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

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Written by: Asha Defreitas Asmoseley

A very serious incident took place earlier this week that inspired today’s column, the topic of which is centered on the importance of sports and sportsmanship in the lives of our children. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines sportsmanship as “conduct (as fairness, respect for one’s opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport.” Whether you are competing in a talent show, a sport, the chutney soca monarch or a game of monopoly, if you are not prepared to deal with losing as much as you are determined to win, then perhaps you should seriously reconsider competing. The bottom line is: No one is impressed by the irrational temper tantrums of a sore loser, particularly those of high profile personalities. In today’s world, it is very easy for parents to get caught up with the hustle and bustle of life, focusing on the tangibles such as money, work and maintaining a particular social image. To some, these things are important. It is equally, if not more important, to ensure that the intangible needs are also attended to, particularly where children are concerned. As parents, it is imperative that children participate in some sort of athletic extra-curricular activity. Aside from the obvious physiological benefits of exercise, it is the simplest way to influence young minds to adopt commendable qualities of honor, humility, discipline, and respect for others and for authority — some of the universally accepted redeeming attributes a person could have.

Unfortunately, many parents underrate the unique contribution that sport makes in the molding process of their children and as a result they delay starting their children in such activities or skip it altogether. Children are then forced to learn the lessons associated with sport participation later on in life, as teenagers and in some cases as adults when the consequences weigh more heavily. While it is true that children can be exposed in other ways to develop various positive personality traits, sports competition further tests a person’s true character by forcing the individual to exhibit exemplary behavior in their actions, regardless of their emotions, such as congratulating your opponent immediately after facing defeat. Michael Jordan said, “I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life, and that is why I succeed.” The experience of defeat teaches not only humility but builds mental fortitude. Maintaining your composure and self-confidence despite losing can be a tremendous challenge for highly competitive spirits, particularly if a person has not been trained at an early age to deal with such adversities, however, it is not impossible to develop. To overcome and to appreciate the lessons learned from the experience is to challenge oneself to perform better the next time.

Some parents live vicariously through their children. As a result, they push their children to extremes in their training and in their diet, turning them into unpleasant and callous competitors or on the other hand, bring them to resent the sport altogether. This type of culture exists in some sports more than others in T&T. Parents must always remain conscious of the fact that they have a responsibility to set a healthy example for their children and not victimise them. Sport is meant to ultimately build a child’s identity and to bring them joy.  Most children will not be able to play in the English Premier League, or even be professional athletes, but the devotion and discipline that they will gain through their participation in sport will likely brim over to benefit other aspects of their life. Regardless of whether your child turns out to be an outstanding athlete in his sport or not they will develop valuable skills that will be instrumental in becoming constructive young adults.

This is particularly important at the University stage when they experience life outside of the nest for the first time. By this time they would likely have developed a natural tendency to lead a healthy and active lifestyle; developed their social skills through relationships with their peers as friends and as teammates; be able to think collectively and strategically; be familiar with brain-training techniques to deal with stress; have excellent time management skills; be able to think independently due to a strong sense of responsibility and self-identity; and so on. So parents, resist the temptation to avoid the extra-curricular activities and go the extra mile to get your children involved in sports. You will be glad you did in the long run.

Asha De Freitas-Moseley is a certified athletic trainer with a Masters in Sports & Fitness Administration. She has worked with several of our top athletes and continues to seek out ways to promote the industry of sports medicine in T&T.

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

A number of leading Delhi Commonwealth Games officials, including the two closest aides of chairman Suresh Kalmadi, have been arrested in connection with a $24 million (£15 million) contract awarded to Swiss Timing.

Organising committee Secretary General Lalit Bhanot and the director general, VK Verma, are accused of financial irregularities linked to the Games.

These are the most high-profile arrests in the ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption over last year's multi-billion dollar event in Delhi that was beset by problems in the build-up.

Both men deny the allegations but will be formally charged tomorrow when they are due to appear in court.

Bhanot was second-in-command at Delhi 2010 to Kalmadi, the President of the Indian Olympic Association and one of the country's leading politicans who is also being investigated.

In December the CBI registered cases against the two men of criminal conspiracy, cheating and corruption in relation to the case.

A spokesman for India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleged that Bhanot and Verma are accused of inflating costs while procuring timers and scoring equipment from a Swiss manufacturer, Swiss Timing, sister company of Omega - one of the International Olympic Committee's global sponsors - allegedly costing the Government nearly $24m (£15m).

"The CBI has today arrested the director general [Verma] and the then secretary-general [Bhanot] of the Organising Committee, Commonwealth Games, 2010 in the on-going investigation of a Commonwealth Games case pertaining to procurement of timing, scoring and result (TSR) system," CBI spokesperson Vinita Thakur said.

"CBI had earlier registered a case on the allegations that certain OC (Organising Committee) officials had entered into a criminal conspiracy with representatives of a Swiss Company and awarded the contact for TSR system at an exorbitant cost of Rs.107 crore (£15 million/$24 million) in a pre-mediated manner, thereby causing huge loss to the Government."

Lalit Bhanot (pictured) was the chief spokesman of the Organising Committee during the Games last October and earned worldwide notoriety when, during the row over the state of the Athletes Village on the eve of the event, he claimed that Indians can tolerate a lower level of hygiene and cleanliness than people from other countries.

Bhanot and Verma, along with Kalmadi, were sacked from the Organising Committee last month when Ajay Maken became India's new Sports Minister in a cabinet reshuffle replacing M.S. Gill.

Kalmadi had also been questioned by the CBI last month and his premises in Delhi, Pune and Mumbai were searched.

