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

As it's the obvious thing, let's talk turnaround shall we?

So, what's your opinion given that, by all accounts, our defenders in the national under-23 team were not just turned around, but also turned inside-out by their Mexican counterparts on the way to a 7-1 thrashing on Friday night in the opening fixture of the final round of CONCACAF Olympic football qualifying?

Ah ketch yuh! And don't try to backpedal and claim you were thinking along the same lines.

From the time the West Indies start to have a few encouraging results, most cricket fans in the Caribbean waste no time in switching on the ignition and mashing the accelerator to board on that roundabout journey. It's almost as if we all look forward to speeding around the Queen's Park Savannah and getting right back to where we started.

Look, it's ridiculously easy to get sucked into the vortex of euphoria when the mood is as festive and celebratory as yesterday afternoon at the Beausejour Cricket Ground. A full house, noise and cheering aplenty, explosions of joy at the fall of every Australian wicket and a simmering sense of satisfaction that the home side, guaranteed at least a share of the series, had pulled the visitors back to a final total of 281 for nine when it appeared for most of their innings that they would have raced well beyond the 300-run mark.

And yes, there is cause for encouragement. There may be all sorts of references now to the top-ranked Aussies not being as strong as they usually are, that most of them would be drained after a long summer of cricket Down Under, and that the pitches so far, especially in St Vincent, represented too much of an adjustment from conditions at home, given that there was only a one-week turnaround (that word again!) from victory over Sri Lanka in Adelaide to clinch the tri-nation limited-over series and the first fixture of the five-match ODI series against the West Indies at Arnos Vale.

But let's be honest. None of that was being said with any regularity or confidence ahead of the first ball two Fridays ago. Seventeen years — yes, the first week of May will make it 17 years since that ground-breaking Test series loss to the Australians — of struggle has conditioned our considered reactions to an upward spike in what has generally been an era of depression.

Identifying only "considered" reactions is deliberate because that eliminates those who get high like a kite in the aftermath of those infrequent victories, only to sink into the pit of distress and bewilderment when the contemporary status quo is re-established. There have been so many false dawns in West Indies cricket since 1995 that surely it is not being negative, or pessimistic or overly cautious to suggest that determining whether the mythical corner has been well and truly turned will only be known in the fullness of time.

I suppose that's why Ian Bishop was so guarded when being prodded by an interviewer for ESPN television over the weekend to assess whether the performances against the Australians so far represented the resurgence that has been awaited for so long. You could almost hear the former Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies fast bowler groaning quietly to himself when all the battered clichés were being offered. From "turnaround" to "turning the corner" to "winds of change" blowing through West Indies cricket, the only thing left out by the Australian interviewer Anthony Howard was whether "happy days are here again!"

Bish tried his best to steer the discussion along a more temperate line (you can hear and see it for yourself on espncricinfo.com) and if he appeared to pour cold water on all the enthusiasm, you can fully understand why. Haven't we been here before so many, many times?

Didn't the West Indies lift the Champions Trophy in dramatic fashion in near darkness at The Oval in London in 2004? Didn't they reach the final as defending champions two years later in India? That's just two of at least half-a-dozen examples of encouraging performances that could not be sustained, and that's only in the one-day game. And have the regional side been able to rise above the lower reaches of the One-Day International rankings at any time over the past decade?

That much of the hype over yesterday's fixture surrounded the prospect of the West Indies winning an ODI series against a team ranked higher than themselves for the first time in four years should itself be a testament to the failure to build on an encouraging platform time after time after time. Indeed, it can be argued that fans have become so desperate for success that it is now routine to go overboard in midst of a few good times, because the unspoken fear is that a return to regular programming of defeat and bitter recrimination is never too far away.

Yes, we have every right to delight in the blistering power of Kieron Pollard and the thrilling athleticism of Andre Russell. Yet beyond the spontaneity of the celebrations of their entertaining exploits, the enduring hope must be that these are more than occasional flashes of brilliance in an otherwise gloomy landscape.

And we can't come to any definitive conclusions based on what transpired yesterday, or how things will go in the T20s, or how the Test series will unfold.

Maybe we want to, but really we can't. So don't start gunning it round the Savannah just yet.

-Fazeer Mohammed

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Second-half substitute Shahdon Winchester scored three minutes into second-half stoppage time and earned Trinidad and Tobago a 1-1 draw with Panama in an Olympic qualifying fixture, yesterday .

While both teams would have wanted a win, the draw kept both teams alive going into tomorrow's final round of Group B preliminary round matches where T&T will face Honduras from 9.30 p.m. (T&T time), and Panama will take on Mexico in the 11.30 p.m. second match. Mexico and Honduras were locked in battle after press time last night.

Winchester, who replaced Micah Lewis in the 62nd minute, tapped in a loose ball at the left post after the ball bounced around in the Panama penalty area. Daniel Cyrus had a long throw into the box from the right side that Sheldon Bateu and Karreem Moses both had touches on before it landed at the feet of Kevin Molino at the top of the area. Molino, who scored T&T's only goal in a 7-1 loss to Mexico on Friday, drove the ball toward net, where Rolando Algandona blocked it near the line. But it bounded toward Winchester, who simply volleyed it in.

