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

mar.09.2007

The Commonwealth Games Federation wishes to express its profound regret at the decision by Canadian city Halifax to withdraw from the bidding process for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Mike Hooper, Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation, was informed of the news late Thursday (March 8) by Dr Andrew Pipe, President of Commonwealth Games Canada. In confirming the withdrawal, Dr Pipe expressed his extreme disappointment and astonishment at the decision taken by the Province of Nova Scotia and the City of Halifax to no longer provide funding for the bid.

Mike Fennell, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said: “It is a great disappointment that this has happened, especially for Canadian athletes and the people of Halifax who have lost the opportunity of staging one of the most prestigious events on the international sporting calendar. We are aware of the considerable amount of work and effort over many months, firstly by Commonwealth Games Canada with the internal Canadian bid process and subsequently by the Halifax Bid Committee and we thank them for their interest and commitment to the Games.”

“After superb Games in Manchester in 2002 and Melbourne in 2006 and looking ahead to Delhi in 2010 the Commonwealth Games is firmly recognised as a major world event, delivering a substantial legacy to the cities which host the event. The possibility of this happening in 2014 is now sadly lost to Halifax – and Canada.

“I sincerely hope this does not damage Canada's credibility in staging sport’s events in the long term. They have hosted successful Commonwealth Games before and I am sure they will again at some point in the future,” added Mr Fennell.

Chief Executive Mike Hooper said: “This was totally unexpected, but we will now go forward with two excellent bids from Abuja, Nigeria, and Glasgow, Scotland. From what we know, both cities have excellent credentials and we are anticipating a close contest.”

In response to media enquiries Mr Hooper also confirmed that there was no possibility of another Canadian city picking up the baton for 2014 from Halifax. “Despite the enormous interest in Canada to stage the 2014 Games, this late withdrawal by Halifax means there is no possibility of a substitute.”

The formal bid documents have to be presented to the Commonwealth Games Federation in London on May 9. The final vote between Abuja and Glasgow will be taken by the CGF’s 71 member nations at their General Assembly in Sri Lanka on November 9.

For more information, contact Mike Hooper on +44 (0) 7 8180 46767 or +44 20 7491 8801.

abr.01.2007

The upcoming Pan American Games in Brazil,is an important signpost on the road to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the country's elite athletes are being urged to ensure that they prepare properly and produce their best.

According to Larry Romany, the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC)President, the Government's Elite Athlete Assistance Programme(EAP) provides much needed financial support ,in addition Romany pointed out that the National Olympic Committee also provided Elite athletes with Pan Am preparation and Olympic Solidarity funding.

Two things are at stake :Participation at the Beijing Olympic Games and EAP funding.Romany said " Athletes receiving funding will be evaluated on the basis of performance".Romany affirmed that the EAP is not developmental, but aimed at the podium as such Elite level athletes cannot offer lack of money as a credible excuse.

The local Olympic chief cautioned that only athletes qualifying for the Beijing Olympic Games will be recommended by the TTOC for EAP funding in 2008.He also revealed that after next year's Olympic Games in China the TTOC and the Ministry of Sport will undertake a comprehensive review of the programme with the London 2012 Olympics in mind.

abr.02.2007

The upcoming Pan American Games in Brazil,is an important signpost on the road to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the country's elite athletes are being urged to ensure that they prepare properly and produce their best.

According to Larry Romany, the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC)President, the Government's Elite Athlete Assistance Programme(EAP) provides much needed financial support ,in addition Romany pointed out that the National Olympic Committee also provided Elite athletes with Pan Am preparation and Olympic Solidarity funding.

Two things are at stake :Participation at the Beijing Olympic Games and EAP funding.Romany said " Athletes receiving funding will be evaluated on the basis of performance".Romany affirmed that the EAP is not developmental, but aimed at the podium as such Elite level athletes cannot offer lack of money as a credible excuse.

The local Olympic chief cautioned that only athletes qualifying for the Beijing Olympic Games will be recommended by the TTOC for EAP funding in 2008.He also revealed that after next year's Olympic Games in China the TTOC and the Ministry of Sport will undertake a comprehensive review of the programme with the London 2012 Olympics in mind.

abr.04.2007

Ananda Fraser, Trinidad & Tobago’s first locally coached gymnast to compete in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 Women’s Gymnastics, was selected to compete at 2007 NCAA regional championships, Saturday April 14, to be held at Crister Arena, Michgan.