Four other close aides of Kalmadi, including T.S. Darbari, the joint director general in the Organging Commitee, and Sanjay Mahendroo, the deputy director general, had already been arrested.

The CBI spokesman refused to comment on whether Kalmadi would be the next Commonwealth Games official to be arrested.

Verma was also quizzed by the Enforcement Directorate inn October last year for his alleged role in the financial irregularities in the Queen's Baton Relay event in London in 2009.

Swiss Timing has strongly rejected all accusations against it.

At the heart of the claims is concern that the Delhi Organising Committee overlooked a cheaper tender from Spanish firm MSL for the contract to provide the timing services for the Games.

It claimed the contract awarded to Swiss Timing was five times the cost of a similar contract for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006.

Its director general, Christophe Berthaud, said that they were "absolutely wrong".

At the time the allegations Swiss Timing promised to cooperate fully with the Indian authorities.

"This contract has been awarded after a transparent and standard procedure that is common to all these kinds of sports events as a result of a regular tender process managed by the Organising Committee," they said in a statement issued at the time.

Source: www.sportbusiness.com

Two senior officials involved in the running of last year’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi have been arrested on suspicion of corruption.

A spokesman for India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) told the BBC that organising committee secretary general Lalit Bhanot and another leading executive, VK Verma, have been accused of inflating costs while procuring timers and scoring equipment from a Swiss manufacturer, Swiss Timing.

The alleged scam cost the Indian government nearly US$24 million, but Swiss Timing has rejected all accusations against it with the company’s director general, Christophe Berthaud, insisting the claims were “absolutely wrong”.

Bhanot and Verma, who have both denied the allegations, will appear in court later today. Bhanot was second-in-command to Games chief Suresh Kalmadi, who is also being investigated.

Last month, new Indian Sports Minister Ajay Maken dismissed Bhanot and Kalmadi from the organising committee to enable police to conduct “impartial and unhindered investigations”.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt 

The El Dorado East Secondary School branch of the global group, Inspiration International, will on Friday morning host a Sports Festival at the Eddie Hart Grounds, Tacarigua for 100 local youngsters.

The pupils due to participate are drawn from the area’s schools, namely Charis Works Christian Academy, Tacarigua Presbyterian School, St Mary’s Children’s Home and St Mary’s Anglican School.

The event will consists of a series of sports and games with the emphasis on fun and participation. Inspiration Inter-national is supported worldwide, by the British Government, British Council, UNICEF, UK Sport and the British Olympic Association.

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

Having been beaten in the Ashes, Australia are now set to finish behind Britain at next year's Olympics in London with Russia winning the medals, according to projections released today by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC).

Based on results from World Championships, World Cups and other major international events staged in 2010, Russia is projected to win 97 medals at next year's Summer Games ahead of 94 for the United Statesand 93 for China, the AOC said.

But, based on gold medals, the US are set to finish top with 38, narrowly ahead of China on 37 and Russia on 30.

Britain is fourth, with a projected medal count of 48 medals, made up of 19 gold, 19 silver and 10 bronze, followed by Germany on 47, France on 45 and Japan on 43.

Australia, which finished in sixth place at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with 46 medals, will get four fewer at the next edition, including 11 gold, three less than last time, according to the AOC's 2010 benchmark, which could drop them to as low as eighth.

"A top five position is still very achievable," said AOC President John Coates.

"There are five countries jostling for fourth and fifth spots who are all very close together."

An extra $23 million (£14 million) in Government funding to elite sports provided late last year may help lift performances between now and the start of the London Games in July 2012, Coates said.

"It took a while coming but it's kicking in now," he said.

Australia finished fourth overall at the 2000 Sydney Olympics with 58 medals and fourth again in Athens four years later with 49 medals.

China won the most golds - 51 - at the Beijing Olympics but the US won the most medals with 110 to China's 100, while Russia came in third among the sporting superpowers with 72.

Britain finished fourth in the Chinese capital with a total of 47 medals, 19 of which were gold, including three for Sir Chris Hoy (pictured), with Australia in sixth with 46 medals, 14 of them gold.

Sir Chris Hoy celebrating in Beijing

Germany split the two old rivals in fifth place with 41 medals, 16 gold.

"The mid to high forties should be enough to get us into the top five again in London," said Coates.

"That is our aim.

"The spread of medals is now greater and the teams from Western Europe will be a greater challenge in London.

"One thing is certain - if we finish ahead of Great Britain we will finish top five."

Cycling is a sport where Australia have identified an opportunity to hit Britain's medal hopes.

"We won one medal in cycling in Beijing compared to 10 in Athens four years earlier," said Coates.

"The young riders like Cameron Meyer and Jack Bobridge have now stepped up and this is where we can really hurt Great Britain who dominated cycling in 2008."

By Tom Degun at the Olympic Velodrome, London

London 2012 today celebrated one of its most significant milestones to date as the impressive Velodrome, which British cycling hero and four-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy has described as the "best in the world," became the first Olympic Park venue to be fully completed.

The 6,000 capacity arena will be the venue for indoor cycling and BMX events at London 2012 and it was Sir Chris, alongside fellow Olympic champions Victoria Pendleton and Jason Kenny, plus a team of British sprint stars, who rode on the finished track for the first time.

"Having been involved in a very small way in the design process in the early stages, it's amazing to see the Velodrome finally completed, and to be able to have ridden on it today gives me a feel for what it's going to be like in a year and a half's time," said Sir Chris, the 34-year-old from Edinburgh who is the most successful Olympic male cyclist of all time.

"It is the fastest Velodrome ever built and for me, it is the best in the world.

"I just can't wait to be back here for London 2012."

