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

Angus Eve, coach of the T&T under-23 football team which leaves today to compete at the 16th Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico is expecting a few upsets. Eve will lead an 18-man squad which departs from Piarco International Airport from 6 pm. T&T received an invitation from the organisers as a replacement for Guatemala which was withdrawn by the country’s Olympic committee for non-compliance with protocol. Panama and Honduras, which finished behind Guatemala and ahead of T&T in the final rankings of the Concacaf Under-20 Championship in April, declined invitations to fill the vacancy in the eight-team competition which kicks off on Wednesday until October 28.

T&T is in Group A along with Ecuador, Mexico and Uruguay and will face Uruguay in their opening game on October 19 on the artificial surface at the Estadio Omnilife. Included in the T&T team are four players with senior Soca Warriors team experience in USA-based Kevin Molino, W Connection duo Joevin Jones and Shahdon Winchester as well as Caledonia AIA striker Jamal Gay. The local squad will also be using the tournament as ideal preparations for the Caribbean Football Union 2012 Olympic qualifying final round in St Kitts/Nevis involving Cuba and Suriname from November 24 to 28.

Speaking prior to his team’s penultimate practice session at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya on Saturday night, Eve said: “We are hoping to create a few upsets in the group stage with the hope of reaching the semifinal.“Our preparations have not been great for this competition and all the other teams are expected to be better prepared than us but we are going there full of confidence. Despite the limited preparations due to the late invite Eve, a former national midfielder and captain said going to the a prestigious tournament like the Pan American Games is a great asset to the team as it looks ahead to the CFU Second Round qualifiers for the London Olympics next year.

“We decided to accept the invite because it will provide us with much needed international matches away from home and with a chance to play some top teams. He added that tournament like this one would attract international football scouts. Commenting on the team selected, Eve said he decided to carry the core of players who were involved in the CFU first round matches in Dominica because of the limited preparation time:
“There were a few other players like Jerrel Britto and Jomal Williams I wanted to include but they are not familiar with the system we have been playing as yet, so I expect that by the time the CFU tournament comes around at the end of next month they shall be ready.” Despite the absence of US-based duo Sean De Silva and Uriah Bentick due to school commitments, said he expects a good showing from his team.

T&T squad: Andre Marchan, Zane Coker, Sheldon Bateau, Mekeil Williams, Joevin Jones, Shahdon Winchester, Trevin Caesar, Aquil Selby, Leslie Joel Russell, Jamal Gay, Jayson Joseph, Marcus Joseph, Kevin Molino, Jeromie Williams, Kareem Moses, Kaydion Gabriel, Micah Lewis, Cameron Roget.

Pan Am Men’s fixtures

Wednesday
Costa Rica vs Cuba, 11 am
Uruguay vs T&T , 2 pm
Argentina vs Brazil, 6 pm
Mexico vs Ecuador, 9 pm

Friday
Costa Rica vs Argentina, 10 am
Ecuador vs Uruguay, 1 pm
Brazil vs Cuba, 5 pm
Mexico vs T&T, 8 pm

Sunday
T&T vs Ecuador, 10 am
Cuba vs  Argentina, 1 pm
Mexico vs Uruguay, 5 pm
Brazil vs Costa Rica, 8 pm

Wednesday Oct 26: Semifinals
Friday Oct 28: Final & Third place playoff

-Nigel Simon

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

T&T’s Roger Daniel shot his way to this country’s first medal, a silver in the Men’s 10m Air Pistol final on the second day of the 16th Pan American Games in Quadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, yesterday. Competing at the Pan American Games Polygon in Jalisco, Daniel improved on his 14th place finish from four years ago in Brazil after he produced a score of 99.1 in the one shot final for an overall tally of 676.1 points. This after he scored 577 points in the morning qualification round to be second as well in the 34-competition field ahead of the one shot final. The 41-year-old Daniel’s overall tally also fell just shy of the old record of USA’s Jason Turner (678) set four years in Rio de Janeiro.

The silver for Daniel continues his good form from last year during which time he won two medals each at both the Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico in July and the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India in October on his way to being voted as “First Citizens Sportsman of the Year” for 2010. At the CAC Games he won gold in the 25m Standard Pistol and bronze in the 50m Air Pistol while in New Delhi, India he bagged a silver in the Men’s 25m Standard Pistol and bronze as part of the 50m Pistol Team (pairs) with Rodney Allen.

However in Mexico, yesterday, Turner’s record was broken by fellow American Daryl Lee Szarenski, who after scoring 583 in the qualification round tallied 98.7 in the final for a golden medal tally 681.7 Brazilian, Julio Antonio Almedia, who was fifth at the end of the qualification round with 575 points took the bronze medal with a final round of 100.2 for a combined score of 675.2. In the qualification round Szarenski’s (583 points) also bettered the old record of Turner (579) from four years ago. Also yesterday, the T&T women’s beach volleyball pairing of Elki Phillip and Ayana Dyette suffered a 5-21, 16-21 loss to world champion duo Juliana Silva and Larissa Franca of Brazil in their opening Pool F match at the Beach Volleyball Stadium in Jalisco.

Today, the local pair will play Cubans Nirian and Onayami Sinal from 12 noon. The Cubs defeated Ariana Vilela and Katherine Chila of Ecuador 18-21, 21-15, 15-13 in yesterday’s other Pool F match. Taekwondo’s Lenn Hypolite gets his first taste of competition when he fights Venezuela’s Carlos Vasquez in a round-of-16 men’s Under-80kg encounter from 12.30pm today. Tomorrow (Tuesday), Daniel, Robert John Auerbach and Phillip and Dyette will be in action. Daniel,  will compete in the Men’s 50m Pistol qualification round, an event he won  a bronze medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Auerbach sees action in the Men’s Trap qualifiaction and Phillip and Dyette against Vilela and Chila in their final Pool F preliminary round match. Four years ago, T&T won four medals, a silver from cyclist Emile Abraham in the Men’s Individual Road Race, and three bronze from shot-putter Cleopatra Borel, swimmer George Bovell and Chinedum Osuji. Bovell successes came in the in the Men’s 50m freestyle and Osuji in the Men’s-80kg taekwondo event.

