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

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

American Guy Edson will conduct a swim clinic hosted by local club, Tidal Wave Aquatics. Tomorrow he will be at St Joseph College, St Joseph, while the next session will be at the Dr Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence Swimming Pool. It will be  opened by the Honourable Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Anil Roberts. Edson is an American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA) Level Five certified coach and has been training coaches all over the world for the past 25 years.

He has also served several roles at the American Swimming Coaches Association’s national office. His business card includes the titles of Technical Director, Job Service Coordinator, and Club Administration Advisor. His two favourite roles are consulting with club coaches and their employers on coach-employer relationships and presenting ASCA courses to young coaches. According to Tidal Wave manageress Hazel Haynes, the clinic will allow coaches and swimmers an opportunity to focus on proper technique in all four strokes and to study those used by champions.

To date, 45 participants comprising swimmers, coaches and parents have registered. Haynes views this as a very encouraging response as it reflects a high level of interest in the quest to master technique. She hopes that participants will gain a better understanding of swimming technique and this will impact positively on both the teaching and learning processes. Tidal Wave will continue along this path as they believe it is important to be current with the latest information and technology.

Further info: Hazel Haynes at 799-8456, Mark Maundy (491-9773) and Gerry O’Brien (685-4288)

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Story by: Andrew Gioannetti

T&T Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) chairman of selectors, Curtis Nero has announced the 22 man contingent, including 13 uncapped players to begin the 2011 Men’s 15 a-side Championship title defence against Barbados on May 21. The round two match to be played at the Garrison Savannah in Bridgetown, will see T&T captained by Adam Frederick, who previously led the Calypso Warriors to the Caribbean Rugby Championship 2008 in the Cayman Islands.

Nero explained that despite the fact that many changes have been made to the team, more can be made in the event of injury or disciplinary indiscretions before the May 20 departure to Barbados. “The players understand that while 22 have been named, it does not mean players not selected for are out of contention for  upcoming matches including Guyana here at home on Saturday May 28,” said Nero.
The chairman who both captained an managed the national team in the past then assured that all uncapped players have had experience playing for the national under-19 and several other developmental teams.

“I am encouraged by the progression and improvement shown. We have focused on long term player development with the Rugby World Cup 2015 qualifiers, Rugby World Cup 2013 and the London 2016 Olympics very much in our thoughts.’ he said. I have high hopes for some of the young players coming through. Though 13 have been selected for Barbados, there are others making strong claims for selection. “It is a jump up from national under 19 and club rugby. But the only way we will find out who can make the step up is to give them the opportunity. The players selected have all earned their selection. It was not an easy matter coming up with 22 from the 38 player training squad.

The selection and preparation process started since December last year and generally speaking all the players have trained with a sense of purpose. Succeeding at the international level is shaped by your attitude, discipline and character more than talent and potential. Some of the younger players really showed a hunger and determination to make the match squad.” Nero said that emphasis has been placed on the disciplinary development of the younger players through lectures on doping while the union encourages fitness, wellbeing, punctuality, appropriate attire and team work.

“We have instilled in the players the philosophy that they are 100 per cent responsible for attaining and maintaining a high level of physical fitness, strength and conditioning.” He believes that with the addition of new players along with recently signed coaches, Larry Mendez and Dale Trotman, T&T rugby is going through an “exciting time.” This year’s objective according to Nero is to retain the Caribbean title and improve our International Rugby Board (IRB) ranking. Nero then extended condolences on behalf of the TTRFU to the family and friends of media personality Allison Hennessey who passed away last week. Hennessey was well a known enthusiast of the T&T national rugby team as well as Caribs RFC.

Selected team for Barbados

Capped Forwards
Samuel  Roberts (Caribs).
Jason Joseph (Police).
Peter Bacchus ( Caribs).
Graeme Alkins (Caribs).
Adam Frederick
(Trinidad Northern).

Uncapped Forwards
Rowell Gordon (Harvard).
John Hill (Harvard).
Andrew Welch Jr (Royalians).
Jabari Felix (Caribs).
Jamal Clark (Caribs).
Andrew Crooks (Trinidad Northern).
Gordon Dalgliesh (Trinidad Northern).
Jesse Richards (UWI).

Capped Backs
Jonathan O’Connor (Trinidad Northern).
James Walklin (Trinidad Northern).
Kelson Figaro (Royalians).
Don Rojas (Caribs).

Uncapped Backs
Justin McLean (Trinidad Northern).
Aasan Lewis (Harvard).
Joseph Quashie (Harvard/UTT).
James Phillip (Royalians).
Kendall Mootoo (Caribs).

Source:www.guardian.co.tt

T&T senior netballers made a poor start to the three-match Test series against South Africa, crumbling to a 57-38 loss at the Western Cape Sport School on Tuesday night. The Proteas bettered their Caribbean rivals despite a lacklustre third quarter in which they conceded ten goals and scored only six.
While this period brought roars of disapproval from the crowd, it might well prove to be the most important phase of the match, as it showed the coaching staff which combinations to avoid and which players they can’t count on going forward.

