked.

"The Ministry does not employ members of the Boxing Board, the Board is empowered to hire their people. And any card coming to the Ministry is vetted by our sports department. At the end of the day, it is what we feel judiciously that we should approve," he said.

Minister of Sport Anil Roberts, in his address at the launch of the Spirit of Sport awards at Hyatt Regency hotel earlier yesterday, alluded to the controversy over the money for the proposed Boxing Day card and gave a breakdown of how the Ministry deals with requests for funding.

"All officials here can make any requests. They can ask for a billion dollars, this does not make a Guardian headline. What makes the headline is what you actually get based on the merit of your request," said Roberts.

"So the process begins with the request. It could be $1.9 million. It goes through a boxing board who should go through it and see what makes sense and what does not make sense.

"It is then passed on to the Ministry of Sport who will go through it, analyse everything, vet it and come down and say that is too much," he explained.

Creed also alluded to "serious governance issues" in the TTBBC as one of the reasons for the recent removal of four Boxing Board members.

The four sacked officials are former deputy chairman Yaqub Abdul-Haqq and ordinary board members Janet Dennis, Mala Nasib and Phillip. They have been replaced by newly-appointed chairman, attorney Annabelle Davis, the People's Partnership candidate for Port of Spain North/St Ann's West in the 2010 general election, Ruth Marchan, Colin Mills (Tobago) and Neale Greaves.

Creed said: "Over the last couple of months we have received a lot of information regarding the operations of the Board and particularly where state funds are concerned. There are serious governance issues that the Ministry now has to deal with.

"Issues in relation to unauthorised stipends being paid outside of the normal stipend and this does not happen with the Sports Company and other Boards...members of the Board being paid for services and members of Boards being paid for contracts.

"This information will now be receiving the attention of the audit department. They will make recommendations and we will take if forward.

"This is one of the reasons why the Minister had to make the decision he made in terms of changing board members. It was a decision in the interest of boxing and the management of State funding. I am about treating with the facts and what is before me does not look very pleasant at all," said Creed.

"It is very, very alarming. I will not go into the details of it because it is now receiving the attention of the audit department and when that is finished, then we will see then who should be reported to the Integrity Commission."

By Roger Seepersad

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

International Rugby Board Chairman Bernard Lapasset has been re-elected for a second consecutive term in office by members of the IRB Council at its reconvened Interim Meeting in Los Angeles, USA, on Monday.
Lapasset, who faced opposition from current Vice Chairman Bill Beaumont, secured a majority of 14-12 from the 26 members of the Council after one round of voting.
South Africa Rugby Union (SARU) Chairman Oregan Hoskins was elected IRB Vice Chairman.
Hoskins, who faced opposition from current Vice Chairman Bill Beaumont, was elected after securing the Chairman’s casting vote following two rounds of voting which were tied 13-13.
Lapasset and Hoskins will begin their term in office on January 1, 2012.
Details of the IRB Executive Committee election will follow shortly along with full meeting reaction.

Source: www.irb.com

Recent headlines clearly suggest that governance issues within local sport remains a serious problem. Sports organisations are run for the common good and collective interests. Those who are elected or appointed to office and act as if public resources belong to them are not working in the best interest of the collective and common good.
Openness and transparency should be the normal operating procedure. Decisions taken must put the best interest of the sport and its stakeholders first, but in so doing seek to find the equilibrium between competing interests. Stakeholders including those elected to serve on executive committees must keep their leaders in check by asking hard probing questions.
The ramifications of poor governance are grave when decisions are made and actions taken without motives being questioned. Passive participation leads to far reaching negative consequences that threaten the existence and financial health of an organisation.
Corruption is the abuse of power or position for private gain. Corruption thrives when the benefit of using public resources for private gain outweighs the likely cost of doing so. The potential rewards in being corrupt are greater than the potential risks of being caught and punished. Private gain is not only monetary; forms of corruption vary, but include bribery, extortion, cronyism, nepotism, and certain types of patronage, graft and embezzlement.
Transparent and accountable sport governance benefits the public good and the well being of local sport. A commitment to good governance is not something for which you can make excuses, nor is it something you should negotiate or give up on. For a pledge to good governance to be a reality there has to be full commitment. Those who are committed to operate in accord with good governance principles must see past the problems and keep focus on the promises made to stakeholders. Do whatever is necessary to make the pledge a reality.
Take actions immediately don’t put off doing what needs to be done. Now means now rather than a minute from now.
There must be a deep conviction to ensure that transparent and accountable governance is the norm. The only way progress will be made is to challenge traditions and create new ways of doing things refuse to be held prisoner to flawed traditions and culture.
It may be a new and unfamiliar situation but be willing to be uncomfortable, and do what makes other people uncomfortable until transparent and accountable governance becomes the normal operating procedure. Good governance must become part of who you are rather than what you do. Informational transparency including public statements of the reason for taking action or requiring disclosure of information that may have led to a particular decision being made should be the rule rather than the exception to the rule.
Those in charge must be held accountable for their actions and not be allowed to divert attention away from probing and pertinent questions. Efforts to alter the context must be seen for what it is- an attempt to stymie discovery.
Earning public trust and that of sponsors demand nothing less. Sporting organisations require greater resources to generate the needed support trust is critical.
Stronger governance within the sports themselves is an absolute must if the integrity and good name of local sport is to be protected.
Good governance within sport must be the responsibility of national sport organisations itself. Government can give guidance, but it is up to each sport to ensure that there is a commitment to acting with integrity, operating transparently and to having a zero tolerance approach to breaches of trust.
A starting point is the involvement of individuals of unquestionable integrity, a clear conflict of interest policy and executive committee members and stakeholders who are not passive.
Lying and failing to honour a commitment to good governance is stealing from the future. Elected and appointed sport leaders, administrators and managers must live up to their ethical obligations.