-Nigel Simon

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

SWIMMER George Bovell III has put a great deal of emphasis on strength training.

He is dedicating a significant amount of preparation to this department as he gets ready for the Olympic Games in London next year.

The former Olympic bronze medallist, who was involved in a car accident, explained that there is still work to be done for his body to return to full capabilities.

“I feel good and I am back. I’ve been doing a lot of weight training and things are looking very good. I’ve also gotten involved in various types of high intensity training activities and a lot of gym-work to keep my physical development going. There’s still a little fine-tuning to do but I feel fit, strong and I can say that I’ve recovered from the accident,” stated a relaxed Bovell III. The local swimmer revealed that he has been doing rigorous training to fully develop his swimming abilities.

Bovell III is intent on medalling at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

“Today I lifted some 100 pound weights in a couple sets. Probably about four or five times. My strength and endurance is a critical factor for me and it’s what needs to be done. It’s tough but I know this is what I have to do.”

He continued, “I’ve also been playing basketball and doing a lot of running. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I do my weight-training. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays it’s when I do the athletic type of training (basketball, running). These are the critical things that I must overcome to get back to animal mode. I think I’m there already but as I said when it comes to your body, it’s a gradual process.”

Bovell III was pleased with the announcement made by Minister of Finance Winston Dookeran in the national budget that the long-awaited Aquatic Centre will be built.

The swimmer believes the facility will bring major benefits to both local and international athletes. He asserted that this was a positive step in the right direction for the development of swimmers in Trinidad and Tobago.

-Jonathan Ramnanansingh

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

SHOOTER ROGER Daniel will be vying for a medal today, in the men’s 10-metre air pistol qualification, at the 16th Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The 41-year-old, who earned a pair of bronze medals at last year’s Commonwealth Games in India, will lead off Trinidad and Tobago’s participation in the Games at the Pan American Shooting Polygon arena.

Tomorrow , there will be action, as far as the TT competitors are concerned, in sailing, taekwondo and beach volleyball.

Andrew Lewis will begin his quest for a medal in sailing, as he features in Races One and Two of the Laser category.

In taekwondo, Lenn Hypolite is due to compete in the men’s Under-80 kilogram class while the duo of Elki Phillip and Ayana Dyette will start TT’s campaign in beach volleyball.

In related news, veteran road race cycle king Emile Abraham will not be participating at the Games. No reason was given for the decision but, according to the event’s website, Njisane Phillip is the only TT cyclist is listed to perform.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

Harvard will travel to President’s Ground, St Ann’s, today, to take on Stag Trinidad Northern in the Toyota T&T Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) Championship Division. The match will be played at 4 pm, the same time that Caribs take on Royalians at Royalians Pitch, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of -Spain. Last week, Harvard reversed a half time deficit to defeat Caribs 27-16. The win put Harvard on top of the standings.

A win for Harvard this afternoon, will see the team win their first ever major rugby title, putting Caribs and Northern in an unfamiliar second and third spot at the end of the season. Harvard has 35 points, one better than Caribs. If both Northern and Caribs win their matches tomorrow, Harvard will drop into second place. Northern and Caribs will face off in the final fixture of the season, which will likely determine which team finished second and third.

Today’s Fixtures

Stag Trinidad Northern v Harvard, President’s Ground, St Ann’s

Caribs v Royalians, Royalians Pitch, QPSavannah, 4 pm

Standings



Team P W D L BP F A Pts

Harvard 8 7 0 1 7 326 118 35

Caribs 8 7 0 1 6 245 57 34

Stag Trinidad Northern 8 6 0 2 6 221 59 30

Royalians 8 3 0 5 3 154 230 15

Rainbow 8 1 0 7 1 108 274 5

Police 8 0 0 8 0 17 334

AN 18-MEMBER Trinidad and Tobago women football team left Trinidad earlier this week for Guadalajara, Mexico where they will participate in the Pan American Games.

In Mexico, the TT women will face FIFA World Cup participants Colombia on the opening day, October 18 on the artificial surface at the two-year-old, 50,000 capacity Omnilife Stadium in Guadalajara.

Defending champion Brazil, the World Cup semi-finalist, opens against Argentina, while Canada will play Costa Rica and Mexico will face Chile.

Trinidad and Tobago will also face Mexico and Chile in Group “A” while Group “B” consists of Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Costa Rica.

The top two teams in each of the four-team groups will advance to the Semi-Finals on October 25 with the Finals (championship and bronze-medal match) two days later.

The local women are coming off a disappointing London Olympics qualifying campaign in which they failed to advance to the CONCACAF Final Round qualification series after being upstaged 1-0 by Dominican Republic in July in Santo Domingo.

Trinidad and Tobago will be coached by Richard Hood, who was at the helm of the Olympic team.

During a recent interview, Hood stated, “The preparations have been good. I’m not sure what will be the best word to describe it.

“It has been up-and-down,” he said. “Down maybe because we still haven’t had the full complement of players (for overall training sessions).”

The American-born pair of Danielle Blair and Lauryn Hutchinson were due to join the team last weekend, as well as defender Tiana Bateau (from the United States), and national Under-17 midfielder Victoria Swift.

“We’re working hard and I think they’re doing really well at the moment,” Hood said.

Revealing that the TT squad earned a spot at the Pan Am Games “by virtue of our participation in the Gold Cup last year in Mexico”, Hood pointed out, “the draw that we got looks a decent draw. It could have been worse.