Sir Chris and his fellow cyclists were joined in unveiling the Velodrome, which cost just over £90 million ($145 million) to construct, by Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) chairman John Armitt, London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe Chair, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and other guests.

"In delivering the Velodrome on time and to budget we have completed our first Olympic Park venue and our biggest milestone to-date," said Armitt.

"The striking architecture of the Velodrome and the medal prospects of our world-leading cyclists mean the venue will become one of the defining images from the Games, and a landmark new building for future generations to enjoy.

"The architect, engineers and contractor have worked together to produce a stunning and sustainable building - it is a worthy venue to be first past the Olympic Park finishing line and a testament to the hard work of those on site."

The stadium will have a 360 degree public concourse for viewing races with seating all the way round the track to create the best possible crowd atmosphere during events.

The Velodrome has been designed with the aim of creating the world's fastest cycling track by tailoring the track geometry and setting the temperature and environmental conditions within the venue to create record-breaking conditions while after London 2012, a road cycle circuit and mountain bike course will be added to it so the park can be used by everyone.

"This is a stunning venue built for champions and designed for legacy, the ODA has done a terrific job," said Coe.

"Over the next 18 months LOCOG will be testing the venue and installing the temporary facilities needed for an Olympic and Paralympic competition Velodrome.

"The British cycling teams provided many of the team GB superstars in recent Games and I am proud to see them on the track for the first time today."

The ODA construction work on the Velodrome began in March 2009 while the venue is in line to stage a test event in early 2012, something highlighted by Hunt, who earlier had embarrassed himself when he had tweeted that it was 526 days until the start of the Olympics, only to have to apologise when it was pointed out to him it was, in fact, 521.

"The progress on the Velodrome has been phenomenal and it is fitting that it should be the first venue on the Olympic Park to be finished, given the gold medal hopes we have for our British Olympic track cycling team at the Games," he said.

"Watching Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton christen the track today was a historic first in the countdown to London 2012."

The Velodrome also received the seal of approval from Pat McQuaid, President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), who was attending the opening of the venue.

"The structural completion of the Velodrome today is a significant milestone in the delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic project, and we thank London 2012 for their work to date," he said.

"The popularity of cycling is increasing every year both in the UK and globally.

"We are confident that the cycling events in 2012 will produce worthy winners and spectacular events for spectators and help with the further growth of our sport."

Track cycling was Britain's most successful discipline in Beijing with Sir Chris's three victories and another four gold medals in the sport accounting for more than a third of Team GB's overall total of 19 gold medals.

Britain will be pushing to beat that at London 2012 Olympics when a rule change means only one rider and one team per nation is allowed to compete in each of ten track cycling events.

There will be 10 gold medals to be won in the London 2012 Velodrome, five for men and five for women with 188 riders due compete in the Olympic track cycling competition which will take place over six days.

Source: guardian.co.tt

Gregory Lewis fondly called “Georgie”, age 94 years, a member of T&T’s historic London 1948Olympic team, passed away last Thursday and will be buried today. I often wonder why is it that our pioneers and history makers and their exploits, in the main, go unrecorded, undocumented and unappreciated.
Lewis represented T&T at a time when the concept of elite athlete assistance and Olympic solidarity preparation assistance was not a consideration or a thought. Lewis and his generation understood the true meaning of patriotism and nation hood. The troubles he faced to get to London are well known to his family and friends. Georgie Lewis and his generation provide not only sport but the country on a whole with important and vital lessons. For all the advances made by the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) in good governance, sport administration, sport marketing,  programme development, transparency and accountability. Notwithstanding the creativity and innovation that is now part and parcel of the TTOC operations and processes.

The truth of the matter is that the TTOC remains behind the eight ball, as it were, when it comes to the matter of T&T Olympic history. In the battle for funding, the past is not as pressing as current realties. The year 1948, is a landmark occasion. Those who contributed in such a compelling and profound way to this country’s Olympic movement deserve recognition and acknowledgement. Much water it can be said has gone under the bridge. The TTOC has been proactive in advocating for support and assistance for contemporary elite athletes. What have we done for the Olympic pioneers? The national Olympic committee is the guardian of the Olympic movement here in T&T. In this regard it has a broad remit, role and responsibility when it comes to matters Olympic. This is not to suggest that there are easy answers or that the issue has not received consideration, far from it. Moreover, any attempt to finance archives and museums are viewed as surplus to requirements in the prism of now. Funding a T&T Olympic archival and museum  project  is a formidable undertaking.

Let’s be honest given the prevailing culture history is an inconvenience. We compete with history. It is not seen as fundamental to our nation’s DNA. History for many is an intangible-abstract and esoteric- An exercise in nonsensical nostalgia. Death serves as a reminder of our neglect. The story is the same in every aspect of national life-culture, literature, education, medicine, media, politics, and art. You name it there is a treasure trove of lessons, memories and anecdotes that infuse colour, substance, purpose, meaning, credence and valence to our existence as a nation. We are bombarded daily by news of heinous criminal acts, obnoxious conduct and unethical behaviour across the spectrum of national life.
Our only saving grace may very well be a reflection on earlier times. When representing your country came from the heart and not from the pocket. Mind you it is not only the good things. Invaluable are the lessons to be gained from the mistakes made.

Sadly, the arrogance that fuels our lack of respect for history may very well be the root cause of the selfishness, lack of care, class, decorum and dignity that corrodes and erodes our current quality of life.
National life, community life, family life, business life, club life, sporting life and organisational life are all defined by the passing of the baton. Time is not on our side. We cannot continue to allow our pioneers and history makers die with so much stored in their hearts and minds. Soon we will wake up and discover that all there is left to celebrate is recent  history.