As a freshman at the University of Rhode Island, Ananda assisted her gymnastics team (‘Rhodys’) this season to a bronze medal position at the Eastern Conference Athletic (ECAC) Division 1 Gymnastics Championships, which was held at Cornell University on 31/03/07.

During the season, Ananda posted top scores of 9.825- Vault, 9.80- Floor, 9.55- Uneven Bars, and was honoured by the ECAC on 08/03/07 with the co-rookie of the week award for her performance in the ‘Rams’ meet at Temple University. Despite battling injury that limited her training time and kept her off the Balance Beam for the entire season. Women’s gymnastics season started on January 12 and runs through March 31, with competition scheduled almost every weekend.

Ananda is looking forward to having this weekend off from competition, to further prepare herself and fine tune her vault as she comes up against the might of NCAA no 1 team – Florida.

abr.11.2007

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) believes that the performance of the T&T team at the 36th Carifta Track and Field Championship held over the Easter weekend augurs well for the future of track and field.T&T bagged a record medal haul of 37 medals, however Jamaica claimed their 24th team title, with a record medal total of 76 awards (36 gold, 28 silver and 12 bronze).

TTOC President Larry Romany however cautioned that it is important that the young athletes be made to understand that the journey has now started and that making the transition to genuine World Championship and Olympic medal contenders will require significant discipline and hard work."I would hope that the youngsters will be inspired and motivated and not become complacent".

The National Olympic chief noted that Quincy Wilson a double Gold medalists in the shot put and discus attended the TTOC 2006 Olympic Youth Camp ."We are very pleased at the progress shown by Quincy.He is a very enthusiastic youth camper and role model"said Romany.

Wilson established new Carifta U17 records in the shot put and discus events.

abr.11.2007

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) believes that the performance of the T&T team at the 36th Carifta Track and Field Championship held over the Easter weekend augurs well for the future of track and field.T&T bagged a record medal haul of 37 medals, however Jamaica claimed their 24th team title, with a record medal total of 76 awards (36 gold, 28 silver and 12 bronze).

TTOC President Larry Romany however cautioned that it is important that the young athletes be made to understand that the journey has now started and that making the transition to genuine World Championship and Olympic medal contenders will require significant discipline and hard work."I would hope that the youngsters will be inspired and motivated and not become complacent".

The National Olympic chief noted that Quincy Wilson a double Gold medalists in the shot put and discus attended the TTOC 2006 Olympic Youth Camp ."We are very pleased at the progress shown by Quincy.He is a very enthusiastic youth camper and role model"said Romany.

Wilson established new Carifta U17 records in the shot put and discus events.

abr.20.2007

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC)President Larry Romany says the retirement of Brian Lara is a sad moment .Romany described Lara as one of the greatest sportsmen ever produced by T&T ,a gifted "son of the soil" who worked hard and made the most of his world class talent and potential.

The National Olympic chief believes that the true worth of Lara's contribution will only be appreciated now that he is retired."The weight of expectation and at times unfair and overly personal criticism may have tested his character .But his steely determination and indomitable will stood out.The fact remains that Brian Lara acheived greatness.All of us make mistakes and Brian would have had his share.But he served his country and the region in the field of sport with unquestioned distinction "

Romany said that the Trinidadian shouldered the burden for the failures of the West Indies team and in many ways was made the scapegoat for administrative shortcomings and the failure of members of the West Indies team to take personal responsibility for their individual performances.

On behalf of the TTOC I extend public thanks and appreciation to Brian Lara for the pride and honour he brought to the youth of Trinidad and Tobago .We wish him well in his future endeavours.

abr.20.2007

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC)President Larry Romany says the retirement of Brian Lara is a sad moment .Romany described Lara as one of the greatest sportsmen ever produced by T&T ,a gifted "son of the soil" who worked hard and made the most of his world class talent and potential.

The National Olympic chief believes that the true worth of Lara's contribution will only be appreciated now that he is retired."The weight of expectation and at times unfair and overly personal criticism may have tested his character .But his steely determination and indomitable will stood out.The fact remains that Brian Lara acheived greatness.All of us make mistakes and Brian would have had his share.But he served his country and the region in the field of sport with unquestioned distinction "

Romany said that the Trinidadian shouldered the burden for the failures of the West Indies team and in many ways was made the scapegoat for administrative shortcomings and the failure of members of the West Indies team to take personal responsibility for their individual performances.

On behalf of the TTOC I extend public thanks and appreciation to Brian Lara for the pride and honour he brought to the youth of Trinidad and Tobago .We wish him well in his future endeavours.

may.01.2007

may.07.2007

may.29.2007

Randy Bando reports...