The decision to make five changes at the start of the second half, while the Proteas were leading comfortably by 28-16 and well on their way to giving their guests a proper hiding, interrupted the team’s rhythm and saw a drop in the intensity. The replacements lost possession cheaply, made the wrong decisions and failed to put any pressure on their opponents. In the end it was up to the stalwarts who proved themselves in the first half (and, it must be said, in the recent Tri-Nations series against Botswana and Singapore) to restore the winning margin to a respectable 19 goals in a fourth quarter which they dominated by pouncing on “Calypso Girls” errors and combining superbly in the midfield.

With goalshooter Claudia Basson and defender Leigh-Ann Zackey at the forefront the Proteas starved the Caribbeans of possession and barely skipped a beat on execution in all three thirds of the court.
Basson missed only six of 29 goal attempts and finished the night with a 79 per cent success rate.
This was in stark contrast to the performance of her replacement, Chrisna Bootha, who seemed hasty and netted only 60 per cent of her opportunities. Despite the absence of wing attack Nthabiseng Moabi the midfield gel, with Zanele Mdodane doing well in said position and feeding Basson excellently.
Her combination with centre Erin Burger and goal attack Maryka Holtzhausen left the T&T defence with no answers. The second match was to take place yesterday.

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

By Duncan Mackay in Kuala Lumpur

There is set to be a new push to get Twenty20 cricket into the Commonwealth Games, it has been revealed.

Cricket has so far featured in the Games only once, when it was part of the 1998 event held here in the Malaysian capital and matches were held over 50 overs with a strong Australian side led by Steve Waugh being beaten in the final by South Africa, whose hero was Shaun Pollock with four wickets.

There were plans to include a Twenty20 tournament in New Delhi last year but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opposed the idea, although it did make its debut at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) have now backed plans for it to be included in their event, possibly starting in 2018 when the event will be held in either the Gold Coast or Hambantota.

"It is fundamental that our sports programme continues to evolve in such a way as to sustain the Commonwealth Games as one of the world's leading multi-sport events," said Prince Tunku Imran, the vice-president of the CGF and chairman of the organisation's Sports Review Committee.

"Given cricket's strong association with the Commonwealth, the CGF will have further dialogue with the ICC (International Cricket Council) as to the possibility of Twenty20 cricket being included as an option for future editions of the Games."

The Sports Review Committee have also recommended that beach volleyball be upgraded to a category two sport for future Games, meaning the host city in 2018 and those beyond will have the opportunity to include it on their programmes.

Rugby league also made a push for inclusion, and while the sport will not join beach volleyball as a category two sport at this stage, it has won support from the CGF's Executive Board for inclusion as a category three sport, the first step toward its presence at future Games.

"Category three sports are those that we recognise as working towards future inclusion," said Tunku.

"We are very pleased to see the high level of commitment by the Rugby League International Federation to further develop the sport across the Commonwealth.

"It is a key criteria that any sport on our programme is played widely across as many of our member nations as possible."

The final decision on the future of the sports programme will be made by the 71 members of the CGF when they meet at their Assembly in St Kitts and Nevis in November.

The list of category one sports remains unaltered – aquatics-swimming, athletics, badminton, men's boxing, hockey, lawn bowls, women's netball, men's rugby sevens, squash and weightlifting – but there are a number of changes proposed within events to be contested in those sports.

But the Executive Board will recommend that synchronised swimming and synchronised diving be re-classified as category three events, which means they will be recognised but not eligible for inclusion within the sports programme.

Last year's diving competition in New Delhi produced one of the highlights of the Games for England when teenager Tom Daley won two gold medals, including in the synchronised event with Max Brick (pictured).

Tom_Daley_and_Max_Brick_in_New_Delhi_2010
The recommendations also propose that race-walks to be moved to category two event status - optional but no longer compulsory.

It is proposed that the total number of entries allowed in the singles events in racquet sports, including badminton, squash and table tennis, be standardised at three men and three women per event per country.

The Sports Review Committee has recommended, subject to the concurrence of the relevant International Federations, that the maximum number of entries per Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) per event for judo and wrestling be set at two per weight category, so long as the total number of athletes entered from a CGA does not exceed the number of events available.

This would bring these sports in line with weightlifting.

There is also a move to have two bronze medals awarded in judo.

Women's boxing will be further reviewed with the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) so the matter can be considered as part of the current review leading up to the Assembly in St Kitts.

Women's rugby sevens is also under consideration with the Committee recommending that it becomes eligible for inclusion in future editions of the Games.

The Review Committee has recommended that the CGF and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), in collaboration with the host Organising Committee, identify and select the specific disability events no later than three years prior to each Commonwealth Games.

The Committee noted that consistent with the cooperation agreement between the CGF and the IPC, the IPC is currently undertaking a review of the Paralympis port programme, looking to put forward formal proposals ahead of the General Assembly in St Kitts.

The CGF Sports Review Committee received submissions that Para-badminton and powerlifting be considered, and these will be forwarded to the IPC for their initial review and assessment.

Contact the writer of this story at duncan.mackay@insidethegames.biz.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Nicholas Clarke

Founder of The Sporting Experts, (SPEX) Kareem Scoon wants to reach out to the country’s young people by using sports to improve their lives. The 28-year-old began his agency a year ago with the intention of providing cutting edge equipment for young athletes and has since expanded to doing marketing research, as well as staging tournaments and sports days for local organisations. “Anything in sport that needs a service, we are willing to approach it,” he told the Guardian recently. Scoon was first inspired to create his own business during his time as a football coach for Diego Martin Secondary School, where his “bittersweet” experiences left him unsatisfied with how things were being done. “I realised that there were lots of problems in sport and I wanted to create a company to address these issues. I saw a need for some innovation in different areas from equipment and uniforms to discipline and refereeing.”