Brian Lewis is the honorary secretary general of the T&T Olympic Committee-www.ttoc.org. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the TTOC.

Source: guardian.co.tt

Attorney-at-law Tyrone Marcus, represented the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs at the 2011 Regional anti-doping meeting on the  weekend in Paramaribo, Suriname. The Board of the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (Caribbean RADO) met in that capital under the auspices of the Suriname Anti-Doping Authority (SADA). History was also made as all 14 member states attended the two-day meeting to solidify the regional thrust in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and its Code signed by all 14 countries. Member states of the RADO comprise Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, the Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Guyana, Suriname, Turks & Caicos Islands, Cayman Islands, St Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, St Lucia and St Vincent.

In addition to the seventh meeting of the Board, representatives also participated in two important parallel seminars on Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) and Results Management (RM) which were facilitated by officials from WADA and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The TUE sessions were attended by medical doctors representing each member country with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the process of granting permission to athletes to use medications for
medical reasons as stipulated under WADA’s guidelines. Marcus, the Ministry of Sport senor legal advisor also participated. In the Results Management seminar were lawyers from the region who are expected to convene Results Management Committees to deal with adverse analytical findings found in doping control samples and oversee the appeals process.

The gathering of representatives from the region helped to crystallize regional anti-doping education and doping controls giving all attendees a clearer sense of their roles and responsibilities with the sole aim of ensuring that athletes from their countries are drug-free and playing fairly and cleanly. Chairman of the Caribbean RADO, Dr. Adrian Lorde, as well as Tom May, Senior Manager, Programme Development at WADA, expressed their sincerest appreciation to the Surinamese Government, and to SADA, specifically to Michael Watson, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and to Clifton Keenswijk, Board member for Suriname and Manager of SADA, for graciously hosting the 3-day event. Also providing excellent technical capacity was  Maria Jose Pesce Cutri Director of WADA’s Regional office in Montevideo, Uruguay. Meanwhile, the Ministry’s final Anti-Doping Awareness seminar for secondary school students takes place this morning from 11 am to 1 pm at Mayaro Sport Arena, Plaisance Road, Mayaro.

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

By Kwame Laurence

Former Olympic sprinter Georgie Lewis passed away last Thursday. He was 94.

Lewis was part of Trinidad and Tobago's first ever Olympic team, a contingent of five athletes and four officials selected to represent the country at the 1948 Games, in London, England. The Arima-born athlete won his first round heat in the men's 100 metres dash in 10.8 seconds, securing a lane in the quarterfinal round. He finished fourth in his quarterfinal heat, just missing out on a berth in the semis.

"The first 60, he was up with them," Cecil Walker, a former Director of Sport in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, told the Express. "It was in the last 40 he was beaten."

Lewis also competed in the 200m at the 1948 Olympics, bowing out in the opening round.

"Georgie was not in any big club," Walker explained, "and had to hustle money to go to the Olympics. He was already married to Lystra Lewis (deceased) and she assisted. He had said that one lady cared for him so much, but all she could give was a penny, and she did. It was all that she had and Georgie really appreciated it."

Walker said Lewis had the potential to achieve a lot more than he did in athletics.

"Georgie had no scientific methods of training. He was an uncoached athlete, and he was light. Had he picked up the sport earlier, and with correct guidance...

"In his earlier years, he played lots of cricket and football. He was a good goalkeeper for Arima Sporting Club. In his 20s he picked up track," and at the 1948 Olympics was already 32.

"But in Arima," Walker continued, "there were races on the block, and Georgie used to beat everybody as a teenager. One evening, a badjohn, 'Spratt' Holford lost to Georgie and conceded that Georgie was the faster man."

With that victory, Lewis earned the unofficial title of "Fastest Man in Arima". He would go on to become the fastest man in T&T, officially. In fact, Lewis was crowned national double sprint champion in 1946, winning the 100-yard and 220-yard titles. He repeated the feat in 1948. At the 1947 Championships, the Arimian completed an even more impressive double, striking gold in the 100-yard and 440-yard events.

Walker recalled that Lewis "unofficially equalled the world record in the 100 yards" in Guyana, "his best hunting ground".

"He ran 9.4 but it was windy and the track was not marked properly."

Lewis' funeral service takes place tomorrow, at the Santa Rosa RC Church, Woodford Street, Arima, starting at 1.30 p.m..

Walker, a close friend of Lewis, is expected to deliver the eulogy.

"Georgie was very modest, simple, unassuming.

"He kept abreast of everything. The last time we spoke, we spoke about Usain Bolt and the new strategies in athletics.

"Georgie was ailing," Walker continued, "but it did not prevent him from doing things. Up to Monday, he was planning to go to Port of Spain to lime, as usual. He was dressed, but was not feeling up to mark."

Source: The Telegraph

Written by Simon Hart

In the interests of clarity and fairness, organisers of the London Olympics should  include the following warning in their Games schedule for anyone interested in buying a ticket for the second morning of athletics on Aug 4, 2012: “The men’s 100 metres classification heats will not feature Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell, Christophe Lemaitre or anyone you really want to see.”

The decision of the International Association of Athletics Federations to change the format of the men’s and women’s 100m and give sprinters with the ‘A’ or ‘B’ qualifying standard an automatic bye into the next round is a puzzling own goal for an organisation seeking to grow its global fan base.

Instead of seeing some of the world’s greatest athletes in action in the first session in the Olympic Stadium, paying customers will see a tear-up between the best from the Marshall Islands, Kiribati, American Samoa, Cook Islands and Tuvalu. Welcome to the blue riband event of the greatest sporting festival on earth.

The changes are a classic case of fixing something that ain’t broke.