HASELY CRAWFORD STADIUM - A smashing second period item by substitute Andre Toussaint gave the 'Soca Warriors' a revenge 1-0 victory over the Caribbean champions Haiti, after the 'Warriors' lost out to the French-speaking nation. earlier this year in the final of the Digicel Caribbean Cup.

The new look Trinidad and Tobago national senior team made up mainly of Pro League players secured their place in the Digicel Shield final against Mexico's Pan American squad.

The T&T started off the match full of intensity, which was well accepted by the die-hard local football fans who turned up at the Port of Spain venue to witness a good showing by the CONCACAF Gold Cup bound squad.

Just two minutes into the match Joe Public's Gary Glasgow slammed a decent effort out of nothing just wide of the Haiti goal causing the Hasely Crawford crowd to immediately come alive.

The crowd went on a high again when in the 8th minute Darryl Roberts the only foreign-based player in the current squad pounced on a defensive error only to be denied by brave goal keeping by goalkeeper Fenelon Gabart.

The Caribbean Champions had their chances, but wasn't able to pull off the results. In the 12th minute Chery Mones fed Fucien Brunel on the right flank, but a decently whipped cross flew across the face of the T&T goal with no one getting on the end of it.

The home team then suffered a scare when St John Roland tested the T&T goalie Marvin Phillip from distance, but the North East Stars custodian brilliantly got a hand to ball palming it into play before defender Keyeno Thomas cleared it to safety just before the 20 minute mark.

Haiti later lost their coach Luis Amelio Garcia for dissent against the match officials and was forced to retire into the stands by referee Ryan Small shortly before the half time whistle.

After the interval Haiti replenished their squad as they tried to take control of the match against a nation they had beaten back in January of this year for their Caribbean Cup title.

The fresh legs of Germain Peter, Romulus Turlien and Noel Fabrice surely brought some life into the Haitians attack. Just one minute into the second period they created an opportunity in front of the 'Warriors' goal, but Turlien failed to connect Fabrice's cross inside the area to the disappointment of the Haiti bench.

Haiti then took control of the match as T&T found themselves chasing the ball on many occasions as Coach Wim Rijsbergen looked to his bench and called on Superstar Rangers captain Errol Mc Farlane, W Connection's Andre Toussaint and Joe Public's Kerry Baptiste for resurgence when he replaced the worn out Gary Glasgow, Darryl Roberts and Silvio Spann.

Late in to the match Joe Public's Anthony Noreiga who was having a decent game all match at the back made a defensive blunder playing Fucien Brunel goal bound, but the Haitian forward failed to hit the target.

T&T then went ahead through a 76th minute stunner, which came courtesy a combined buildup by skipper Densill Theobald and substitutes Errol Mc Farlane and Andre Toussaint. In the end it was W Connection's Toussaint who brushed away his challenger to drill a low shot past goalkeeper Fenelon Gabart for the 1-0 lead.

Five minutes from time Errol Mc Farlane and Toussaint teamed up again in the Haitian area and got close to another item. Superstar Rangers ace forward Mc Farlane failed to connect only to see his attempt bubble on the wrong side of Haiti's upright after Toussaint played him through.

The new look 'Soca Warriors' led by Caledonia's Densill Theobald grinded out the aggression of the Haitians to the end to hold on to their 1-0 score line and their final spot on Wednesday against Mexico's Pan American team who had earlier defeated St Vincent and the Grenadines 8-7 on penalties.

GOAL SCORING SUMMARY

T&T 1 - 0 Haiti
T&T - Andre Toussaint 76'.

TEAMS

Match Referee-Ryan Small(Barbados)

jun.14.2007

In 2005 at the 117th International Olympic Committee(IOC) session in Singapore- Rugby7s ,Golf,Karate,Rollerskating and Squash were shortlisted for consideration for elevation to Olympic sport status however after 7 rounds of voting Karate and Squash moved ahead in the race to replace Basketball and Softball on the Olympic Programme.The IOC membership however voted not to include any new sport on the 2012 Olympic programme.

Two years later the passage of time has not changed the view of Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union(TTRFU) Secretary Brian Lewis that the IOC lost a golden opportunity ."There is a perception that the Olympic Games is a closed shop ,If the IOC wants the Olympic Games to remain relevant they have to consider the changing interests of a modern generation".

Lewis who is also the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC)Secretary General suggests that the danger for the Olympic Movement is that sports that are not on the Olympic Games programme will be forced into creating an alternative Games that could eventually rival the Olympic Games.