“I think if we play the game that we would like to play, in terms of discipline, we can actually get some positive results.”

Asked how he is adapting to his coaching role, Hood replied, “I can’t say it’s a new role for me. It’s more or less the same thing (from coaching the Olympic team).

“Much of the same players are here, just a few of the foreign players coming in. We’ve been doing work since April/May.

“I think we have a good understanding with the players who have been here and, during that period, the local players (have) been working hard and they’ve been doing well,” added Hood. “The role for me is not different, it’s just a continuation of the process.”

He made it clear that “the strength of the team at this time will be (in) attack.

“We have a lot of dynamic, offensive players and the team is really playing well offensively. We have some work to do on the defensive end,” ended Hood.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

October 13 - United States Olympic Committee (USOC) chief executive Scott Blackmun has claimed the only reason they approached the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ruling on drug cheats was because they needed some clarity on the laws.

Following a joint request for arbitration filed by the IOC and the USOC, the CAS declared last week that the IOC's rule 45 or "Osaka Rule" banning any athlete serving a suspension of six months or more for doping violations from the subsequent Olympic Games was "invalid and unenforceable".

CAS concluded that the penalty went beyond World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) sanctions of a maximum two-year ban and therefore was effectively a double punishment meaning that convicted drug cheats like American LeShawn Merritt will be able to compete at the Olympics.

The 25-year-old Merritt will be looking to defend his 400 metre title at London 2012 but Blackmun said the decision was never about Merritt or the IOC but simply a question of how the rules should be applied.

"This issue was never an attack on the IOC; it was actually the complete opposite," Blackmun told insidethegames here where he is part of the USOC delegation for the 2011 Pan American Games.

"We had talked with the IOC for a long time about the issue and told them that we were between a rock and a hard place regarding the lack of clarity over the ruling.

"We said that we needed some help because we had different rulings that we had to abide by.

"We had one ruling that said we had to let LeShawn Merritt compete in the Olympic trials and then a separate IOC ruling that said we are not allowed to let LeShawn Merritt compete in the Olympic Games.

"Fortunately, the IOC recognised our problem and that there were others likely to have the same problem and so they agreed that it was in the best interests of the Olympic Movement to go to CAS get the issue clarified.

"So it was never an attack from the IOC from us; it was just the way that this sanction was being presented was causing real problems for us.

"We are actually very supportive of tougher stances and tougher penalties on doping violations but we were in a position where we were unable to comply with all the relevant authorities.

"This was merely an effort on our part to get some guidance.

"We now understand that the IOC will approach WADA to get some changes to their rules to create stiffer doping penalties and we will be fully supportive of the IOC's efforts on that front."

Despite the CAS ruling, British Olympic Association (BOA) chairman Colin Moynihan has pledged that he will fight to keep his organisations lifetime Olympic ban in place meaning that top British athletes such as sprinter Dwain Chambers and cyclist David Millar will be unable to compete at London 2012.

Moynihan has already contacted the IOC on the issue to confirm they will support his viewpoint, which Executive Board member Denis Oswald has already confirmed they would.

Blackmun said that he is aware of the BOA's stance but only has a limited knowledge of the precise details involved.

"I don't really know enough about the exact implications of the BOA ruling or how it is specifically applied to have a position either pro or con on it so it is something I can't really comment on," he said.

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

By Tom Degun

Sprinter Kelly Ann Baptiste was honoured by the National Association of Athletics Administrators at an Appreciation Function on Wednesday night at the Jade Room at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port-of-Spain.

Baptiste had an outstanding season, winning gold at the ISTAF Meet in Berlin and AREVA Meet in Paris. She also claimed silver and bronze at Diamond League Meets.

The former LSU sprinter has emerged as Trinidad and Tobago’s best chance for a gold medal at the Olympic Games in London next year. Baptiste credited her support unit for the enormous success she has enjoyed this year.

“I could not have done it without the people I had around me,” said after accepting her award. She continued, “It is like they share your joy and sorrow. Just being on that journey with these people enables me to make more memories that I will carry when I am finished with track and field.”

The World Championship bronze medallist revealed that she is looking forward to running at the Olympic Games next year and is relishing the opportunity to compete against the best sprinters in the world.

“The more top runners in the event, the more excited I get. I know the Jamaicans will perform and I know that (Carmelita) Jeter will be coming to win as well. The focus will not be on them for me, because there are those who will rise to the occasion come next year,” Baptiste divulged.

Oozing with confidence, Baptiste predicted that the women’s 4x100m relay team will be ready to take the world by storm at the Olympics. Trinidad and Tobago will be depending on Semoy Hackette, Michelle Lee Ahye and Kai Selvon to emulate Baptiste’s form if they are to medal.

“I feel as if Semoy who will be finishing school in the United States will be definitely ready. Michelle Lee is only 19-years-old but ran an excellent race in the women’s 4x100 metres relay at the World Championships as well as qualify for the ‘semis’ in the women’s 100 metres. Kai who went on to break my World junior 200 metres record will perform well next year,” Baptiste divulged.

She also predicted success for 400 metres hurdler Jehue Gordon as well as Ayanna Hutchinson who is in the twilight of her career.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

A few weeks ago, our Sports Minister said, “There is no such thing as corporate social responsibility. This is an absolute myth.” He followed up saying that it is the responsibility of government and not corporate to support community programmes, an expectation of corporate social responsibility that has become a bit lopsided amongst some local groups. However, although it may not be mandatory for corporate entities to finance community programmes, globally, corporate social responsibility (CSR) does indeed exist and carries with it high cognisance, regardless of the reasons or incentives. What should not exist is the complete replacement of government responsibility with CSR. CSR is about private entities impacting positively on social needs or goals. The obviously poor framework that exists in the local sports industry has likely made it very difficult for corporate entities to understand exactly what it is they will be impacting on or contributing towards the betterment of when it comes to sporting programmes.