The first round of the 100 metres may go on a bit – there were 12 men’s heats in Beijing in 2008 – but the spectacle of the sport’s biggest names lining up against the minnows is always enjoyable.

The fact that in some races the difference between first and last can be 20 metres or more only adds to the entertainment. We all love those Eric ‘the eel’ Moussambani moments, which remind us of the universality of the Games and the quaint old Olympic motto about taking part being more important than winning.

And let us not forget that the athletes at the bottom of the rankings are still the best in their respective countries. They deserve the full Olympic experience, not a second-rate qualifying round for the have-nots of world athletics in front of an indifferent crowd.

One of the IAAF’s arguments is that requiring Bolt and Co to run three rounds instead of four will cut down on fatigue and encourage faster times. But the four-round format didn’t seem to have much effect on the Jamaican when he smashed the world record in Beijing and then smashed it again (after four rounds) at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.

In fact, you could argue that a first round of heats gives the likes of Bolt the chance to blow away the cobwebs and get used to the track and stadium without any pressure of elimination.

The other justification is the IAAF’s desire for shorter, punchier sessions. But given the choice between a dozen star-laden heats or three or four ‘classification’ heats between a bunch of unknowns, I think we know what the London crowd would prefer.

It is hard enough to see Bolt in action in the UK these days since the introduction of punitive tax rules for overseas sports stars made it uneconomic for him to compete at British meets. So why make it even harder?

An additional change from four to three rounds in the 200m (without a classification round) reduces the number of opportunities to see the great man in action even further, and for no good reason.

With tickets for the evening finals sessions likely to be balloted, the morning sessions offer the best chance to see some athletics, and the London organisers are offering the extra incentive of ‘pay your age’ deals for under-16s and reductions for over-60s.

What would have been a fantastic way to showcase the sport’s biggest stars to a new generation of fans has, sadly, been thrown away.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt
Written by: Andrew Gioannetti

Skippers Paul Solomon (Blackberry Enzyme) and Lloyd de Roche (Nirvana) along with their crews were almost faultless when they took first place in the Racing class and the Racer/ Cruiser class respectively in the Trinidad and Tobago Sailing Association’s (T&TSA) Carnival regatta over the weekend. The event which returned to the Port of Spain harbour and into the Gulf of Paria for the first time in over a decade, concluded on Sunday night after three full days of action with four local captains taking first place honours in four different classes. The Carnival regatta began on Friday with The J24 and Melges24 classes racing three times on the day. The Racer/ Cruiser and Racing classes contested one less race on the opening day. Every boat that won their first race went on to finish the weekend victorious.

Paul Solomon (Blackberry Enzyme) was victorious in the Racing class, leading every race but one in which he and his crew placed second. Their total of seven points was half that of the second placed captain Donald Stollmeyer (Bachannal Woman) on 14 points. Skipper Tony Mc Bride (Novus Arca) and crew, the lone participants from the UK sailed into third on 20 points. Lloyd de Roche (Nirvana) and troops were triumphant in the Racer/Cruiser class superbly winning five of six races, also finishing on seven points. Mark Chapman (Dingolay) cruised into second place with 13 points and Michael Lewis’ (Les Ramous) came in third. In the J24, skipper Stephen Bushe (Ambushe) won convincingly, finishing day three with only nine points while snubbing brother-in-law, captain James Arrindell (Jahai Bhai) and a familiar face in Grenadian, Robbie Yearwood (Die Hard) coming third on 18 points.

The Melges24 category was tight between the top two competitors with Paul Amon (Drunken Monkey) captaining his crew to ten points, just two under second placed debutant Aaron Alkins (Vertical Smile) who lead his team to a very impressive 12 points, winning their last three races. Marc de Verteuil finished third with double the second place total on 24 points. On Saturday night, the various crews and spectators were further entertained at the bMobile regatta fete when Soca star, Sherwyn Winchester and Maximus Dan as well as a group of Shiv Shakti dancers put on a lively show. The weekend of waves and competition was viewed largely as a success but for a collision with another boat that saw vessel Joia lose her mast.

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

China's athletics team are to base themselves in Leeds in the final build-up to the London 2012 Olympics after the Yorkshire city beat off fierce competition from other regions in Britain to secure a deal.

In the first deal to be signed by any Chinese sport with any UK city ahead of the Games, the Chinese Athletic Association (CAA) will base their Olympic team at Leeds Metropolitan University as they prepare for the world's biggest sporting event next year.

Under the agreement, an estimated 50 athletes and officials will be based at the University as they train and acclimatise to the conditions in England shortly before the Olympics begin on July 27, 2012.

The team is expected to include Liu Xiang, the 2004 Olympic 110 metres hurdles champion who is rebuilding his career after he was forced to pull out through injury before his opening race of the 2008 Games in Beijing.

China topped the 2008 Beijing Olympic medal table with 100 medals, 51 of them gold.

But athletics was among the country's weakest sports.

With Liu failing to win the anticipated gold medal, the squad of 77 were unable to celebrate an Olympic champion in the iconic Bird's Nest Stadium.

They won only two bronze medals, from hammer thrower Zhang Wenxiu and marathon runner Zhou Chunxiu (pictured left).

Zhou_Chunxiu_in_Beijing_Olympics_2008

Dean of the Carnegie Faculty at Leeds Metropolitan University Gareth Davies is nevertheless celebrating what is still a coup.

"We are delighted to be working with the Chinese athletics team and are looking forward to hosting world-class athletes on our campus; it will give our students a great buzz to be training alongside Olympic hopefuls," he said.

"This is just one example of the benefits that London 2012 can bring to our region and we are keen to maximise the benefits for the city of Leeds."