Panama appeared on their way to victory after Cecilio Waterman scored in the 69th, three minutes after entering the game. Rolando Algandona launched a free kick into the area from distance and T&T keeper Andre Marchand came off his line to try to punch clear. But the ball only went as far as Anibal Godoy standing in the middle of the penalty area, where he settled it off his chest and hit a right-footed shot that was heading toward the right post before Waterman deflected it with the inside of his heel.

The match was marred by steady rain that began an hour to an hour and a half before kickoff in 57-degree Fahrenheit (14 Celsius) weather. A relatively heavy shower intensified at the start of the second half and made traction difficult, with players from both teams losing their footing with standing water kicking up around the players' feet. Both sides had reasonable chances early in the first half with Panama's Victor Barrera having a ball blocked off his foot in the middle of T&T's penalty area in the second minute and T&T's Lewis getting a clean look from distance with a shot that rolled into Panama keeper Luis Mejia in the 12th.

Panama had the better of play and the best chance of the first half in the 26th when Godoy hit a shot from 25 metres that Marchand knocked away with his right hand. Marchand was playing two days after suffering a mild concussion in a collision with Nestor Calderon in the 77th minute of Mexico's 7-1 win.

The second half became more of an adventure as the rain soaked the natural grass surface at The Home Depot Center. Panama began to claim more of the possession and chances, with Marchand having to go low to stop Amir Waithe's try from distance in the 51st and Yairo Glaize Yao's shot that went high in the 72nd. Jamal Gay had T&T's best chance with a header that went straight to Mejia in the 73rd.

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

With Saturday’s opening match of the Rugby World Cup 2015 qualifying process little more than 24 hours away, preparations for the encounter between Mexico and Jamaica are at the final stages in Mexico City.

Mexico are particularly delighted to be kicking off the road to Rugby World Cup 2015 in England this weekend in front some distinguished guests, including Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset and England Rugby 2015 ambassador Lawrence Dallaglio, while the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup will also make an appearance.

However, we should not forget that this is the first match of the North America Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Championship 2012, which doubles as the qualifying section that, other than Mexico, is made up of purely Caribbean nations.

So just how strong is Caribbean rugby right now, and is the game progressing in that part of the world? According to Tom Jones, the IRB's Regional General Manager for North America and Caribbean, the answer is a resounding yes.

“I ask people when the golden age of Caribbean rugby was, and they all scratch their heads – that’s when I tell them that the answer is right now," explained Jones. “Never before have the unions here had a sustained period of support from the governing body. The IRB provides investment, technical involvement and tournament support.”

Jones believes the differences between the NACRA qualifying tournament for RWC 2015 and RWC 2011 illustrate the advances being made in the Caribbean.

“For RWC 2011 it was a tournament held in Cayman Islands between eight nations, but NACRA's strategy is to ensure that all participating unions have home matches in an event that concludes in June. This is important to ensuring wider promotion of Rugby within each country, and it is working."

Healthy competition

Bermuda are the highest placed Caribbean team in the IRB World Rankings at 48th, so the prospect of a Caribbean nation qualifying for RWC 2015 is slim, but Jones believes the new NACRA Championship format will make for some really competitive rugby.

“The absolute priority for all these unions is to win this Caribbean competition and I don’t think any of them will be looking beyond that at the moment. Trinidad v Jamaica, Trinidad v Barbados ... these are local derbies which have been going on since the 1950s and they have trophies for these encounters. They are long standing fixtures and Caribbean people like to travel to challenge others.

“These unions are very small – smaller than many clubs in bigger rugby nations – so some are only drawing their national sides from two or three teams. But these guys want to represent their country and work extremely hard. I watched a Jamaica training session last week and they were putting in a tremendous amount of effort."

So what of Jamaica, Mexico’s opponents in this weekend’s first RWC 2015 qualifier? According to Jones, they are traditionally the Caribbean’s strongest union but, sadly, are a prime example of the real challenges that the very small rugby nations face.

“Because the unions are all so small, if you have one outstanding individual player or administrator who can no longer do that role for whatever reason, it can be difficult to replace them – and you see big swings in achievement on the basis of that."

"However, this is a work in progress, and through the IRB and NACRA's commitment and the strong will and enthusiasm of the unions, Rugby will ultimately go from strength to strength in the region. We are already seeing the massively positive effects of Olympic Games inclusion."

Strong opponents

Jones is very much looking forward to a watching a championship where he genuinely cannot say who will come out on top.

“Mexico should be favourites but you can’t be sure. Trinidad is the union that has the oldest and most established club system, and currently have 12 sides in their league competition, so they will normally be a strong challenger.

“Guyana will always be strong because they work hard at it and have been seven-a-side champions of the region for six years running. Cayman is also coming strongly, now that 10 years of working hard in their local communities is starting to bear fruit.