Such ambiguity will hardly motivate or encourage any private entity to donate any of its resources over a sustained period, regardless of government incentives or social hype. Not to seem naïve, some international companies certainly do use CSR as a tool to boost their public relations (PR) and/or image to consumers and potential investors alike, but to be realistic, nobody does something for nothing. Even the Dalai Lama lives as he does in the hope of better in the next life. So, companies might use it for PR but with the right framework in place such relationships can easily become win-win situations. So here is where I entice the concept of public-private partnerships. Being a small island of 1.3 million people, with an overabundance of sports programmes, each sport containing at least one athlete with potential for international concession, does it really make sense not entertaining such arrangements?

CSR and Sports Sponsorship, without a doubt, go hand in hand because of the inherent risks involved with this sort of business. On a scale atypical to anything we will see locally but which really drives the point home, I read in Bloomberg Business week (http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/jun2007/gb20070607_140258.htm) about the huge loss suffered by BMW in 2007 when the BMW Oracle team sailboat was eliminated in Valencia, Spain, from the America’s Cup qualifying competition before the start of the main event. Estimations put the cost to BMW for this failed effort at US$200 million. Keep in mind that expenses are relative to the sport itself, while sponsorship levels are relative to the status echelon of the athlete/team. This was a high profile team in a costly sport, participating in a high profile tournament, thus sponsorship would be expected to also be high, hence sponsorship by a company such as BMW.

During the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival 2011, I made the decisive effort to see the film, “Chris Dennis—Between Worlds.” This film is a documentary on the experiences and challenges of one of the most talented surfers coming out of not only Trinidad and Tobago but the entire Caribbean, whose biggest obstacle at this point is funding. Recognise that this is an athlete who paradoxically rose out of the humble beginnings of Rampanalgas, Balandra, and whose obsession for surfing has allowed him to entertain the possibility of becoming a professional surfer. Unfortunately, he continues to battle the odds to realise his full potential due to financial restrictions. Sufficient funding would allow him access to more international tournaments, providing him with greater exposure and experience and eventually earn him a place in the top competitions so that he can realise his dream of ranking amongst the top 100 surfing athletes.

This film surfaced a feeling of both awe and disappointment in me. That such athletes who exhibit the mental fortitude and physical discipline to believe in themselves and stay true to their dreams despite the constraints of their socioeconomic fate, may never get to realise their full potential because of something as superficial as money, just feels to me like a wasted opportunity for a nation to capitalise on and a corporation to invest in. Athletes like Chris Dennis, who come from places where the odds are stacked against them and yet succeed, all the while maintaining a reputation of positivity, are role models to other youngsters. Supporting such individuals is not only an investment in the person but in the hope of future young dreams. I believe that CSR is not a myth in Trinidad and Tobago and that sports sponsorship is still alive but it is time to for sporting entities to clean their act up so that corporate sponsorship will be more encouraged to support their programmes. Looking ahead, these resources can be better channeled to provide greater international exposure to our local talent for it is in this way that the true benefits will be sourced.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

By Asha De Freitas-Moseley

October 12 - More and more major sports events will go to emerging markets like Qatar rather than established nations in years to come.

That was the prediction today of sports business expert Dan Jones who said there were a whole host of nations that were unaffected by the economic crisis.

Speaking at the International Sports Events Management (ISEM) conference here, Jones, Deloitte's Sports Business Group leading partner, said that traditional sports organisers were going to have to fight even harder to secure top events and prevent being ignored.

Seven out 19 races in the Formula One calendar now took place in emerging markets, he pointed out, compared with only three a decade ago.

The same pattern exists in other sports, Jones said, not least the 2022 World Cup in Qatar; a classic example of emerging markets - not just big ones like China and Russia - willing to spend, spend, spend.

"You read about it being the worst economic downturn since the 1930s," said Jones (pictured).

"The priority for the developed world is cost-cutting but for those in the emerging world it is expansion, acquisition and investment.

"It's easy to think we are in an economic crisis but in the emerging world people don't see it that way.

"This is a north Atlantic/European financial crisis."

Then, said Jones, there is the question of legacy.

"The legacy for an emerging market hosting a major sports event can be enormous," he said.

"These events can quite literally put a country on the map and generate profile like nothing on earth.

"They have a power that cannot be under-estimated.

"Sport events can give global exposure, a boost to tourism, deliver national pride and accelerate infrastructure - all of these come together in that word legacy."

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

By Andrew Warshaw

STEPHAN DE FOUR, coach of the Trinidad and Tobago Under-17 women football team, is setting his sights on the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under-17 Women Second Round Qualifiers.

He was speaking after TT’s 17-0 demolition of St Kitts/Nevis in the team’s last First Round qualifier at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva last Wednesday.

“I thought the girls, they’re at home, they were really in for it,” said De Four. “Their momentum was high from the beginning of it all the way through the end. I never let them let up,” he continued. “I tried to keep more possession so not to run up the score as much as possible but I think the girls were really up for this game, being at home. I’m preparing them for the Second Round of this tournament.

“The intensity level was very high all the way from start to finish. I don’t want them to start being complacent at any game that they’re playing. I thought it was very well-executed.”

Captain Anique Walker helped herself with seven goals while Khadisha Debesette registered a hat-trick. Khadidra Debesette notched a double, as well as Zoe Swift, while Victoria Swift, Rhonda Guissepi and Katelyn Forbes (own-goal) were the other goal-getters).

Concerning Walker’s performance, De Four commented, “it’s good to have her back. Anique’s momentum is very high. She really loves to get in there and mix it up.

“(On the night) she put away her chances and it’s good to see her being that big going into the next round.

De Four stressed, “we’re not going to let up. We’re going to keep working all the way through. We’re going to start a whole new (phase) so we’re going to basically start all over again and refresh our minds again.”