His first goal, he said, was to make football practice more fun for young players. “While coaching, I saw that the kids were distracted and the enthusiasm was not exactly there with the traditional ways of training, which is a ball and some cones. It dawned at me that we could use some innovative items to increase the enthusiasm and that’s where the idea for the company started in my mind.” A Fatima College alumnus, Scoon attended Northern Oklahoma College on a football scholarship before earning an Associate’s Degree from Scotsdale Community College in Arizona. He went on to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management and Coaching from the University of America in London, England and also earned an FA Certification in Football Coaching while working at Fulham FC. After returning to T&T and spending a year at Diego Martin Secondary, he brought his line to life by making orders through an American equipment supplier and then selling the products under his own brand. Now a year old, his “rapidly expanding” company operates out of an office in St James with a warehouse located in Piarco.

SPEX’s clients have included the T&T Football Federation, the T&T Hockey Board, the T&T Tennis Association, All Sport Promotions, Media 21 and Joe Public FC. The warm response from customers, Scoon said, has motivated him to continue to expand. “It’s rewarding to see the young people using the equipment and from testimonials, I know the coaches and students alike are very grateful. The biggest accomplishment is to see the smiles on the kids faces.” A lifelong athlete, he is a firm believer in the power of sports to steer young people in the right direction. “You may not listen to your Physics teacher, but your football coach on the other hand can most times get you to do whatever he says. I’d like to look for ways to use that player/coach relationship to mould better individuals.” Scoon, who cites local legends Hasely Crawford, Ken Elie, Isa Muhammed and Brandon Bailey as “the real sporting experts”, added that his ambitions stretch beyond the confines of the local industry. “I want for us to probably compete with Nike. I figure anything is possible in life. My coach taught me that.”

Source:www.insidethegames.biz

By David Gold at Westminster in London

Cameroon's International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Issa Hayatou  (pictured) received a $1.5 million (£917,000) bribe to vote for Qatar 2022 to host the FIFA World Cup, it was alleged here today.

Hayatou, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and member of the FIFA ruling Executive Committee, as well as a member of the IOC, is already under investigation following claims that he received a payment of 100,000 French francs in 1995 from the now defunct marketing company ISL.

These latest allegations, however, revealed by Conservative MP Damian Collins, are of a more serious nature.

Collins revealed at the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee looking into England's failed bid to host the 2018 World Cup that The Sunday Times' submission claimed that the bribe was paid to Hayatou and another member of FIFA's Executive Committee, Jacques Anouma from the Ivory Coast.

"They went on to vote for Qatar," Collins said.

Qatar controversially won the right to host the 2022 World Cup after beating the United States in the final round of voting.

But Mike Lee, the former communications director of London 2012 who was a bid advisor to the Qatari bid team, denied the allegations.

Lee insisted that he knew nothing of any improper behaviour on the part of the Qatari team, but was pressed by the Committee on whether it was possible for him to have been unaware of such practise.

"I was working at the highest level of that bid and am not aware of this," said Lee, the founder of Vero Communications who has also worked on Rio's successful bid to host the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics and is representing Pyeongchang, the favourites to be awarded the 2018 Winter Games.

"I would have had a sense if such things were going on."

Hayatou is believed to have been the sole FIFA Executive Committee member to have voted for England's failed 2018 bid.

Jacques Rogge, the President of the IOC, referred the allegations made against Hayatou in the Panorama programme concerning ISL broadcast on BBC last November to the IOC Ethics Commission.

Hayatou claims the money was given to CAF to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

The IOC Ethics Commission still have to report their findings but could expel him if they find him guilty.

Hayatou could now face disciplinary action from FIFA over these latest allegations.

"I was shocked when I am hearing this," said FIFA President Sepp Blatter at a press conference in Zurich.

"Let us have time to digest this.

"First we have to have evidence.

"Then we will act immediately against anyone in breach of our ethical code."

A spokesman for the IOC told insidethegames that they also would investigate the new claims.

"The IOC takes all allegations of corruption very seriously and we would ask for any evidence of wrong doing to be passed to the IOC's Ethics Commission," he said.

Contact the writer of this story at david.gold@insidethegames.biz.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Trinidad and Tobago, the defending NACRA Caribbean 15-a-side rugby champs, will play Barbados on May 21 at the Garrison Savannah in Bridgetown. This was announced on the North America and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Web site www.nacrugby.com. The NACRA fixture list indicates that the Calypso Warriors, which the T&T team is called, will face arch-rivals Guyana in Port-of-Spain on May 28, a week after its clash with Barbados. It is a tough schedule that will test the physical and mental fitness preparedness of the T&T players. T&T is the number one ranked nation in the Caribbean region in the 15-a-side format of the game. Guyana holds the number two ranking. Newly appointed national senior rugby team coach Larry Mendez and his assistant Dale Trotman, along with the experienced team manager Curtis Nero, have the task of ensuring that the T&T is well prepared for the two crucial games.