“Bermuda will also be near the top, thanks to a long-standing rugby tradition over there – they were the champions last year. At the level that these unions are playing at, it’s going to be a very competitive league.”

And finally, how are rugby fans in the region feeling about this weekend’s big event? Understandably, there is some friendly rivalry!

“It is an honour and a privilege that Mexico and Jamaica are the two sides who are going to get to open the RWC 2015 qualification process and play with Craig Joubert officiating, in front of the IRB Chairman and with the Webb Ellis Cup on show.

“It’s kind of surreal, because the next match – Mexico v Cayman – will see normal service resume despite the dual RWC qualification status, but we are proud to be kicking off the road to Rugby's showcase event."

Source: www.rugbyworldcup.com

Fabrice Muamba had to be brought back to life on Saturday night after spending nearly an hour and 20 minutes without his own heartbeat, his medical team have revealed.

Doctors have given the most detailed insights yet into the events that might have brought tragedy to Bolton Wanderers' FA Cup meeting with Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

There were 48 minutes between Muamba’s collapse and his arrival at the London Chest Hospital, and another half-hour before his heart could be restarted.

“In effect, he was dead in that time,” Jonathan Tobin, Bolton’s team doctor, said.

So grave was Muamba’s condition that while waiting in the hospital corridor for news, Tobin did not expect the player to be revived. He broke down in tears.

But, after no fewer than 15 shocks from a defibrillator, the first two on the pitch and another in the players’ tunnel, Muamba began to produce his own pulse.

Paramedics also administered regular chest compressions to mimic a heartbeat and to provide circulation to his brain.

It gives a stark indication of the trauma suffered by Muamba’s body.

Indeed, so remarkable has the 23 year-old’s recovery been since his cardiac arrest that the cardiologist who administered the emergency treatment on the White Hart Lane pitch yesterday described it as “a miracle”.

Andrew Deaner is the Tottenham fan who jumped down from the stands to oversee the medical treatment being given to the midfielder. In a potentially life-saving twist of fate, Deaner, a consultant cardiologist at the London Chest Hospital where Muamba is being treated, happened to be attending the match with his brother.

He said: “If you’re going to use the term miraculous, I guess it could be used.” It is a term Muamba’s family have frequently employed in recent days.

Bobby Barnes visited the hospital on Wednesday to give Muamba’s father, Marcel, an £830 Lladro “Champions Team” statuette on behalf of the Professional Footballers’ Association, where he is deputy chief executive.

“His parents are strong people, very committed Christians and they have faith in God,” Barnes said. “They feel like their prayers have been answered.”

Even Deaner was taken aback by the player’s witty response right at the earliest outset of his recovery. Deaner was the first to speak to him upon his revival from an induced coma on Monday.

“I whispered into his ear, ‘What’s your name’,” recalled Deaner, with Muamba giving his name in response.

“I said, ‘I understand you’re a very good footballer’. And he said ’I try’.”

Deaner admitted that quip brought tears to his own eyes.

But although hopes are high that Muamba will one day make a full recovery, the doctor did sound a cautious note when asked if the former England Under-21 international would ever again play top-level football.

He added: “He’s made a remarkable recovery so far. We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves.

"As things stand, I think his life is not in danger at this time. His neurological function is looking very good but it is early days.”

Dealer said the emergency aid given to Muamba on the pitch had been exemplary, to the extent that footage of the incident could be used as a textbook case to school medics on how to deal with a complex cardiac arrest.

It was the club doctor, Tobin, who gave Muamba mouth to mouth in an effort to restore his respiratory function, a procedure he administered in front of almost 40,000 football fans.

“I can’t begin to explain the pressure that was there,” Tobin said.

“As I was running on to the pitch, once I got there, my focus was entirely on Fabrice. I wasn’t aware that players had gathered around. From a personal point of view, this is Fabrice.

“This isn’t somebody that’s gone down in the street or been brought into A&E.

"This is somebody that I know: I know his family. This is somebody I consider a friend, this is somebody I joke with on a daily basis.

“Fabrice was in a type of cardiac arrest where the heart is showing lots of electrical activity but no muscular activity. It’s something that often responds to drugs and shocks.

“Fabrice had, in total, 15 shocks. He had a further 12 shocks in the ambulance [after three at the ground].”

But when the incident was three days behind him, medics felt able to convey to the player exactly what he has been through.

“I’m glad to say that the early signs of recovery have continued,” Tobin said.

“I went to see Fabrice on Tuesday night. I went in and he said, ‘hi, doc’.

"I asked him how he was and he said ‘fine’.

"I explained to him what had happened. That’s the sort of level of communication I have had with Fabrice.”

After all he had witnessed, Tobin will never forget the moment he knew Muamba’s cognitive functions were returning.

That moment came when Tobin, who had been holding Muamba’s hand while he lay in his bed, felt his own hand squeezed by the player’s grip.

“It was just incredible, I can’t describe it really,” he said.

Tobin, though added a further not of caution. He said: "This is a first step in a long, long road.