He noted that there may be additions to the team for the CFU Second Round stage.

“Danica Murray from Canada, I’m trying to get her in (and) anyone that I can think about because I want to go into the Second Round with the strongest team that I can find,” said De Four. “If I can get those players to come in, I’m going to try my hardest and get them to come in and strengthen the team. It’s just going to augur better for the whole team and the country.”

Trinidad and Tobago will meet Jamaica, Bahamas and Guyana in the Second Round, with the top three teams advancing to the CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship, which will be held next year (at a venue to be determined).

Three teams from the CONCACAF Championship will qualify for the 2012 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

APPROXIMATELY $3.1 million have been invested in a bilateral agreement between the Ministry of Sport and Cuba’s National Institute of Sport, Physical Education and Recreation (CubaDeportes).

Through the agreement nine coaches from Cuba have been hired to work here on two year contracts. Sports Minister Anil Roberts will sign the official agreement today at the Ministry of Sport at Abercromby Street from 9am. Also expected to attend the historic signing are permanent secretary of the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT), Ashwin Creed and Cuban Ambassador, Humberto Rivero Rosario.

The partnership is aimed at improving the standard of athletes as well as maximising athlete-coach development programmes. All coaches were screened by the Sports Ministry’s Director of Sport.

The coaches being employed are; Ramón D Laferté Chávez (Basketball), Ramos Montalvo, Eddy Suárez Edua (Boxing), Gato Moya Idalmi (Indoor Volleyball), Jorge Suarez Condis (Beach Volleyball), Jesús R. Chávez Ramírez (Judo), Orlando Ortega Hechavarría (Hurdles and Sprints), Ihosvany Robles Cruzata (Jumps and Sprints) and Magdoni Martén Marén (Heptathlon and Hurdles).

All the Cuban coaches will work with athletes and local coaches in communities as well as with National Sporting Organisations (NSOs).

The invested amount ($3,160,480) in the Agreement is expected to cover airfare and ground transportation, accommodation, meals, monthly allowance and medical insurance for all nine coaches over the two-year period. Cuban coaches have been employed in Trinidad and Tobago in this manner since the year 2000, and have significantly assisted local athletes and coaches, therefore improving athletes’ results and coaches’ effectiveness at all levels.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

National draughts player, Treasure Haynes, cruised to victory in the first primary schools tournament hosted by the T&T Draughts Checkers Association on Saturday at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima.
Over 100 primary schools were represented at the tournament, with a total of 209 students (93 girls and 116 boys) participating. Scores of spectators from all over the country turned out to the support their respective schools. The stadium was filled with cheers and screams from teachers, principals and students. Dignitaries such as former president of the NAAA, Ken Doldron, marketing manager of blink/bmobile, Jervon Abraham and draughts ambassador for the city of Port-of-Spain, Murchison Brown, also attended the event.

Coaches had 15 minutes to brief the players on playing strategies and tips on how to use every second of their time wisely. Only the best-of-the-best could have withstood the mentally-demanding six-hour tourney. Parents could not even face the board as their hearts pounded with anxiety in hopes that their child would emerge the winner. Haynes, who was a tournament favourite from the beginning, proudly represented D’abadie Government as she easily won the tournament. St Finbars Girls’ RC student, Aleyah Ali, took second followed by Elana Panchoo of Felicity Hindu School. All winners received cash, trophies, medals and cellphones.

In the boys, the draughts was more mind-blowing with the north and east players battling the Point Fortin School, led by the Renaldo Mapp. This quiet-looking form five student was the one to watch as his games played very well, earning him the first place spot in the end. Second place went to Trent Harley of Nelson Street Boys, followed by national under-19 player, Cameron William, of Pine Haven SDA. No one was left empty-handed for their hard work, as all participants received medals and a draughts board complete with pieces.

RESULTS
Girls:
1st — Treasure Haynes (D’Abadie Government)
2nd — Aleyah Ali (St Finbar’s Girls RC)
3rd — Elana Panchoo (Felicity Hindu School)
4th — Osamia McDowald (Bethlehem Girls RC)
5th — Ariel Richardson (Tunapuna Presbyterian)

Boys:
1st — Renaldo Mapp (Point Fortin School)
2nd — Trent Harley (Nelson Street Boys)
3rd — Cameron William (Pine Haven SDA)
4th — Nathaniel Ali (Arima Boys Government)
5th — Elijah Letren (Santa Rosa Government)
1st — Treasure Haynes (D’Abadie Government)
2nd — Aleyah Ali (St Finbar’s Girls RC)
3rd — Elana Panchoo (Felicity Hindu School)
4th — Osamia McDowald (Bethlehem Girls RC)
5th — Ariel Richardson (Tunapuna Presbyterian)

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Della Marie Walcott, student of Maria Regina Grade School, brings home a gold medal from the Central American and Caribbean Youth Chess Championships which ended on Tuesday in Puerto Rico. Walcott, one of the country’s promising young chess players, finished the five rounds of the Girls’ Under-10 section with a perfect score, leading second-placed Angelica Cortes of Colombia by 1.5 points. Walcott topped a field of six players including her teammate Amba De Silva who took fourth place on two points. Her “golden” performance is all the more impressive following the Silver Medal which she won at the CAC championships in 2009. Last year Walcott emerged at the top of her group by winning the T&T Under-10 national girls championship.

Other members of T&T’s contingent at this open international tournament featured prominently among the top places. Joshua Johnson, Boys Under-12 national champion, was unlucky not to repeat the performance which won him a gold medal at the CAC two years ago. Johnson, on six, finished just half a point behind winner Juan Marquez of Venezuela in the Boys Under-12 division which attracted a total of 16 players. lpacino Smith took third place among the 12 players who contested the Boys Under-18 division. Smith finished the seven-round event on four and a half, one point behind the winner WFM Jo Ann Alvarez of Puerto Rico. Smith’s younger brother, Vandorf, placed ninth in the Boys Under-16 section which included 15 participants.