As well as training at Leeds Metropolitan University's Headingley campus, the squad will also have access to the John Charles Centre for Sport.

Mr Du, the vice-president and secretary general of the CAA, is confident that Leeds will provide the ideal environment for his country's athletes.

"Leeds is a great city," he said.

"I have looked at the athletics training facilities at Leeds Metropolitan University and the John Charles Centre for Sport and accommodation we plan to use.

"I am confident Leeds will provide an ideal training base for our athletes as we prepare for the London 2012 Olympic Games."

The agreement builds on the strong existing links between Leeds and China.

The city has already enjoyed a 23-year partner city agreement with Hangzhou in the Zhejiang Province that has helped develop business, educational and civic partnerships.

There is also a sizeable Chinese population living in Leeds.

Leeds Metropolitan University and the University of Leeds both attract Chinese students to Leeds to complete a wide range of courses, while Leeds Met deliver a number of degree courses in China in partnership with a number of Chinese universities.

Leeds will benefit financially from hosting the Chinese team, while it also hoped there will be further benefits in terms of trade, tourism and strengthening cultural ties, which is the main reason that so many cities in Britain have been trying to sign deals with them.

"This is absolutely fantastic news for the city of Leeds – a major coup to be the first UK city to say we are hosting a Chinese Olympic team," said Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Jim McKenna.

"To be hosting athletes from such a major sporting nation is a great reflection not only on the fantastic facilities we have to offer but everything we have to offer as a city and place to stay. We look forward to welcoming our very special guests."

Sebastian Coe, the London 2012 chairman, who grew up in Sheffield, was also pleased with the deal.

"Pre-Games training camps provide essential preparation for every athlete, and Chinese competitors will enjoy world class facilities in Leeds," he said.

"Having grown up in the county, I'm delighted that Yorkshire people, and especially the Chinese community, will be sharing in the excitement of the Games in their own back yard.

"I was inspired by the many 2012-related activities I witnessed across West Yorkshire last year and this is further evidence that the whole country is sharing in the benefits from the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"We look forward to following on from Beijing 2008 and hosting a Games for everyone in 2012."

Yorkshire have already signed deals with a number of countries.

Serbia is to base its whole team there next year, splitting them between Leeds and Sheffield.

The Dutch swimming team are planning to use Leeds' facilities before 2012.

Brazil's judo team and the United States diving squad have also agreed to train in Sheffield.

Last month they signed a deal for the United States diving team to prepare there before London 2012 while they had concluded an agreement with Serbia in May 2009 for their teams to use Sheffield.

"This signing is a huge coup for Yorkshire and I am thrilled that the Chinese athletics aeam, part of one of the most successful Olympic and Paralympic nations, has chosen Leeds as their base for training ahead of London 2012," said Gary Verity, the chief executive of Welcome to York and the chairman of Yorkshire Gold.

"As the team and their families come here in the lead up to the Games we are confident they will enjoy a big Yorkshire welcome and return home with a wonderful experience of the county."

There is optimism in Yorkshire that more Chinese teams will want to train there.

The Chinese Olympic Committee visited Sheffield as long ago as September 2009 to investigate what facilities they offered.

"This is the seventh team signed up to be based in Yorkshire and we are very hopeful of attracting more as we lead up to one year to go to the Games."

Source:www.guardian.co.tt

The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs has pledged nearly $2.9 million to 33 local cricketers in 2011 as part of its Elite Athletes Assistance Programme (EAAP). This was announced during a ceremony at the Hasely Crawford Stadium’s VIP Lounge yesterday. The players have been divided into four categories (Senior Elite, Elite, Elite Women and Youth) and will benefit from quarterly payments previously reserved for athletes performing in individual Olympic sports like track & field, swimming and cycling. T&T captain Daren Ganga, vice captain Denesh Ramdin, batsman Lendl Simmons and legspinner Dave Mohammed were selected to the Senior Elite class ($120,000 per year) while 16 others were placed in the Elite group ($92,000) (see next page). West Indies women’s captain Melissa Aguillera and off spinner Anisa Mohammed joined five others in the Elite Women category ($72,000) while former West Indies Unde6r 19 allrounders Yannic Cariah and Yanick Ottley were among the six Youths chosen to collect an annual $72,000.

The quarterly payments will enablethe cricketers to meet their daily needs as semi-professional athletes. According to Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Anil Roberts, all the athletes were critically assessed and a shortlist was drafted. The T&T Cricket Board and West Indies Players Association (WIPA) then submitted their recommendations as to which athletes should be included on the EAAP roster. “It’s a fluid system,” said Roberts, “which means you could be in one year and out the next,” hinting at the stringent monitoring and assessment criteria in place.

In this regard Ronald Rogers has been appointed as trainer and will submit periodical reports on the progress of each athlete. In addition to the quarterly payment to the athletes, WIPA has been charged with the responsibility of administering an annual development fund of $500,000 which will go towards the professional and personal development needs of the athletes. In his remarks, WIPA President Dinanath Ramnarine urged the athletes to see “an incentive to train hard, play hard and excel in the game you love.” Minister Roberts also announced that the T&T national men’s team, in advance of their participation in the Airtel Champions League later this year, would benefit from a three-week training camp and practice games against quality opposition. The Minister further called upon corporate T&T to follow the Ministry’s lead and come on board in support of the nation’s athletes.

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

A legal dispute over the route of the marathons for next year's Olympics has been resolved after London 2012 struck a deal with Tower Hamlets, who had launched the action following claims that they would not host any events during the Games.

Tower Hamlets dropped its call for a judicial review after London 2012 agreed to concessions, including better job opportunities for locals and helping schoolchildren become more involved at test events.