On 30 April, at the AO Shirley ground in Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Barbados defeated hosts BVI 19–13 to advance to the second round of the South Zone competition and match ups with  T&T and Guyana. Barbados won the Caribbean title in 2005. The winner of the South Zone will play the North Zone winner. Bermuda are the heavy favourites to not only win the North Zone, but also to defeat the South Zone winners and lift the NACRA title this year. The T&T squad trains on Mondays , Wednesdays and Saturdays from 5 pm at the Queens Park Savannah. The players also train with their respective club teams on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

T&T Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) president Leslie Figaro is not concerned about the dates of the game.
“While we (TTRFU) wanted to arrange practice games and friendlies against top club teams from the UK, USA and Canada and a game or two against a South American opponent the fact that this did not happen is not an excuse. “The players are expected to appreciate the responsibility that goes with representing your country. If everyone associated with the T&T team focus on doing their best and on what they can control I have no doubt we will successfully defend our title,” said Figaro.

BRUSSELS—Even if he is a few weeks late, Usain Bolt has the same old message: Catch me if you can. There was no sign of the world and Olympic champion in the early-season races he usually runs back home in Jamaica. And sure enough, there were fears he was late with training, or worse, not fully recovered from last year’s back injury. Not so, said agent Ricky Simms. “Everything has gone very, very well over the winter,” Simms said. “We are looking forward to his first race in Rome” on May 26, the third of the season’s Diamond League events.

The reason for the belated start to the season is simple. The August 27 to September 4 world championships in Daegu, South Korea, start almost two weeks later than in Berlin two years ago and Bolt doesn’t want to peak early. Also, since the defending champion does not have to qualify for the worlds through the national trials at the end of June, there is no need to peak twice in one season.
And with Jamaican sprinting as strong as it is, even Bolt would not be able to make the team by just cruising through qualifying.

During the Kingston Jamaica Invitational over the weekend, Bolt’s training partner Yohan Blake impressed by clocking 9.80 seconds in the 100 meters. If it wasn’t for the slightly excessive 2.2 meters-per-second back wind, it would easily have topped the year’s fastest mark. “He trains with those guys every day. So he sees where they are at, where he’s at” Simms said in a telephone interview. “He’s happy where he is at the moment.” Still, the triple Olympic and world champion is far from his best at this moment.

“Of course, if someone runs 9.80 he is not going to be 10 meters ahead of him,” Simms said. He’ll probably be happy to be just a nose ahead of his next competitor when he has his first race in Rome. Bolt will take on compatriot and former world record-holder Asafa Powell and European champion Christophe Lemaitre in his first race in Italy. While Bolt can race Powell all he wants, what most people are really looking forward to is a duel with American Tyson Gay.

Source: Associated Press

LIVORNO—The team-mates of Wouter Weylandt crossed the finish line side by side and with their arms linked at the Giro d’Italia yesterday, completing a fourth stage honouring the Leopard-Trek cyclist who died in a high-speed crash. Weylandt’s close friend and training partner Tyler Farrar, who rides for Garmin-Cervelo, was invited to join the Leopard-Trek cyclists for the final part of the stage and was in tears as they rode over the line in unison. Farrar said earlier Tuesday he would pull out of the race after the stage. The 26-year-old Weylandt died on Monday after falling during a descent, the first fatality in the Italian race in 25 years.

As a result, the fourth stage became a ceremonial ride with no points on offer, and teams took turns riding up front in ten-kilometre intervals. Teams averaged 22 mph and bottom-placed Euskatel-Euskadi was the first team to set the pace. With three kilometres remaining, overall leader David Millar waved the Leopard-Trek team to the front to cross the line first. Instead of a presentation ceremony for the winner, the Leopard-Trek team stood on the podium with Millar and the three other jersey holders to pay their respects to Weylandt after a lone bugler played a solemn tribute.

A military bugler also played a tribute to Weylandt at the start, and the teams observed a minute’s silence and wore black ribbons. Before the race the Leopard-Trek bus was roped off and other riders and team staff were able to pass through to pay their condolences. Weylandt clipped a wall and tumbled hard to the ground when going down a mountain pass at a high speed. He lay motionless and bleeding heavily on the roadside before paramedics cut off his helmet and worked for 40 minutes to resuscitate him. An autopsy yesterday showed he died of internal injuries and damage to the base of his skull. The 21-stage Giro is due to finish in Milan on May 29. (AP)

LONDON—Stephen Ames has risen two places in the world rankings despite sitting out last weekend on the PGA Tour. The T&T-born golfer, who now represents Canada, moved to 153rd in the latest Official World Golf Rankings released on Sunday.

Meanwhile, there was no change to the top six in the rankings with England’s Lee Westwood remaining in charge. However, former World number one Tiger Woods continued to slip, dropping one place to eighth.