Rugby 7s proved its worth on the Commonwealth Games programme,meets the IOC criteria and would be an exciting and lucrative addition to the Olympic Programme.

However the Trinidadian sport administrator believes that not getting onto the 2012 Olympic Games programme is a blessing in disguise as it allows the International Rugby Board (IRB)to focus on issues such as widening even further global participation and raising to an even higher level the profile and awareness of rugby.

"The growth potential of rugby is enormous ,once that potential is fully realized ,Rugby will be a marquee , lucrative and self sufficient modern sport ".

The IOC will next consider changes to the Olympic programme in 2009.Inclusion on the 2016 Olympic programme remains a possibility.Squash and Karate would be considering themselves front runners on the basis of what transpired at the 2005 meeting.

But Lewis is confident that having gone through the process the IRB is now aware of what needs to be done to strengthen rugby's case."The next two years are critical and I would not expect the IRB to drop the ball .Rugby deserves to be an Olympic sport and achieving that status must remain a priority.2009 is just around the corner".

jun.21.2007

Caribs rugby club winners of the TTRFU season opening ruggerama tournament in 2006 will be leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to hold on to the Sir Solomon Hochoy Cup.

Caribs will throw down the gauntlet on Saturday (23 June) in the 2007 TTRFU Season opener.

The Sir Solomon Hochoy cup and the Marcus Minshall knock out cup were the only major titles captured by the local rugby powerhouse last season.

On the other hand arch-rivals Stag Trinidad Northern struck a rich vein of form and took home the lions share of titles.Included in the "blues" haul was a second lien on the coveted Sport flex championship division crown.

All the local rugby clubs will battle for the Hochoy Cup.The ruggerama will be held at the Queens Park Savannah,first whistle will be at 11 am.

Not withstanding the Ruggerama tournament ,the TTRFU will enter the National men,women and Under 19 national rugby teams in the TTOC Olympic Day relay run scheduled for the King George V Park at 4pm.

Meanwhile Action in the TTRFU Under 19 division will kick -off on Sunday(24 June) at various venues.

TTRFU President Dave Wong said the 2007 rugby season is an important one for T&T ."Our National teams(Men,women and U19) will all be competing in upcoming regional championships and we are determined to reclaim regional titles at all levels.The standard of our club competition however must continue to improve if we are to achieve our goal in the regional competitions".

jun.25.2007

jun.26.2007

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee announces its team for the Pan American Games 2007 to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 13th July to 29th July 2007

The team of 75 Athletes and the team officials will leave for the games from the 3rd July and will be led by Annette Knott as the Chef de Mission and Wendell Labastide as the Deputy Chef.

The team will comprise of 11 Disciplines

1. Athletics
2. Aquatics - Swimming
3. Badminton
4. Beach Volley ball
5. Boxing
6. Cycling
7. Hockey - Men's Team
8. Shooting
9. Table Tennis
10. Taekwondo
11. Weightlifting
12. Athletics

Female Athletes

Alexander Annie - Shot Put, Discus
Alexander Ayanna - Triple Jump
Ashby Fana  - 4 x 100m
Baird Natoya - Heptathlon
Bellille Janeil - 400H, 4 x 400m
Borel-Brown Cleopatra - Shot Put
Cameron Nandelle - 200, 4 x 100m,4 x 400m
De Leon Melissa - 800m, 4 x 400m
Dixon Natalie - 4 x 400m
Hackett Semoy - 4 x 100m
Hutchinson Ayanna - 100m, 4 x 100m
Modeste Romona - 4 x 400m
St. Louis Britney - 400m, 4 x 400m
Scott Candice - Hammer
Springer Sasha - 100m, 4 x 100m
Thomas Reyare - 200M, 4 x 400m 4 x 100
Watkins Rhonda - Long Jump

Male Athletes

The League's CEO went on to pay special mention to the local professional clubs and their role in the success of the national youth teams.