Tower Hamlets Council had sought a judicial review after London 2012 decided to route the marathon around the capital's landmarks, beginning and ending outside Buckingham Palace rather than the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, which meant that the races did not have to go through the East End.

Tower Hamlets had accused the organisation of being "ashamed of the very communities who helped London win the Games".

"There is no better way to celebrate and showcase London's ethnic diversity than to have the world's best athletes run past the mosques, churches, temples and cultural centres that make up the fabric of East End life," it had said in a letter last year.

London 2012 nsisted the re-routing from the main stadium would help traffic flow and make less of an impact on other sports taking place at the venue and across London.

Today, the two parties signed a letter of agreement which would give locals extra notice if jobs came on to the market, and give schoolchildren the chance of being involved in test events and ceremonies rehearsals.

"We're 100 percent behind London 2012, and want to make sure that our residents gain the maximum benefit from the Games," said the Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman (pictured with Coe).

"They will have to put up with a lot of the disruption that comes with hosting the biggest sporting event of earth, so it's only fair that they get to share in the experience and reap the rewards."

London 2012 have also confirmed a special event will be staged in the area during the Olympic torch relay.

"I'm proud to be working with this Host Borough to these four key areas so the borough can benefit from the staging of the greatest show on earth right on their doorstep," said Sebastian Coe, the London 2012 chairman.

"We are committed to helping residents and businesses maximise the benefits from these commercial, employment, educational and cultural opportunities.

"Signing this agreement at St. Paul's Way Trust School in Tower Hamlets I see tremendous excitement amongst the young people for the Games.

"They are engaging daily with the project through the London 2012 resources the school is using across the curriculum from our Get Set programme.

"It is our vision to use the enthusiasm we see in these young people to make lasting change."

Rahman claimed he was satisifed with the outcome of the situation.

'We've been working with LOCOG to develop the opportunities for residents and businesses within the Borough, and will continue to do so to ensure that Tower Hamlets and east London gains lasting benefits from the Games," he said.

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

By Duncan Mackay
British Sports Internet Writer of the Year

Controversial Greek sprinter Ekaterina Thanou, at the centre of one of the biggest doping scandals in sports history, has not been given the Olympic 100 metres gold stripped from Marion Jones at the Sydney Games in 2000, as it has been reported, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) claimed.

It had been claimed by HellenicAthletes.com that Thanou, who had finished second in the race behind Jones, had received the medal in a confidential agreement with the IOC shortly before Christmas last year.

"The IOC was not expected to make any formal announcement, as·it is seeking to not publicise or make official the news that it had seen fit to reverse its 2009 decision to leave the gold medal spot vacant rather than awarding the top prize from one of the marquee events of any Olympic Games to the controversial Greek athlete," reported the website, which has broken several major stories about Thanou and her training partner, Kostas Kederis.

"It is understood Ms. Thanou is not entirely happy with this outcome but is unwilling to pursue any further action."

The IOC had ruled in December 2009 that they would not reallocate the gold medal taken away from Jones after she  belatedly confssed to doping and then served time in a Texas federal prison for perjury.

But they decided the medal should not be inherited by Thanou, who was banned by the IOC from Olympic competition in 2008 after she missed three compulsory drug tests within 18 months.

It meant that it was the first time since the Olympics had started in 1896 that no gold medal would be awarded in an event.

The IOC has told insidethegames that Thanou's claims are untrue.

"This is simply not the case," a spokesman said.

Thanou and Kederis, the 2000 Olympic 200m champion, are currently involved in a criminal trial in Athens where they are facing charges over a motorcycle accident, which occurred just after they had missed a doping test on the eve of Athens 2004.

They are accused of making false statements and causing doctors to issue false testimony regarding their wounds.

Both deny any wrongdoing.

Kederis and Thanou were favorites to win medals at the Athens Olympics but withdrew from the Games.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

The Ministry of Sport hosts their 4th Anti-Doping Awareness seminar at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sport Arena, Tacarigua, today.

Today’s session is timed to begin from 9-11 am.

Secondary schools from the district have been invited to send student-athletes, physical education students and teachers and coaches to the seminar.

With support from Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) and Trinidad and Tobago Alliance for Sport and Physical Education (TTASPE), the Ministry expects an audience of about 150 persons for the session which gives a background on the World Anti-Doping Agency, reasons why some athletes choose this route, as well as the physical, legal and career-threatening consequences of doping.

Legislation is coming this year to treat with the subject of doping in sport in TT, putting all national athletes and even foreign athletes who compete on TT soil, under the scrutiny of a national anti-doping agency.

National athletes were prominently featured in the seminar series, with former sprinter Hydiane Harper-Simmons on the planning committee.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Last Saturday, a large cross-section of sport leaders turned up at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, VIP Room for a Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs (MSYA)/National Sport Organisation (NSO) capacity building workshop. NSO leaders must be congratulated for their positive response and the MSYA for putting on such an important workshop. The facilitator was Dr Packianathan Chelladurai, a recognised scholar in organisational theory and organisational behaviour in the context of sport. He is acknowledged as a pioneer in the application of general management theory and the open systems approach to sport management. Why do I feel that congratulations are in order? It is because I hold fast to the point of view that Chelladurai’s pearls of wisdom on the difference between “Outcomes and Outputs” will engender dialogue among T&T sport stakeholders.