-Brian Lewis

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Trinidad and Tobago's Under-23 footballers are drawn in Group B and will begin the 2012 CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament with a tough opening match against Mexico on March 23 in Carson, California.

T&T will next face Panama on March 25, before ending preliminary qualification on March 27 against Honduras.

Group B–consisting of Honduras, Mexico, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago--will be played at Home Depot Center in California, while Group A matches involving hosts United States, Canada, El Salvador and Cuba will be played at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee.

The semi-final matches will be played in Kansas and will determine the two qualifiers from CONCACAF to the 2012 London Olympic Games.

T&T head coach Angus Eve felt undaunted by the possibility of opening against 2011 Pan Am Games champions Mexico, with whom they drew 1-1 at that tournament in Mexico in October. But he said the young Soca Warriors need intensive preparation in the next few months.

Eve said Mexico had been training for eight months and did not expect significant changes to their squad.

"First of all, it seems like Mexico are running us down," Eve joked. "But we have to prepare to play everybody. I would have liked to have a North American team in the group because they play basic, organised football. Our players are more effective against those teams than the ones who like to move the ball around. But we will prepare for everyone."

Eve has already formulated a plan in preparation for the tournament. It includes camps in countries that play both Central American and North American-type football.

Eve's plans include no Carnival vacation for his players, since he expects them to be out of the country. And he wants his squad to be in California early to acclimatise to the expected chilly conditions.

On Tuesday, Eve will meet with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation through facilitator Anthony Harford to discuss his plans.

Eve will also give players Leston Paul, Khaleem Hyland, Stephan Knox, Daniel Cyrus and Robert Primus the opportunity to vie for selection along with the current squad. Most of those five players were either unavailable in the past due to injury or school, while Hyland was involved in UEFA Champions League qualification with his Belgium club Genk.

"I think five points, two draws and a win, should be enough to get us to the semi-final because this will be a tight tournament," Eve said. "I think our chances of doing well are very good. We have a good blend of players, some who have qualified for successive (youth) World Cups in 2007 and 2009. I have added players who have played CONCACAF Champions League with their clubs such as Kareem Moses (Joe Public) and Joel Russell (San Juan Jabloteh), but had never before earned national selection.

"I believe in the quality of my entire squad and these players have shown that they are up to the task."

CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Finals:

FIRST ROUND

(All times US Eastern)

Group A (Nashville, Tennessee)--Canada, Cuba, El Salvador, United States

Group B (Carson, California)--Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago

Friday March 23

At Carson, California

Honduras vs Panama, 9 p.m.

Trinidad & Tobago vs Mexico, 11:30 p.m.

Sunday March 25

At Carson, California

Panama vs Trinidad & Tobago, 4:30 p.m.

Mexico vs Honduras, 7 p.m.

Tuesday March 27

At Carson, California

Honduras vs Trinidad & Tobago, 9 p.m.

Mexico vs Panama, 11:30 p.m.

SEMI-FINALS

Saturday March 31

At Kansas City, Kansas

Group B winner vs Group A runner-up, 6 p.m.

Group A winner vs Group B runner-up, 9 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP

Monday April 2

At Kansas City, Kansas

Semi-final winners, 8 p.m.

By Ian Prescott

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com