Armstrong Aaron - 200m, 4x100m
Bledman Keston 4x100m
Brown Darrel 100m, 4x100m
Burns Marc 4x100m
Callender Emmanuel 200m, 4x100m, 4x400m
Hewitt Zwede 4 x 400m
James Jamaal 800, 4 x 400m
Kirk Sherridan 800m
Modibo Ato 400m, 4 x 400m
Quow Renny 400m, 4 x 400m
Simon Le Juan Triple Jump, Long Jump
Solomon Jerron 4 x 400m
Thomas Mikel 110H, 400H
Thompson Richard 100m, 4 x 100m

Team Manager - Comissiong George Manager

AQUATICS

BOVELL III George
BOVELL Nicholas
MC LEAN Shantelle
COLLYMORE Kimba
HOMER Christian
HOULLIER Mathew
POUCHET Renee
RAHAEL Samantha
THOMPSON Cheryl
WICKHAM Donna Marie

Team Manager - BOVELL II George

BADMINTON

BENITO Kesma
BLAKE Nekeisha
PANTIN Kerwyn
SEEPAUL Anil
THOMAS Glendon
RAMPERSAD Rahual

Team Manager - THOMAS Melvin

BEACH VOLLEY BALL

PHILLIP Elike
JOSEPH Nancy

Team Manager - CHARLES Colin

BOXING

DENOON Klevoon
FERMIN Andrew
ROMEO Enoch

Team Manager - FORDE Cecil

CYCLING

ABRAHAM Emile

Team Manager - GILL Christopher

HOCKEY

FRANCIS Glen
ROCKE Andrey
BROWNE Kwandwane
COWIE Darren
HENDERSON Alan
PROVIDENCE Nigel
LEGERTON Wayne
ECCLES Solomon
MURRAY Keil
QUAN CHAN Dwain
WREN Nicholas
GILKES Dillet
TOUISSANT Akim
WHITTINGTON Attiba
TANG NIAN Mathew
SCIPIO Christopher

Team Manager - SCANTERBURY Denise

SHOOTING

DANIEL Roger
Team Manager
TANG CHOON Clarion
Trap and Skeet
AUBAUCH J Robert

Manager - AUERBAUCH G Robert

jun.30.2007

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee
XV PAN AMERICAN GAMES TEAM RIO 2007

ADMINISTRATION

Annette Knott - Chef de Mission
Wendell Labastide - Deputy Chef de Mission
Tanya Western - Administrative Assistant
Michelle Stoute - Administrative Asssitant

ATHLETICS

Female

Alexander Annie - Shot Put discs
Alexander Ayana - Triple Jump
Ashby Fana - 4 x 100m
Baird Natoya - Heptathlon
Bellille Janell - 400H 4 x 400m

Borel Browne Cleopatra - Shot Put
Cameron Nandelle - 200 4 x100m 4x 400m
De Leon Mellissa - 800m 4x400m
Dizon Natallie - 4 x 400m
Hackette Semoy - 4 x 100m
Hutchinson Ayanna - 100m 4x100m
Modeste Romona - 4 x 400m
St Louis Britney  - 400m 4 x 400m
Scott Candice - Hammer
Sringer Sasha - 100m 4 x 100m
Thomas Reyare - 200m 4 x 100m, 4 x 400m
Watkins Rhonda - long jump

Male

Armstrong Aaron - 200m 4 x 100m
Bledman Keston - 4 x 100m
Brown Darrel - 100m 4 x 100m
Burns Marc - 4 x 100m,
Callender Emmanuel - 200m 4 x 100m, 4 x 400m
Hewitt Zwede - 4 x 400m
James Jamaal - 800m 4 x 400m
Kirk Sheridan - 800m 4 x 400m
Modibo Ato - 400m 4 x 400m
Quow Renny - 400m 4 x 400m
Simon Le Juan - Triple Jump/Long jump
Solomon Jerron - 4 x 400m
Thomas Mikel - 110Hurdles 400 Hurdles
Thompson Richard - 100m, 4x100m

Comissiong Geroge - Manager
Cumberbatch David - Physio
Franklyn Wade - Coach
Pennie Michelle - Coach
Persad Gunness - Coach
Samuel Peter - Coach
Skinner Edwin - Coach
Tomas Joyce - Coach
Williams Clayton - Coach

BADMINTON

BENITO Kesma - Athlete
BLAKE Nekeisha - Athlete
PANTIN Kerwyn - Athlete
THOMAS Glendon - Athlete
SEEPAUL Anil - Athlete
RAMPERSAD Raul VAthlete