A needed dialogue in respect of “Outcome Measurement” rather than a performance yardstick that is based on individual opinion, tainted by likes and dislikes, self-interest and an emphasis on output as the “end all and be all” of what sport administration and management is about. Am I overly optimistic or delusional? I don’t think so, as I am convinced that Dr Chelladurai insights, provocative as some may find them, can be a catalyst for reform in policy formulation and decision-making within T&T Sport. The difference between outputs and outcomes is important. Some scholars argue that output is a poor measure for performance. And that far more important are outcomes (the effects and changes that are a result of the outputs). While outputs are a good place to start, outcomes are better and impact is best.
Most NSOs prefer to look at outputs, to judge performance as they are much easier to control and monitor compared to outcomes.

However, tracking outputs, outcomes and impact are an important part of improving NSO’s work: NSO’s need to prove that what they are doing is making a difference. Since 1997, the TTOC has adopted an approach to planning and managing that demands clarity both about what its programmes are doing and changing. The modern TTOC believes it must be able to demonstrate and measure its results with an emphasis on transparency and accountability. Thus outcome measurement permits the TTOC to demonstrate accountability for the use of resources. It also helps with better planning, policy and management decisions. The TTOC has moved from a focus on what is to be done to what is the difference or change that its activities foster. However, the TTOC alone cannot make systemic or structural changes to the Olympic movement in T&T, but it should contribute to bringing it about.
The MSYA workshop with Dr Chelladurai if measured by output (large attendance of NSO leaders) can be considered a success. The outcome objective would be to shift the focus from managing for short-term results (outputs) to managing for long-term results (outcomes).

In this context if the sport leaders, who attended the workshop, give further thought and consideration to some of the ideas and perspectives that they would have heard, it may result in a different dialogue between the MSYA, Sport Company, NSOs and the TTOC. Policy, rules, guidelines are all living documents. As experience and context changes, these documents should adapt to the new environment. Sport in T&T must surmount the challenges of modern day T&T society and the rapidly changing dynamics and dimensions of sport in general. In 2007, Dr Chelladurai was the feature speaker at the TTOC annual awards ceremony. In 2008 he presented a workshop for the NSOs who were under the Sportt Company. Last Saturday’s MSYA workshop was his third visit to these shores. Why aren’t NOSs talking about output, outcome and impact?

Brian Lewis is the honorary Secretary General of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) www.ttoc.org. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the TTOC.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Story by: Clayton Clarke

Marc Burns ran another personal best in the men’s 60m in his second straight meet.  The four-time World and Olympic 4x100m relay silver medallist clocked 6.56seconds, finishing second in the men’s 60m dash at the IAAF Permit Meeting in Karlsruhe, Germany, on Sunday.  Burns’ time was an improvement on his previous personal record of 6.57 he set in, finishing third at the PSD Bank Meeting in Dusseldorf, Germany, on Friday.  In Karlsruhe he was beaten to the line by 2010 Common Games 100m sprint champion Lerone Clarke, of Jamaica, who won in 6.52 seconds.

Italy’s Emanuele Di Gregorio was third in 6.63 seconds just ahead the 2003 World 100m gold medallist Kim Collins of St Kitts and Nevis 6.64 seconds.In the heats, Burns was third with 6.58 seconds behind Collins, who clocked a world leading 6.50 seconds. Burns now lies sixth on the 2011 world indoor men’s 60m ranking. World championships 4x100m relay finalist Reyare Thomas grabbed her first victory on the US Collegiate circuit when she sped to gold in the women’s indoor 200m win at Iowa State Classic in Ames, Iowa on the weekend. Thomas (Iowa Central Community College) was first to the line in 23.73 seconds. She then returned to help her school’s 4x400m team to 15th place (3 minutes 50:46 seconds) in the 1600m relay event.

Tonya Nero was also in winners’ row running as part of Wichita “A” quartet which took the distance medley relay event in 11:27:35.  In 15th place (12:11:73) was the Wichita “B” team, which included Nero’s younger sister, Scarla, and Samantha Shukla. Tonya was also third in the women’s 5000m (16:01:69) with Scarla 20th (17:22:23). Shukla was 15th in the women’s one mile (5:09:97). Brooks finished third in the women’s 400m (54.55) while Giles was ninth in the women’s 60m finals (7.64) after running 7.69 in the heats. Isis Wilson (Southern Baptiste) was 20th/7.71.

NACAC U-23 bronze medallist, Caleigh Bacchus was third in the women’s high jump (1.67m) while Durrel Busby (Wisconsin-Milwaukee) was 18th in the men’s 60m hurdles heats in 8.23 seconds. At the Tyson Invitational at the Ryan Tyson Track Centre in Arkansas on February  11-12, Sparkle Mc Knight (South Plain) was eighth overall in the women’s 400m, with a new personal best of 53.72 seconds. Mc Knight won Heat Eight while compatriot and schoolmate Janiel Bellille came in 42nd (56.32).  Mc Knight’s time was the second fastest in the school’s history. The 2010 double Carifta silver medallist then ran the lead off leg for South Plain’s 4x400m team which finished second in a school record of 3:34:78. Kyron Blaise (LSU) was 13th in the men’s long jump (7.50m) and Jovon Toppin (Florida) was 38th overall in the men’s 400m.

Other Results

Adonis Jones (Campbell), 21st-men’s 60m hurdles semis (8.17sec) finishing seventh in heat 3. In the preliminaries Jones was 20th (8.18)/ 5th heat five. Semoy Hackett (LSU), 17th -women’s 60m preliminaries (7.39)/ 1s/heat 12. Hackett did not complete in the semis. Kai Selvon (Auburn), 41st –women’s 200m (24.49)4th /heat 7 \.Ashlee smith (McNeese State) 13th-women’s shot putt (13.24m).
(Tiger Paw Invitational at Clemson University on 11Feb).
Robert Collingwoood (Univ of Southern Missouri),  3rd  men’s shot put (15.59m).