"But this is a family club and we look after our own. I think the overexcited talk of Fabrice returning to football is irrelevant. He’s still in intensive care and unaware of anything that has been said about him.

"He doesn’t know the implications this has had on the whole planet.

The importance of an immediate response to such a problem was highlighted yesterday when an Indian player died after collapsing on the pitch during a district-level league match.

Bangalore Mars striker D Venkatesh, 27, collapsed following a cardiac arrest at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

With no ambulance around, his team-mates hired a tuk-tuk to take him to a local hospital where Venkatesh was declared dead.

-Matt Scott

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

France-based table tennis player Rheann Chung is the reigning Caribbean women's singles champion, and is therefore among an elite group of 12 female players eligible to compete at the Latin America Cup.

The problem, though, is funding.

In an interview with the Express, yesterday, Dexter St Louis appealed to Minister of Sport Anil Roberts for assistance in getting Chung, his stepdaughter, to San Jose, Costa Rica, for the May 25-27 tournament.

St Louis explained that the Latin America Cup is an invitational tournament and will feature the best players in South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

"Rheann qualified, and I see it as a tournament she should go to. The problem is that the (Trinidad and Tobago Table Tennis) Association doesn't have a cent."

Earlier this month, the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) sent St Louis and Chung to the Latin American Olympic qualifiers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In the second of three men's singles tournaments, St Louis fell one win short of qualifying for the London Games, losing to Brazilian Hugo Hoyama. In the other tournaments, St Louis was beaten by Mexico's Marcos Madrid and Dominican Republic's Juan Vila jnr.

Chung was defeated in the opening round in each of the three women's singles tournaments.

The T&T players had neither a coach nor a manager in Rio. "To go alone is real, real stressful," said St Louis. "When I asked about lunch arrangements for the second tournament, they said managers made arrangements for how players would eat during the day. But we had no manager. Basically, there was no eating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"I would really have liked for an official to come with us—Reeza (Burke), who could manage and coach."

St Louis will have Burke in his corner at the March 25-April 1 World Team Table Tennis Championships in Dortmund, Germany. Burke is manager/coach of the T&T team.

St Louis, Curtis Humphreys and Terell Abbott will represent the country in the men's team competition. And in the women's team event, Chung, Aleena Edwards and Catherine Spicer will fly the flag.

St Louis, who celebrates his 44th birthday today, said because of T&T's non-participation at the World Team Championships in recent times, neither team will have the opportunity to play for a top-72 placing.

"There are 123 men's teams, but T&T are not in the top three divisions, each with 24 countries. On Sunday, they will decide if there'll be a division four with the rest of teams, or divisions four and five... I hope it's one division with the rest.

"There are 96 women's teams," he continued, "so our women are in division four. If you're in the first two or three, you can get a promotion at the next Worlds."

Though he is based in France, St Louis keeps a close eye on table tennis here in T&T. He was disappointed about Ashley Quashie's no show at last weekend's National Classified Championships.

The four-time Caribbean men's singles champion described Quashie as "one of the most talented local players we have", and said he will do whatever he can to ensure she keeps playing table tennis.

"I'm going to supply all the equipment she needs to continue to play. I will get rubbers to her on a regular basis, starting in April. I spoke to her coach, Dennis La Rose. His part of the bargain is to make sure she keeps playing and is involved in all tournaments in T&T.

"I understand she plays good football, too. So, instead of losing her to football," St Louis ended, "this is my way of keeping her in the sport."

By Kwame Laurence

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Trinidad and Tobago Under-23 head coach Angus Eve yesterday announced his 20-man squad to contest the final round of CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympics, to be held in Carson, California from this weekend.

The eight-team tournament will be contested by hosts USA, Canada, Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico. Honduras Panama and T&T.

Trinidad and Tobago begin play in Group B on Friday against 2011 Pan Am Games champions Mexico and will tackle Panama on Sunday and Honduras on Tuesday March 27.

The two finalists from the two groups will advance to the 2012 Olympics.

Dropped from the T&T squad were St Ann's Rangers forward Cameron Roget, Caledonia AIA defender Nuru Abdullah Muhammad, DirecTV North East Stars midfielder Kaydion Gabriel, Jean Luc Rochford (Stars) and Marcus Joseph. Caledonia AIA defender Aquil Selby was also omitted due to a niggling injury.

The seven players will not be travelling on to Carson with the rest of the squad today, following the Under-23s training camp in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Defender Sheldon Bateau of Adam's Construction San Juan Jabloteh will captain the Trinidad and Tobago team, which includes seven defenders, seven midfielders, four forwards and two goalkeepers.

Columbus Crew midfielder Kevan George and Cordell Cato of Seattle Sounders, who both joined the T&T squad in Fort Lauderdale from their Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, did sufficiently well to maintain their spots for the CONCACAF tournament, while Polish-based defender Mekeil Williams and Orlando City midfielder Kevin Molino will both join the team today.

In-form Caledonia AIA striker Jamal Gay is expected to spearhead the attack with support from Shahdon Winchester, Sean De Silva, Trevin Caesar, Molino and Micah Lewis, who turned 22 yesterday.