In the Boys Under-8 category, Sean Yearwood scored five out of seven to place third among eight players. Winner of this group was Christopher Vazquez with a perfect score of seven. Among T&T’s girls, Gabriela Johnson, had the best performance. She scored three out of five points to place second to Danitza Vazquez of Puerto Rico in the Girls Under12 section with five players contesting. Najarah Rahaman finished on four to place fourth among the eight contestants in the Girls Under-14 group. From their consistently noteworthy results in this open CAC championships, it is important to note that young players from the two Caribbean countries, T&T and Barbados, have shown they are strong enough to hold their own among their counterparts in the countries of Central America, including Colombia and Vene.

The Barbadians dominated the Boys Under-14 category taking first, third and fourth places. Orlando Husbands won gold when he topped the 14-player group on five and a half points, edging out Venezuelan Alejandro Uzcategul on the tie-breaker. Bryan Prescod and Arthur Richards were third and fourth respectively, both scoring four and a half points. Kemp Lynch, on four and a half, was fourth among the 15 Under-16 Boys while Bryan Prescod and Atlon Richards, both on four and a half, placed third and fourth in the Under-14 group which drew a total of 14 players. Among the 16 Under-12s, Yu Tien Poon placed third, scoring five and a half, one point behind the winner, Juan Marquez of Venezuela.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

By Carl Jacobs

The Maribunta Volleyball Club (MVC) remained  undefeated as it bagged the women’s “C” division honours, taking gold and bronze at the T&T Volleyball Federation National Championships held at the Jean Pierre Complex on October 1 and 8. MVC was represented by two teams, MVC Orange and MVC Blue, which were each in a group of four teams. The Group play and semifinals  took place on October 1. MVC Orange played against the Tobago House of Assembly’s (THA) El.ite Volleyball Club, West Side 2 and West Side 3. MVC was truly invincible, not losing a single set, placing them first in their group with THA Elite Volleyball Club trailing behind.

MVC Blue played against Starlings Volleyball Club, West Side 1 and West Side 4. MVC went under to Starlings in three sets 16-21, 21-9 and 10-11. The top two finishing teams of each group advanced to the semifinals. The two MVC teams became temporary foes, however, as they were made to battle each other in one of the semifinal match-ups. It was MVC Orange that prevailed in the end, 21-15, 21-13, earning itself a place in the championship match. The next semifinal match between Starlings and THA Elite resulted with Starlings winning 21-14 and 21-15 to secure a title appearance with MVC Orange.  MVC Blue and THA Elite contested the bronze. Last Saturday, MVC Orange and Blue came out to face their opponents and compete for the gold and bronze,  respectively.

The two MVC teams won their matches giving MVC gold and bronze for the tournament. MVC Orange beat Starlings Volleyball Club in the championship finals in three straight sets: 21-16, 20-21, 11-4. MVC was established three years ago and is primarily a youth club which provides opportunities for girls, ages nine to 19, with the opportunity to learn, play and compete in the sport, locally and abroad. MVC has been competing with teams at the school and national level locally. In the 2010/2011 season, MVC competed in the women’s “C” and women’s “B” of the 2010 T&T Volleyball Federation (T&TVF) National Championship One Day Tournaments.

Over the past three years, MVC has consistently competed in the annual Disney Volleyball Classic in Orlando, Florida, finishing 9th last year in the 15s age division and winning the bronze division championship in this year’s 16s age division.

Pan American Games
Group A: Chile, Colombia, Mexico, T&T
Group B: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica

October 18:
Canada vs Costa Rica, 11 am
Colombia vs T&T, 2 pm
Argentina vs Brazil, 5 pm
Mexico vs Chile, 9 pm

October 20:
Canada vs Argentina, 10 am
Chile vs Colombia, 1 pm
Brazil vs Costa Rica, 5 pm
Mexico vs T&T, 8 pm

October 21:
Brazil vs Canada, 8 pm

October 22:
T&T vs Chile, 10 am
Costa Rica vs Argentina, 1 pm
Mexico vs Colombia, 5 pm

October 25: Semifinals

October 27: Finals and third place playoffs

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

The T&T senior men’s volleyball team was the third biggest climber when the Federation International Volleyball (FIVB) issued its latest world rankings. In the latest ranking issued by FIVB on October 2, the T&T men’s team, coached by Gideon Dickson, was ranked 34th in the world, up 30 places from its previous position of 64th in August. The only other teams which had better gains than T&T on the rankings were St Lucia, up 34 spots to 53rd and Republic of Congo,the biggest mover, up 82 spots to 43rd. What made the move by T&T so interesting is that the reigning Caribbean champion only participated in one tournament since capturing the regional title in Suriname last year.

This was the Norceca Continental Cup in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico in late August where it finished sixth in the eight-team event. In Group B play, T&T was beaten by top-ranked Norceca team and world second-rated USA 25–15, 25–7, 25–12 and Cuba, ranked sixth in the world and second in Norceca 25–14, 25–15, 25–13, before whipping Costa Rica 25–16, 25–12, 25–9 to reach the quarterfinals. However in the last-eight, T&T was ousted by Puerto Rico 17–25, 15–25, 19–25 before beating fellow English-speaking Caribbean team, St Lucia 25-20, 25-21, 25-17 in a fifth to eight spot playoff.
And in the battle for fifth spot, Mexico stopped T&T, 25–20, 25–12, 25-–21. Commenting on its highest ever ranking Dickson said, “I think its a big over achievement by the team considering our resources.”
“We have reach this level without having a home for the sport and at the same time I still don’t think enough is being done to help us get to the next level,” noted Dickson.