Rankings

1 Lee Westwood (ENG) 8.08
2 Martin Kaymer (GER) 7.42
3 Luke Donald (ENG) 7.33
4 Phil Mickelson (USA) 6.60
5 Graeme McDowell (IRE) 5.66
6 Rory McIlroy (IRE) 5.44
7 Paul Casey (ENG) 5.39
8 Tiger Woods (USA) 5.37
9 Steve Stricker (USA) 5.34
10 Matt Kuchar (USA) 5.26
153 Stephen Ames (CAN) 1.06

Source:www.guardian.co.tt

T&T senior netballers arrived in South Africa over the weekend, to participate in a Test Series with the host. The series started yesterday (South Africa Time) at Guanten East Region. The “Calypso Girls” were sent-off by Sports Minister Anil Roberts, who was at the Piarco Airport to wish the players good luck for the match-up against the sixth-ranked team in the world. The T&T team is using the series as a warm-up for the upcoming World Netball Championships set to take place in Singapore from July 3–10.

FULL TEAM
Janelle Barker (captain), Anastascia Wilson, Rhonda John-Davis, Onella Jack, Joelisa Cooper, Tricia Liverpool, Daystar Swift, Candice Guerero, Alicia Liverpool, Jellene Richardson, Crystal-Ann George.

Technical Staff
Carol Gittens (manager), Karen Worland (coach/technical consultant), Jennifer Frank (assistant coach), Oba Gulston (physiotherapist), Zephyrinus Nicholas (trainer).

Story by: Clayton Clarke

Emmanuel Callender sped to victory in the men’s 200-metre race at the Occidental Invitational in Los Angeles, USA on Saturday. Callender was first to the line in 20.81 seconds. The 2008 CAC championships 200m gold medallist beat his HIS teammate Ahmad Rashad into second (20.90) with Jamaican Kawayne Fisher in third (21.14). In the 100m, Callender had to settle for second behind Rashad. The American snatched the gold in 10.21 with Callender in second 0.04 seconds behind. Fisher was third again in 10.36. Jehue Gordon finished third  in the men’s 400m Hurdles in 50.11 seconds at the seventh Grand Prix Region at the Baie-Mahault Stadium in Guadeloupe on Saturday.

Gordon was beaten to the line by Puerto Rico’s Javier Culson and Angelo Taylor of the USA. Culson (2009 World Championships silver medallist) took the gold in 48.73 with Taylor (2000/2008 Olympic champion) in second in 49.77. Gordon, the reigning World Junior gold medallist, bettered the 50.11 clocking he set in taking the Falcon Games title in April 16. The 19-year-old has his sights set on this year’s World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, from August 27 to September 4. At the 2009 edition Gordon set the track and field world on fire with his fourth place finish in a new world 17-year age-best of 48.26.

Rhonda Watkins was sixth in the women’s long jump with 6.12m. The 2006 World Junior champion achieved her best jump on her last attempt. Taking the gold was Ruky Abdulai of Canada with a leap of 6.53m. Durrell Busby’s University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee captured the overall title at the 2011 Horizon Leagues Outdoor Track and Field Championships which ended on Sunday in Indianapolis. Wisconsin took the men’s title for the eighth straight year with 156 points with Busby contributing with his win in the men’s javelin in 58.80m.  He was in line for a second gold after setting a meet record in the 110m heats clocking 14.23.  However, in the finals he was disqualified after false-starting. Wisconsin also took the women’s title, scoring 174 points.

Morgan State University’s men’s team finished third in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Outdoor Championships at North Carolina A&T State University. Morgan State earned 72 points with Emmanuel Stewart contributing 20 after his victories in the men’s javelin (53.39) and discus (50.51) events. Stewart (2008 Carifta boys under-20 Discus champion) also earned All-MEAC First team honours. Morgan State’s ladies outfit was seventh with 50 points with Jeanelle Ovid taking bronze in the women’s high Jump. Ovid was named on the All-MEAC third team.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

T&T international Wayne Legerton pushed his goal tally to 32 after he netted a double to help g Hattem to a 4-2 victory over Enschedesche in the Holland Field Hockey League on Sunday.

With the win, the 26-year-old Legerton, who plays locally for 2010 national double crowned champion Petrotrin and his Hattem clubmates improved to 40 points from 19 matches, three behind second placed Tempo ‘41 which was upstaged by GCHC 3-2. Leaders Huizen climbed to 55 points following a 6-2 whipping of QZ 6-2.

Hattem now go into its next match against Temp’41 on Sunday needing a win to move into second spot and playoff contention.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

By Brian Lewis

Every once in a while, something happens that changes the best laid plans. On Mother’s Day, while having breakfast with my wife Sandra, she received a text from a close family friend telling her that Allyson Hennessy had passed away. It is an understatement to say that it took an effort to not let the news sour a special day. I acted as if I did not hear what my wife had said—such was my immediate determination not to let the news dominate the occasion. Later in the day when I called a good friend and my Veni Mange lunch partner, his first comment was: “Brian when I get a call from you on a Sunday afternoon it could only be bad news”. The silence that followed when I told him about Allyson spoke volumes. Allyson Hennessy was a faithful and unwavering supporter of T&T—its culture, its people, its potential. For many her public persona resides in her unrivalled body of work on local television—before there was Oprah, there was Allyson—for others it may be the wonderful West Indian cuisine at Veni Mange.