W Connection midfielder Jomal Williams, at age 17, is the youngest member of the Trinidad and Tobago squad.

"It was a difficult decision because all of the guys have been fantastic. There wasn't a difference in the players in the squad. I think we have a very strong unit going forward," coach Eve told Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) media officer Shaun Fuentes.

"We picked 20 players with two goalkeepers, seven midfielders and defenders, with four out-and-out strikers who can also play on the flanks, as well as a couple defensive midfielders.

"The difficult thing for me is that when we look back at the Pan American Games (last October in Mexico) we did really well and here we have players who came in to strengthen the squad and that made the selection decisions a bit harder," Eve added. "We didn't have players like Daneil Cyrus, Sean De Silva and Kevan George and young Cato in the Pan Am Games.

"I must give credit to the players who helped to bring us this far and will still be part of the overall 35-man roster."

Reflecting on the training camp in Fort Lauderdale, Eve said: "It turned out very well. I got the chance to experiment with the guys and incorporating new guys into the set up. I think we finally have the right blend going into the tournament."

Team skipper Bateau told the players who will return to Trinidad today to keep on aspiring to make the team again for the 2012 Olympics.

"We are one team and every player deserves credit. I want to tell the guys who are not going to LA with us to keep their heads up and keep on working hard to make the team again at a later stage."

Cyrus and Gay also reiterated that the final squad will try to ensure that there is another opportunity for the omitted players to be back in the fray by qualifying for the London Games

T&T U-23 SQUAD:

Goalkeepers--Andre Marchan (DirecTV North East Stars), Sheldon Clarke (Defence Force)

Defenders--Sheldon Bateau, Leslie Russell (Adam's Construction San Juan Jabloteh), Kareem Moses (St Ann's Rangers), Mekeil Williams (Pogon Szczecin), Curtis Gonzales (Defence Force), Daneil Cyrus (Santa Rosa FC), Joevin Jones (W Connection)

Midfielders--Sean De Silva (College of Charleston), Jeromie Williams (North East Stars), Kevin Molino (Orlando City), Kevan George (Columbus Crew) Micah Lewis (Caledonia AIA), Jayson Joseph (T&TEC), Jomal Williams (W Connection)

Forwards--Jamal Gay (Caledonia AIA), Trevin Caesar (Caledonia AIA), Cordell Cato (Seattle Sounders), Shahdon Winchester (W Connection)

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Trinidad and Tobago cyclist Njisane Phillip has no plans of riding for the USA.

In fact, during his short speech at a celebratory luncheon for T&T's 2012 Pan American Championships gold medallists Phillip and Quincy Alexander—hosted by the Ministry of Sport and Sport Company of T&T (SPORTT)— the sprinter sought to lay to rest fears he would no longer ride for this country.

The issue first arose in December when Phillip reportedly stated that he was offered a chance to ride in US colours and was considering the move for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

But yesterday, during the event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, the rider affirmed his commitment to Trinidad and Tobago.

"Today I just want to clear up something (from) when I was here (in December), the whole USA thing," Phillip said. "It wasn't really a switch...it was more (me) just putting it out there. It was just a conversation I was having with my coach. I will not be switching."

Phillip also wished Alexander well at next month's UCI World Track Cycling Championships in Australia. The 18-year-old rider is T&T's lone representative at the games.

Phillip recalled some advice he gave his younger compatriot at the Pan Am Championships when Alexander had to re-ride the kilometre time trial event, in which he eventually got gold.

"I talked with Quincy about (second place being the first loser). He qualfied second in the first ride. I told him 'rain is falling and you've got to go again tomorrow. So you can get the gold medal tomorrow'. And he said 'nah, I tired'," Phillip explained, to laughter from the crowd.

"So I told him 'you can still get it. I see your potential…you need to just get it mentally and go back and get it', and he did that. So I want to congratulate him. Good luck at the World Championships. I know you will do well. Just carry the fire."

Both riders paid tribute to their family, friends and respective management teams and Beacon Insurance (which sponsors both riders), as well as bpTT and DirecTV, which are both funding Phillip.

Alexander also praised his uncle and coach Robert Farrier for being with him "for my whole cycling career" and singled out his current coach for his contributions, too.

Said Alexander: "I'd like to thank Desmond Dickie, because he came on board after I finished the junior World Championships last year and I have seen great, great, great improvements in my training, because he is a very good, excellent coach. He has coached the best."

Alexander compared the former T&T coach's presence in the cycling world with that of US president Barack Obama and hoped Dickie will return to the national team.

"When I go to championships…and you walk in with Des Dickie, it's like you're walking with Barack Obama," the rider stated. "He's that good. Unfortunately, for some reason he's absent (from the national technical team). I hope he'll be back, he's my personal coach. Thanks to Beacon Insurance for keeping him on board to help me with my progress."