The closest Caribbean team to T&T on the ranking are Barbados and Bahamas, joint 53rd while St Lucia is 59th. In Norceca, T&T is ranked sixth behind USA, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico while Dominican Republic is seventh after a slide of 14 places and Costa Rica, eighth. However, the T&T women have slipped four spots in the ranking to 34th and eight in Norceca. At the Women’s Norceca Continental Cup, the “Calypso Spikers” finished seventh among the nine teams after beating Costa Rica 26–24, 25–21, 25–12 in their playoff encounter. The win came after the Francisco “Panchee” Cruz led T&T team was beaten in its two pool matches by Canada 25–15, 28–30, 25–22, 25–11 and USA, 25–14, 25–16, 25–11.

Earlier in the year, the T&T women also competed at the Ninth Pan American Cup where it ended tenth out of 11 teams. In its six-team pool, T&T, the four-time reigning Caribbean champion had wins over Mexico (25–21, 25–15, 25–23) and Costa Rica (25–15, 25–22, 25–21) while it was beaten by USA, Peru and Puerto Rico. The “Calypso Spikers” were also beaten by Canada in their playoff encounter before the Mexicans got in their ninth to tenth playoff encounter. Brazil men and women teams head their respective ranking.

Rankings

FIVB men rankings
1. Brazil; 2. Russia; 3. Italy; 4. USA; 5. Serbia; 6. Cuba; 7. Bulgaria; 8. Poland; 9. Argentina; 10. China.

Norceca:
1. USA; 2. Cuba; 3. Puerto Rico; 4. Canada; 5. Mexico; 6. T&T; 7. Dominican Republic; 8. Costa Rica; 9. Barbados, Bahamas, St Lucia

FIVB women ranking:
1. Brazil; 2. USA; 3. Russia; 4. Japan; 5. Serbia; 6. China; 7. Italy; 8. Cuba; 9. Germany; 10. Turkey.

Norceca:
1. USA; 2. Cuba; 3.Dominican Republic; 4. Puerto Rico; 5. Canada; 6. Mexico; 7. Costa Rica; 8. T&T; 9. Panama; 10. Jamaica

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

By Nigel Simon

SWIMMER, George Bovell III is pleased with the Government’s decision to commence construction of a National Aquatic Centre, but remains cautious after similar promises were made, but did not materalise under previous administration.

The disclosure was made on Monday by Finance Minister Winston Dookeran during his 2011-2012 National Budget presentation at Tower D, Waterfront Complex in Port-of-Spain.

“We have been hearing and waiting for this national swimming facility for quite a few years. I must say that we have been told of this National Aquatics Centre by previous governments and to this date, nothing has ever happened,” said Bovell.

He told Newsday, “I hope this administration is really going forward with this. I’m elated to know that it’s in their annual plan and it will greatly benefit our local and also international swimmers.”

The 2003 Pan American Games gold medallist is eager for construction to commence on the National Aquatic Centre and expressed his disappointment about not being able to train in such a facility for the Olympic Games in London next year.

“I know it may be a tough request but I personally would have liked to use the facility for my Olympic preparation. This would be a major boost for me if I really put full use to a facility of this standard. This is peak-time for the Olympic season and a state-of-the-art facility such as this would significantly assist me in my preparations,” Bovell stated.

The former Auburn swimmer said that the National Aquatic Facility will boost Sports Tourism in Trinidad and Tobago and improve the standard of swimmers.

“This facility will bring an overall enhancement to all local swimmers. It will surely attract a lot more younger swimmers and bring an influx of talent for Trinidad and Tobago swimming. We would also be able to hopefully host some international swim events and competitions which would boost the general outlook of our swimming,” said Bovell.

He continued, “Also, athletes will not have to leave the country to go to professional facilities abroad and continue their training. It proves that this will be a great cost benefit to local swimmers. This money would be saved since they would be able to access a professional pool and training arena, right here in Trinidad.”

The former Canada Cup winner is confident that the facility will attract numerous swimmers from around the world it meets international standards.

“During the colder parts of the year, which has more or less begun in other parts of the world, many athletes throughout Europe and the Northern Hemisphere have to source warmer countries to continue their outdoor swim training. I know swimmers from Finland and Sweden who fly to Miami and other warm climates to ensure that they don’t falter with their swimming. It’s very hard and even impossible for a swimmer to train in freezing water,” said the Olympic bronze medallist.

He continued, “With Trinidad having a National Aquatic Centre, it will surely bring top international athletes to this country to train during the winter. This in itself would reap great rewards for everyone. Local athletes would now be able to look at world professionals and how they go about their training schedules. This country would also finally be able to host world-class swim meets with recognised swimmers. These top swimmers can work with our younger ones and help them in areas that are in need of work. They can also help coaches enhance and further develop their teaching methods.”

By Jonathan Ramnansingh

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

...as Peltier hits hat-trick in 4-0 win

Slovakian-based Lester “Corn-Curls” Peltier got his first international hat-trick while substitute Hughtun Hector added one as the T&T Soca Warriors got their stuttering Group B Concacaf Second Round 2014 FIFA Brazil World Cup qualifying campaign back on track with an unimpressive 4-0 victory over already ousted Barbados at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, yesterday. Peltier got his first as early as the seventh minute and added second-half items in the 52nd and 64th before Hector capped off the afternoon for the host with a clever chip over Barbadian goalkeeper Jason Boxill. The much needed win for T&T came three days after a 2-1 loss away to Bermuda and sees the Otto Pfister-coached Soca Warriors, minus a few of its regular starters including captain Kenwyne Jones, improve to nine points from four matches three behind group leader, the ‘Golden Jaguars’ of Guyana which hosted Bermuda in a late match last night.