DASENT Daren - Manager
Thomas Melville - Coach

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

PHILLIPE ELKE - Athlete
JOSEPH Nancy - Athlete
CHARLES Colin - Manager/Coach

BOXING

DENOON Klevoon - Athlete
FERMIN Andrew - Athlete
ROMEO Enoch - Athlete

OFFICIALS

COX Winston - Trainer
FORDE Cecil - Manager
MARINTEZ Vincente - Coach

CYCLING

ABRAHAM Emile - Athlete
GILL Christopher - Manager/Coach

HOCKEY

FRANCIS Glenn - Athlete
ROCKE Andrey - Athlete
ECCLES Solomn - Athlete
BROWNE Kwandwane - Athlete
COWIE Darren - Athlete
PROVIDENCE Nigel - Athlete
HENDERSON Alan - Athlete
LEGERTON Wayne - Athlete
GILKES Dillett - Athlete
MURRAY Keil - Athlete
WREN Nicholas - Athlete
QUAN CHAN Dwain - Athlete
TANG NIAN Mathew - Athlete
TOUISSANT Akim - Athlete
WHITTINGTON Attiba - Athlete
SCIPIO Christopher - Athlete

OFFICIALS

CARTER Ian
SCANTERBURY Denise
MARCANO Anthony
HAANJTES Robert - coach

SHOOTING

DANIEL Roger
AUERBAUCH Robert J

OFFICIALS

TANG CHOON Clarion
Auerbauch Robert G

SWIMMING

BOVELL GEORGE 111 - Athlete
BOVELL Nicholas - Athlete
HOMER Christian - Athlete
HOULLIER Mathew - Athlete
MC LEAN Shantelle - Athlete
POUCHET Renee - Athlete
RAHAEL Samantha - Athlete
THOMPSON Cheryl - Athlete
COLLYMORE Kimba - Athlete
WICKHAM Donna Marie - Athlete

OFFICIALS

BOVELL 11 George
BOTTOM Michael
POUCHET Edmund
POUCHET Mark

TAEKWONDO

OSIJU Chinideum - Athlete

OFFICIALS

Ferguson Anthony - Manager
Young Jung Jin - Coach

WEIGHTLIFTING

RAMSEY Laura Athlete

OFFICIAL
LAWS Geoff - Manager/Coach

MEDICAL TEAM

Dr. Terry Ali
Dr.Roy Hofford
Dr.Sunil Gopeisingh
Dr.Magaret Ottley
Aisha Defreitas
Andre Ferguson
June Durham
Linda Tang Yew
Ian Sharpe

jul.02.2007

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) is confident heading into the 15th Pan American Games that the T&T team is well prepared and capable of bagging a record medal haul.The record medal tally is seven achieved in Winnipeg in 1967 and equaled in Santo Domingo in 2003.

TTOC Officials assert that none of the selected athletes have a legitimate complain as both the National Olympic Committee and the Government -through the sports company and the Ministry of Sport's ELITE Athlete Assistance programme have collectively done their part to ensure that funding was not an issue.

TTOC President Larry Romany speaking at a farewell function for the team last week said that the 2007 team is the best prepared team to depart for a Pan American Games. The National Olympic chief said he expects that the best ever medal haul of 7 medals will be surpassed.

TTOC Secretary General Brian Lewis reminded the athletes that participation at the Pan American Games is important ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

jul.03.2007

The arrest of former T&T Olympian Alvin Henry in New York on allegations serious sexual assault charges has surprised T&T Olympic Committee(TTOC) Officials.

TTOC President ,Larry Romany who was the Chef de Mission at the Sydney Olympic Games and a TTOC Vice President in 2000 said that Henry at that time showed promise and expressed a desire to work hard and make the best of his talent."After his bronze medal at the CAC in 2002 I expected him to continue his progression at the Pan Am games and Athens Olympics but he seemed to have dropped off the scene"

The ex Concorde Track Club athlete was an alternate on T&T's Sydney Olympics 4 x100 metre team.In 2002 at the Central America and Caribbean Games(CAC)in El Salvador,Henry won a bronze medal as a member of the 4 x100 metre squad.

According to a Trinidad Guardian report(3 July)Alvin Henry used sport to get his life back on track after being placed at the St Michaels School for Boys at the age of 14 and was a former national Under-16 footballer, who ran both the 100 and 200 metres and also threw the javelin and shot put events.

TTOC Secretary General Brian Lewis who served as the deputy Chef de Mission at the 2002 CAC games in El Salvador described the situation as sad and unfortunate especially for the alleged victims.

"On one hand Sport made a positive difference for Alvin Henry on the other hand was enough done to identify problems and provide appropriate counseling?I don't know.But to my mind it is something that needs to be looked at.There are enormously talented at risk youths who get sent to St Michael's,YTC and St Jude's etc.Closer attention needs to be placed on the social support systems so as to avoid recidivism at some point of their life cycle".