-Kern De Freitas

www.trinidadexpress.com

What’s the end? We know the means are irrelevant. Once the objective is achieved how it’s done does not matter. That ladies and gentlemen, is where we are. Once there are consequentialists in leadership positions there will always be debate about what is reprehensible or acceptable. Can the ends ever justify the means? Is doing anything whatsoever to get the result you want, regardless of the methods used okay? Does it matter whether these methods are legal or illegal, truth or lies, democratic or dictatorial? Where does one draw the line? Can questionable means justify an exemplary end? Are there no rules that cannot be broken or bent? Can we move forward if we are always prepared to sacrifice the future for present success? Is it acceptable to tolerate leaders who believe that the end justifies the means? If so, under what circumstances? What are the implications and are these implications positive or negative? Can there be sustainable development when there are individuals in leadership position who over excel when it comes to destructive habits?

There are individuals who will put forward the view that because they have assets such as money, power and influence and have a track record of Machiavellian success that those attributes qualify them for leadership. What is more important? Integrity and credibility, a track record of accountability and honesty? Or is the ability to get things done regardless of methods the defining factor? If one is to be guided by the history of mankind then it is safe to say that leaders who have as their moral compass the view that the end justifies the means, have inflicted more suffering and harm than good. What has resulted from such an approach is poor governance and leadership mediocrity. It is a slippery slope. Is a track record of good governance important? Is the absence of such a track record a sign of a leadership and stewardship crisis? Accepting mediocrity will only encourage more mediocrity. Stakeholders must stop making excuses for inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour. Don’t celebrate the wrong things. How things are done must matter. Future leaders will be shaped by what they see, hear and experience. Are they being taught the right values? Are they seeing that integrity, ethics and honesty matters?

Sport gets its leaders, coaches and athletes and officials from the wider society. What happens outside of sport prevailing attitudes, norms, culture and values matter. Sport has a stake in what’s happening in the wider operational environment. From a strategic perspective there are threats that complicate internal weaknesses. The sport sector must think through the broader issues and not be contented to simply “cool yourself, relax and take what you can get. Don’t go looking for trouble.” This column appreciates that it is important to remain humble and grateful and that gratitude is a sacred place where you allow and know that a force greater than your ego is at work. However this is not about fear, anger, despair or frustration. This is about the belief and conviction that we are not fulfilling our true potential as a nation, a people or a society and in sport. We can only improve if we acknowledge our shortcomings, failures and mistakes and question our assumptions and indulgences. Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein, Osama Bin Laden, Robert Mugabe, Papa Doc Duvalier, Idi Amin and Pol Pot to name but a few showed us that there is no evil that cannot be condoned or rationalised. In closing, I wish to express sincerest condolences to the families and friends of Messrs Compton Gonsalves, David Cumberbatch and Noel Luces. Their contributions to sport and by extension the nation have been invaluable. Rest in peace gentlemen.

-Brian Lewis

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Tonya Nero delivered Trinidad and Tobago’s first ever individual medal at the NACAC Cross Country Championships when she finished second in the senior women’s 6K race at this year’s event at the Queen’s Park Savannah on Saturday. Nero was pipped by Liz Castello of the USA and prevented an American sweep of the medals. In the three-lap event which started and ended in front of Queen’s Royal College, the 24-year-old looked relaxed throughout. Castello took the lead with Nero in second in the final lap which took the runners northwards; down into the Hallows and east along the Botanical Gardens then turning southwards back to the starting point. Coming to the final bend, Nero was passed by Laura Thweatt but recovered to sprint past the American to take an historic second place.

Fourteen-year-old Donicia Antoine took tenth place (26:40:89) while the other local entrants Thias Gutierrez (27:32:90) was 11th and 16-year-old Mickayla Ottley, 12th (28:51:22) The national ladies team also collected silver which was an improvement on the bronze won in 2010 and 2011. Speaking after her performance, Nero said her plan was to stay with the Americans as long as possible. “As the race progressed I got a little worried because I felt I was dropping back but I told myself I had to keep going. When I saw Castello go past, I realised she had more speed but as Thewatt got by me, I had enough left to battle her and get the second place.” A Wichita State University graduate, Nero said she was grateful for the home support. “It made a big difference. I felt encouraged and welcomed. They were very supportive during the race.” Nero’s next competition is the Rotterdam marathon in Holland on April 15 where she is hoping to get under the Olympic qualification standard of 2:43:00.

Nero improved on her 19th place in her previous NACAC cross country appearance in 2007 when she ran in the junior women’s 4K event. Her silver medal placing also previous best finish by a local woman: 11th by Samantha Shukla in the 2010 event at Mt Irvine, Tobago. Jules La Rode was the top local in the senior men’s 8K run taking 11th spot in 26:44:96. Taking the gold was Canadian Cameron Levins (24:04:13) whose win prevented a USA sweep of the individual races. Levins improved on his second place finish in 2011. Americans Christopher Landry (24:10:61), Elliot Krause, Josh Simpson and Jeff Shirmer all followed. Curtis Cox was 26th (27:24:49), with Mathew Hagley (27th-28:11:95), Roland Bartholomew (28th-28:37:08) and Kenroy Pierre (29th-31:36:46) finished next. The top Caribbean finisher was Damion Bent of Jamaica who was 14th. The men’s squad missed out on medaling, finishing fourth behind USA, Canada and Jamaica.