Allyson was a true friend and supporter of many including T&T sports and in particular the sport of rugby and Caribs rugby football club. Allyson was a giant of local television but for all her high public profile she was no prima donna. Her passing will leave a void. She was a shining light. Her positive energy was amazing. She had a point of view and would always express it without malice. She was a role model for anyone with an interest in television broadcasting. You would ask “Allyson what you think?” And most certainly she would provide you with her thoughts and words of advice—it was up to you to either accept it or reject it. She had a deep passion for sports and had an opinion on how improvements could be made. She felt strongly about the welfare of national sportsmen and women.

Her passion for life and people drew you in. I don’t ever recall asking her for support for a fund-raiser and her ever saying no. Her support for Caribs Rugby Club would have put us on different sides of the rugby field but I have never met someone else who could gloat with such humour, goodwill and class. She had words of encouragement for every club. Her support for the sport of rugby and the T&T national rugby teams would see her turning up at the President’s ground St Ann’s, Hasely Crawford Stadium, Larry Gomes stadium or the Queens Park Savannah rain or shine. She was a true patriot. “A Trini to the bone.”
I cannot imagine a Caribs rugby game without Allyson. I cannot imagine walking into Veni Mange and not being able to ask: “Where Allyson? Where Roses?”

Allyson lived life to the fullest. She embraced everyone regardless of colour, creed, race, politics, economic station in life didn’t matter—her passion for T&T, her sincerity, patriotism and generosity of spirit will remain my abiding memory of her. On March 28 she wished me belated happy birthday and had a brief discussion about London 2012. Little did I know. As I reflected on her passing, the words of Og Mandino came to my mind: “I will live this day as if it’s my last. This day is all I have and these hours are now my eternity. “I will maketh every hour count and each minute I will trade only for something of value. Today I shall give myself in sacrifice and work; tomorrow I will have nothing to give, and there will be none to receive.” Goodbye Allyson! May your wonderful soul rest in peace. Gone but never to be forgotten. To her husband, family and friends, the staff at Veni Mange and her extended family including Caribs Rugby Club I extend condolences.

Brian Lewis is the Honorary Secretary General of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee http// www.ttoc.org. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the TTOC.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Kelly Ann Baptiste continued her build-up to the World Athletic Championships with an impressive second place finish in the women’s 100m at the Jamaica International Invitational at the National Stadium, in Kingston on Saturday night.  The national sprint record holder got to the line in an outstanding 10.94 seconds against a stellar field oozing with quality. Baptiste’s time is her fifth sub-11 clocking and is topped by her 10.84 national record run last year. Taking the gold was defending champion Carmelita Jeter of the United States who sped to world leading and meet record time of 10.86.

Baptiste got off to a quick start and was ahead but Jeter pulled ahead to win and bettered the previous meet record of 10.92. Baptiste was ahead of Jamaica’s Olympic silver medallists Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart who were third and fourth, both in 11.07. Also seeing the back of the 2010 Continental Cup winner was 2006 World Junior 100m bronze medallist Carrie Russell (Jamaica) and 2009 World championships relay gold medalists Aleen Bailey and Simon Facey. Baptiste’s time is a big improvement on her previous 2011 season’s best of 11.56.

2009 World Championships 400m bronze medallist Renny Quow also copped silver in Kingston, taking the runner up spot in the one lap event in 45.43.  Quow employed his trade mark strong finishing kick to good use to zoom past the field in the final 100m but was denied by Chris Brown of Bahamas who took the gold in 45.37. Quow was well behind midway into the race. He made his bid for glory with less than 80m from the line but Browne, the 2010 World Indoor champion, edged Quow at the finish. The time is a new season’ best for the 2006 World Junior champion improving on his 45.69 clocking achieved in  Texas on April 23.

Early race leader Jermaine Gonzalez of Jamaica faded to third (45.52). Double Olympic silver medallist Richard Thompson was beaten into seventh in the men’s 100m in 10.16. Yohan Blake won in wind assisted 9.80 seconds ahead of Antigua and Barbuda’s Daniel Bailey (9.94) and American Mike Rodgers (9.96). Blake got off to a clean start and powered to victory much to the delight of 20,000 Jamaican fans. Ayanna Alexander was runner-up in the women’s triple jump with 13.55m. Taking to gold was Jamaican Kimberly Williams (14.25m). Aleesha Barber was fourth in the women’s 100m hurdles in a wind assisted time of 13.34 seconds behind American Tiki James (12.88), Jamaican Vonette Dixon (12.98) and another American Candice Davis (13.11) while Jamaal James was fifth in the men’s 800m in 1:51:64.

Jamaicans Kenia St Clair and Nickel Ashmeade posted world leading times. St Clair captured the women’s 800m in 1:58:41. The time is also a new meet record. Ashmeade surprised a strong field in the men’s 200m taking gold in 19.95. Running out lane eight, the 2008 World junior silver medallist dismissed the favourites Steve Mullings of Jamaica (20.15) and American Wallace Spearmon (20.18).
Former world 100m record holder Asafa Powell was in contention at the 100m mark but faded to last. After the race Powell said he eased up because he felt some discomfort in his hamstring muscles. Adam Nelson (USA) won the men’s shot put in meet record of 21.24m.