The Soca Warriors and Guyana will meet in their final two qualifiers next month, which are now virtually must win encounters for Pfister’s men if they are to stay in the hunt for a second FIFA World Cup Finals appearance after making their debut at Germany 2006. Going into the encounter, pressure was on the Stern John-led Soca Warriors to get a win and Peltier got the host the start it needed when he worked a one-two with Devorn Jorsling just inside the Barbados half, before he ran onto the through ball, held off his Bajan defender inside the 18-yard box and slotted into an open net after goalkeeper Boxill ventured off his line in an effort to close down the T&T winger options. Eight minutes into the second-half, T&T defender Seon Power almost doubled the lead but his glancing header on the first post from a corner was kept out by Boxill while John failed to convert the rebound.

Soon after, Peltier made it 2-0 as he ran onto a clever ball over the top from half-time introduction Hayden Tinto and after beating Boxill to the ball at the edge of the area, he calmly slotted into an open goal to calm the nerves of coach Pfister, who up to that point had a frustrated look on the bench. Soca Warriors stand-in captain Stern John, who looked way short of his best but still managed to play the full 90-minutes,  missed a golden chance to extend T&T’s lead when he fired straight at the feet of Boxill after being put through at the top of the 18-yard box by Belgium-based midfielder Khaleem Hyland as T&T looked to pressed home its strong start to the second-half. At the other end of the field, Norman Forde then had Barbados first real attempt of the second-half as he tested Soca Warriors goalkeeper Marvin Phillip from some 35 yards out. However, the T&T goalkeeper was equal to the task and easily collected the left footed effort.

By then, T&T was in full control and in the 62nd minute Peltier completed his hat-trick when he timed his run perfectly to collect a pass from US-based Kevin Molino and fired high into the roof of the net to complete a well worked counter-attack after the latter had broken up a Barbadian move just on the half-line. With the minutes winding down, Hector who had brought some much needed pace to the T&T midfielder with his introduction then put a seal on the victory as he collected a loose ball outside the 18-yard box and raced goalwards before chipping Boxill.

Result

T&T 4 (Lester Peltier 7th, 54th, 62nd, Hughtun Hector 89th ) vs Barbados 0

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

ZURICH—T&T Football Federation general secretary, Richard Groden faces a possible ban from FIFA on Friday as the latest wave of its election bribery cases began yesterday. The case began with 15 Caribbean Football Union officials explaining their part in an alleged plot involving former presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam. FIFA said its ethics committee will hear the defendants over three days, and was expected to deliver verdicts on Friday. The 15 officials from 11 Caribbean countries are accused of accepting $40,000 cash payments in T&T during Bin Hammam’s later-abandoned challenge to FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

They were charged after FIFA appointed former FBI director Louis Freeh to continue leading an investigation that began in May. FIFA’s gravest scandal in 107 years has removed two of its most influential powerbrokers—Asian football president Bin Hammam and FIFA vice president Jack Warner—from office after a combined 43 years sitting on world soccer’s ruling executive committee. Bin Hammam, who denies bribery, is appealing his lifetime ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and FIFA dropped charges against T&T Minister of Works Warner after he resigned his soccer positions in June.

The defendants now facing bans include FIFA committee members Yves Jean-Bart of Haiti and Groden, a close ally of Warner. Jean-Bart sits on the associations panel that monitors FIFA’s 208 national members and Groden helps allocate tens of millions of dollars of development funding as a member of the Goal Bureau which Bin Hammam chaired for 12 years. The Haitian official is among five national association presidents answering charges this week, including one of soccer’s most senior women officials: Franka Pickering of the British Virgin Islands. Former international referee Mark Bob Forde of Barbados has also been charged and faces a ban from soccer duty.

Along with Bin Hammam in July, FIFA’s ethics panel suspended two Caribbean Football Union members of staff after ruling that they distributed $40,000 cash payments in brown envelopes at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in T&T. Caribbean Football Union vice-president Colin Klass, a longtime Warner ally, received a 26-month FIFA ban after a separate hearing last month. The Guyana federation president lost his seat on FIFA’s futsal and beach soccer committee. Qatari candidate Bin Hammam withdrew his election bid three days before the FIFA poll in June. Blatter was left unopposed to receive a fourth four-year presidential term, and was endorsed by 186 FIFA members, including most Caribbean islands. Blatter is scheduled on October 21 to provide details of his promised anti-corruption project to clean up world soccer and its damaged image. (AP)

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

T&T’s Mushtaque Mohammed was one of ten presidents elected to head the different commissions that operate within North, Central American and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (Norceca) at the 21st Norceca Congress in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on Friday. Mohammed was elected as head of the Development, Technical and Coaches Committee while the other delegates elected were Castro Verdugo (Sport Organising), Puerto Rico’s Jose Perez Vento (Refereeing), Puerto Rico’s Arnaldo Sanchez (Beach Volleyball), Dominican Republic’s Andres Piña (Medical), Mexico’s Alberto Arreola (Finance), Cuba’s Lisset Ricardo (Media), Dominican Republic’s Giovanni Gautreaux (Legal), Guatemala’s Zully Saravia (Marketing) and Nicaragua’s Judith Sandino (VIS and Statistics).

Meanwhile, FIVB First Executive vice-president Cristobal Marte Hoffiz was re-elected by acclamation as president of Norceca for a new four-year term after receiving the unanimous vote from the delegates of the 40 national federations in attendance. Hoffiz was joined by Saul Castro Verdugo (Mexico), Douglas Beal (USA), Mohammed (T&T), Marta Centeno de Sajche (Guatemala), Hugh Wong (Canada), Glenn Quinlan (St Kitts/Nevis), Jose Luis Jimenez (Costa Rica), Lucille Hobson (USVI), Nelson Perez (Puerto Rico), Bertha Cuadra (Nicaragua) and Sabinah Mason (BVI).

Source: www.guardian.co.tt