National junior cross country winner Akeem Marshall led the way for the local runners in the junior men’s 6K crossing the line in 27th in 20:04:58 as America took the top two spots. Jace Lowry won in a time of 8:50:85 ahead of Adam Bruan (18:54:02) with Benjamin Flanagan of Canada third. Double Carifta champion Nicholas Landeau ended in 25th (20:11:21). T&T’s other entrants were: Jevon Joseph (33rd-21:59:32), Travis Diaz (34th-22:19:98), Kyle Johnson (35th-22:38:81) and Sowande Jackson (37th-23:22:43). The junior men’s team placed 5th with the USA capturing the gold from Canada, Puerto Rico and Jamaica.

-Clayton Clarke

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Trinidad and Tobago's Under-23 footballers closed their four-match training camp in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with a convincing 6-1 victory over local club Clarema United at the Lockhart Stadium training pitch yesterday afternoon.

The T&T Under-23s are preparing for the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament, which kicks off later this week in the United States.

Following back-to-back losses to Fort Lauderdale Strikers (2-1) and Canada (1-0), coach Angus Eve's men gave a polished performance against Clarema, coached by ex-Jamaica international Desmond Smith.

Trinidad and Tobago's US-based midfielder Sean De Silva, after joining the camp on Saturday night, made an immediate impression, notching a pair of goals (30th and 40th) and setting up another in the 44th for Columbus Crew midfielder Kevan George. De Silva also had a free kick hitting the crossbar.

T&T's other goals came from Jamal Gay (24th) and second half substitutes Cordell Cato (75th) and Shahdon Winchester five minutes from full time.

After enjoying the better of the early exchanges, Trinidad and Tobago, for the fifth successive match, conceded first when Akeeba Marshall's low effort was deflected past goalkeeper Andre Marchan in the 24th minute.

It didn't take long for Eve's men to respond as two minutes later Joevin Jones smartly held two men off before playing one through for Gay and the Caledonia AIA forward slotted past the Clarema goalkeeper.

And then four minutes later, De Silva made a run on the left of the box and cut back on to his left before unleashing a shot into the right corner to put T&T 2-1 ahead.

The go-ahead goal spurred them on further with De Silva again involved. The College of Charleston player collected wide from Jones and was fouled just outside the box. De Silva then curled one on the near post for George to stab home from close range.

Trinidad and Tobago continued to dominate as they surged forward and punished Clarema again just before the break. Micah Lewis' penetrative run led to him whipping a ball over for De Silva to comfortably hit home on an open far post.

Eve reverted to almost his entire regular starting team after resting them in the loss to Canada and it seemed to have paid off. And with a healthy lead at half time he opted to put on Winchester and Cato, as well as Jomal Williams, Kareem Moses, Marcus Joseph and Trevin Caesar in the second half.

Cato's burst of speed was again evident and he put his name on the scoresheet when he took on three defenders before directing a right footer into the net from just outside the box, with Winchester lurking inside the area. But the W Connection striker was not to be left out as soon after he met a through ball and took his time before pushing the ball past the Clarema keeper in the 85th minute.

Eve is set to announce his final 20-man squad for the CONCACAF qualifiers today, prior to the team's departure to California on Wednesday. He will continue the camp with training sessions in Fort Lauderdale.

"I think it was a really good way to finish the training matches. The team didn't give us a bad run by any means but we worked on a couple things and the players applied themselves well today," Eve told Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) media officer Shaun Fuentes after the match, which was the second win in four games in Fort Lauderdale after an opening 4-1 victory over Honduras 5 Stars last week Sunday.

"We still have a couple things to polish up on and we'll be working on this over the next couple days before we head over to LA. But I was happy with our finishing today and the aggression as well. Now it's that time where it's the difficult part where the final team has to be named and some players have to be left out. They are all part of the squad but, unfortunately, we can't pick everyone to go into the tournament. From here into the tournament the focus will be on our three matches with no other distractions whatsoever," Eve added.

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

T&T will be sending a 19 and Under male team, coached by Alan Too-A-Foo, a 19 and Under female team, coached by Adam Foley, and a 15 and Under male team, also coached by Foley.

The Carifta Synchronised Swimming and Water Polo Championships will be followed by the 2012 Carifta Swimming Championships, which will splash off on April 12 in Nassau, Bahamas with 29 T&T swimmers participating, including Kristin Julien, Kimberlee John-Williams, Dylan Carter and Joshua Romany,

Hazel Haynes is head coach for the swimming delegation for Carifta Swimming 2012. She will be assisted by former national swimmer Terry-Ann Evlyn and Maurice Faria.