Selected results

Pos    Name    Country    Time/Distance

WOMEN’S 100M (wind:+1.9 m/s)
1    Carmelita Jeter    USA    10.86 sec (Meet record)
2    Kelly-Ann Baptiste    T&T    10.94
3    Sherone Simpson    JAM    11.07
4    Kerron Stewart    JAM    11.07

MEN’S 100M (wind: +2.2m/s)
1    Yohan Blake    JAM    9.80 sec
2    Daniel Bailey    ANT    9.94
3    Mike Rodgers    USA    9.96
4    Michael Frater    JAM    9.98
7    Richard Thompson    T&T    10.16

MEN’S 400M
1    Chris Brown    BAH    45.37 sec
2    Renny Quow    T&T    45.43
3    Jermaine Gonzalez    JAM    45.52
4    Calvin Smith Jr    USA    45.56

WOMEN’S TRIPLE JUMP
1    Kimberly Williams    JAM    14.25m (-1.2m/s)
2    Ayanna Alexander    T&T    13.55m (-0.3)

WOMEN’S 100M HURDLES (wind: +2.6m/s)
1    Tiki James    USA    12.88
2    Vonette Dixon    JAM    12.98
3    Candice Davis    USA    13.11
4    Aleesha Barber    T&T    13.34

MEN’S 800M
1    Khadevis Robinson    USA    1:46:25
2    Duane Solomon    JAM    1:46:37
3    Karjuan Williams    USA    1:47:26
4    Alwin Sappleton    JAM    1:49:51
5    Jamal James    TT    1:49:51

The Zeus training workshop hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) got underway this morning at Olympic House on Abercromby Street, Port of Spain. Zeus, is a Games Management Software program that enables national sporting bodies to coordinate and organize all their games management tasks through an online program.

Over the next four days, 22 participants consisting of 8 Capacity Support Officers from the Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) and 14 NOC representatives will learn the fundamentals of using this database.  

Here as an observer for the workshop is Mrs. Joanna Zipser-Graves of Olympic Solidarity.

Facilitators for the workshop are Richard de Groen,Team Development Manager of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Carla Thachuk, Director of International Programs, Commonwealth Games Canada,  Jake Wilkins from the New Zealand Olympic Committee, Jennie Petterson and Chantelle Grant (Commonwealth Games Canada)

TTOC staff members Roberto Marquez, Desiree Wilson and Kyome Pascal-Mortley will share some of their insights into the use of Zeus.

Micheal Romany, TTOC president said it was an honour and a privilege for the TTOC to be choosen to host the workshop. "The TTOC has embraced Zeus. The programme has contributed to the improvement and efficiency of our multi sport games management protocols and logistics. We have also developed an internet based athlete database. Our selection as host for the workshop is a reflection of the strategic importance of Zeus to the (TTOC)."

The workshop ends on Friday 13 May,2011.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Emmanuel Stewart was a double winner at the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Outdoor Championships in North Carolina, USA on the weekend. Stewart (Morgan State University) took the men’s javelin (53.39m) and discus (50.51m) throws and was going for a third win in the shot put but could only manage ninth (13.62). School mate Jeanelle Ovid finished third in the women’s high jump (1.65 m). Darryl Brown signalled his comeback from injury with a win in the men’s 100m at the Brigido Iriarte Marmoreal Meet in Caraca, Venezuela on Friday. Brown, the world junior 100m record holder (10.01), won the men’s 100m in 10.34. He clocked 10.47 in the heats.

Jessica James and Denzel Ramirez registered top three finishes with James taking third in the women’s 400m (55.76) and Ramirez taking bronze in the men’s 5000m in 14:52:48. Durrel Busby (Wisconsin-Milwaukee) took the men’s Javelin in 58.50m at the Horizon Leagues Championships on Saturday. Busby set a new meet and school record in only his first competition on the collegiate circuit. In his better known event, the men’s 110m hurdles, he topped the heats with 14.23 seconds, another meet record. At the FSU Twilight meet in Tallahassee, Britany St Louis helped Florida State University’s women’s 4x400m team to silver in 3:47:56. Akeela Bravo (Jacksonsville) missed out on a medal in the women’s discus, taking fourth in 46.76.

Sparkle Mc Knight and Janeile Bellille picked up silver medals at the South Plans Open in Texas. McKnight crossed the line second in the women’s 200m in a personal best of 23.91 just behind of her South Plains school mate Janelle Redhead who won in 23.50. Bellille, who is also attends South Plains, was runner-up in the women’s 400m in 55.24. Another South Plain student, Kervin Morgan was third in the men’s 400m hurdles (53.71). At the Bob Pollock Sprint Invitational Adonis Jones (Campbell) was also third, in the men’s 110m hurdles in 14.04 secs. Last week at the BCS Buster Invitational Tonya Nero (Wichita State) ran away with the women’s 1500m and 5000m events on her home track. In the 1500m she crossed the line in 4:29:73 with schoolmate/T&T Samantha Shukla in seventh (4:44:02) while in the 5000m she was first in 16:53:33.

Her younger sister Scarla was fourth (17:24:69). Robert Collingwood (University of Southern Missouri) took the men’s shot put gold at the Golden Eagle Classic in Mississippi with 16.51m. In the Discus Robert was fourth in 46.55m with his twin brother Richard taking silver (50.05m). At the Front Range Championships Afiya Walker was in fine form. The Wyoming student took the women’s 400m in 53.35 seconds, bettering the meet mark of 54.90 she had set last year.  She then was part of Wyoming’s 4x400m which took gold in another meet record of 3:44:02. Hileen James took the women’s shot put at Georgia versus Missouri Dual meet with 15.37m.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Story by: Clayton Clarke

Double Olympic silver medallist Richard Thompson, is among five T&T athletes signed to compete at the Jamaica International Invitational Track and Field Meeting at the National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica later today. National record holders Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Aleesha Barber, Ayanna Alexander and Jamaal James are this country’s other representatives. Thompson will face the starter in the men’s 100-metre sprint and will be hoping to improve on his third place finish last year when he clocked 10.25 seconds. The reigning national double sprint champion will be up against former winner American Davis Patton and another US sprinter Mike Rodgers, who clocked 9.96 in March.

Local runners Yohan Blake and Michael Frater will be striving to give their home fans a victory. Thompson opened his season with a windy 9.91 seconds victory in Louisiana, USA on March 23 and will be hoping to capitalise on the absence of top trio, World and Olympic record holder Usain Bolt of Jamaica and his compatriot, former record holder Asafa Powell and 2007 triple world champion Tyson Gay (USA). Baptiste will do battle against the world’s best sprinters when she lines up in the women’s 100m.

She will be looking to continue on her 2010 form when she reduced her national record to an outstanding 10.84 seconds. The Double Continental Cup winner will match strides with the inform American sprinter Carmelita Jeter, who has the quickest time in the world (10.99) and Jamaicans Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson. The line-up also includes Marshevet Hooker (USA) and another Jamaican pair, Aleen Bailey and Simone Facey. Barber will contest the women’s 100m hurdles. In 2010 Barber lowered her national record to 12.85 seconds last year and struck gold at the Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC) in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Alexander will be hoping to extend her unbeaten streak this season with her most recent win coming at the Penn Relays one week ago.

The reigning Commonwealth Games silver medallist in the shot put, took the Olympic Development event in Pennsylvania, USA in a wind assisted 13.47m. The national indoor and outdoor record holder will be seeking to improve her 2011 best distance of 13.60m and is currently ranked 19th in the world. James, the national junior 800m record holder (1:47:00) will contest the men’s two-lap event. 2009 World championships 400m-hurdles bronze medallist Josanne Lucas was scheduled to defend her one lap hurdles title but withdrew because of injury.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Recently-crowned double Carifta champion Nicholas Landeau led a successful T&T team to the 5th EME  meeting de I:Asc Siruco at the Les Abymes Stadium in Guadeloupe on Saturday, April 30, as all five members won their races. Landeau captured the boys under 17 800m in 1:58:22 as fellow Carifta medallist Nicholas Douglas and Zakiya Denoon took the boys and girls under 17 100m respectively.

At the Carifta Games in Montego Bay, Jamaica over the Easter weekend Landeau copped the boys under 17 1500m (4:04:84) and 3000m (8:47:05) to improve silver in both events in 2010 when he was second behind another TT athlete Mark London. Douglas of Mason Hall Secondary took the boys under 17 100m in a wind aided time of 10.78 (+2.2) while Speyside’s High Denoon was the winner in the girls’ event in 12.52.

At the Carifta Games, Douglas was third in the 100m (10.87) and anchored TT’s boys under 17 4x100m relay squad to silver (41:13). Denoon was part of TT’s girls under 17 4x100m relay team which took gold in Jamaica. Joel Dillon was the winner in the men’s 100m in 10.56 (-0.3) as Travis Fredrick took the men’s 400m in 48.91.
The meet attracted athletes from Canada, Martinique, St. Martin, Antigua and Barbuda and hosts Guadeloupe. The national contingent returned on Monday.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

T&T senior netballers head out again tomorrow, this time to South Africa, to participate in a Test Series with the host and another country still to be named. The invitational series takes place from May 11-13 in the Guanten East Region. The “Calypso Girls” are using the tour against the sixth-ranked team in the world, as a warm-up for the upcoming World Netball Championships set to take place in Singapore from July 3 - 10.

It is the second tour for the T&T unit in under two months, having travelled to Jamaica at the end of March, to partake in a three-match practice series against the fourth-ranked team in the world. T&T, which is ranked eighth, was swept, losing the opening affair 64-36, 46-34 in the second and 56-26, in the third match. In their final practice match which was scheduled last night, the national senior team was set to play an all male Horizon netball team at the Jean Pierre Complex in Mucurapo. T&T opens against Wales at the World event on July 4.

The “Calypso Girls” will also face Commonwealth Games champion New Zealand and Fiji in Pool B. Jamaica have been drawn in Pool C for the early rounds of the tournament alongside hosts Singapore, South Africa and Botswana. Defending champion Australia are drawn in Pool A with Sri Lanka, Northern Ireland and Samoa with England, Malawi, Barbados, and Malaysia playing in Pool D.

Team: Janelle Barker (captain), Anastascia Wilson, Rhonda John-Davis, Onella Jack, Joelisa Cooper, Tricia Liverpool, Daystar Swift, Candice Guerero, Alicia Liverpool, Jellene Richardson, Crystal-Ann George.
Staff: Carol Gittens (manager), Karen Worland (coach/technical consultant), Jennifer Frank (assistant coach), Oba Gulston (physiotherapist), Zephyrinus Nicholas (trainer).