XXVII Carifta Swimming and Water Polo Championship teams:

T&T 19 and Under Male Team: Simon Wilkes, Christian Chee Foon, Andrew Chin Lee, Daniel Tardieu, Daniel Alvarez, Kieron Emmanuel, Russell Ferreira, Jonathan Gillette, Andrew Clarke Shaquille Mitchell, Marc Stauble, Ryan West, Andrew Too-A-Foo

Alan Too-A-Foo (Head Coach), Gregory Joseph (Assistant Coach)

T&T 19 and Under Female Team: Leah Dos Santos, Emma Chin Lee, Anisa Clark-Rowley, Lily Stauble, Nicol Ollivierre, Anya Welch, Rejeannne Diaz, Olivia Neckles, Jadee Hutchinson, Zyra Joseph, Tianna Joseph, Shemiyah Dow-Ross, Jordan Van Reeken

Adam Foley (Head Coach), Ronson Hackshaw (Assistant Coach)

T&T 15 and Under Male Team: Joshua Diaz, Adam Alexis, Justin Bhola, Christian Gillette, Aaron Sheppard, Dyllon Lara, Keenan Charles, Nabeel Hosein, Takashi Afoon, Adrian Hinds, Joseph Herrera, Liam Smith, Kryztien Sharpe

Adam Foley (Head Coach), Andrew Francis (Assistant Coach)

T&T Carifta Swimming Championships team:

11-12 girls: Amira Pilgrim, Aliyah Noel, Arielle Downes, Jessie Changar

11-12 boys: Christian Marsden, James Gillette, Justin Samlalsingh, Dario Omiss, Osaze Riley, Kael Yorke, Johann Ferdinand, Johnpaul Pedro

13-14 girls: Tyla Martin, Syriah David, Shania David, Jewel Mulrain

13-14 boys: David Wiltshire, Jabaria Baptiste

15-17 girls: Rebecca Marshall, Alexandria Donahue, Kristin Julien, Kimberlee John-Williams

15-17 boys: Dylan Carter, Joshua Romany, Jonathan Gillette, Jonathan Ramkissoon, Kareem Baptiste, Ross Phillips, Emiro Goosen

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Fabrice Muamba's fiancess has issued an emotional appeal for the football world to pray for the Bolton Wanderers midfielder as he remained in a critical condition in hospital after collapsing during Saturday’s FA Cup tie against Tottenham.

Muamba, who became engaged to girlfriend Shauna Magunda on Valentine’s Day, has been in intensive care at the London Chest Hospital since being admitted on Saturday evening after suffering a cardiac arrest in the 41st-minute of the sixth-round game at White Hart Lane, which was abandoned by referee Howard Webb.

The 23 year-old’s plight has prompted a huge reaction across the global football community and Shauna issued her plea for continued prayers through her Twitter account on Sunday night: “Please keep praying for @fmuamba its really helping I can feel it xx.”

The call was echoed by former Bolton captain Gary Cahill, who displayed a “Pray 4 Muamba” T-shirt after scoring in Chelsea's FA Cup win against Leicester City on Sunday.

Real Madrid players last night wore shirts before their Spanish League match wishing Muamba well.

Bolton’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa at Villa Park, which was scheduled for Tuesday, has been postponed and although a withdrawal from the FA Cup was considered by senior figures at Bolton in the immediate aftermath of the incident, it is understood such a move is not on the agenda at the Reebok, despite the potential difficulties – emotional and logistically – of restaging the Spurs tie later this month.

Referee Webb was stood down from his role as a fourth official at Sunday’s Premier League encounter between Wolves and Manchester United following consultations with a psychologist who advises the referees’ body, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle, who remained at Muamba’s bedside with club chairman Phil Gartside for lengthy periods on Sunday, insisted that the postponement of the Villa game was a necessity.

“The players wouldn’t be in any fit state to play the game,” Coyle said.

“Football pales into insignificance at a time like this, and it is vital we concentrate our efforts on Fabrice right now.

"But the support that has been offered has been nothing short of outstanding.

"It is such a difficult and emotional time for Fabrice’s family and our thoughts and prayers are with them.

“It is important we stay strong. Bolton Wanderers is a family club and the response over the last day or so completely ties up with that.”

Tributes to Muamba have been widespread, with many team-mates and rival players tweeting their thoughts, and Coyle admits that the England Under-21 midfielder’s character off the pitch tallies with the sentiments being offered.

Coyle said: “It is all well and good having a God-given gift and being a great footballer, which Fabrice certainly is, but it is more important to be a good person.

“Fab is a wonderful lad, with a great sense of humour and a beautiful smile and he is well liked by anyone who has come in contact with him.

"Everybody is praying for Fabrice, which is very important, and that has been a real source of strength to the family. We certainly hope he comes through this.

“Our concern is Fabrice and Fabrice only and that’s what all our energy is going into – hopefully a happy outcome.”

Gartside added: “The support that we had from Tottenham and our own fans was fantastic – the staff, the fans, the players and the officials at the game – it was unbelievable.”

With Muamba anaesthetised by doctors in an effort to manage his condition, the player was visited by Tottenham forward Jermain Defoe and Arsenal defender Johan Djourou, a close friend from his time at the Emirates, on Sunday.

Coyle had revealed early on Sunday morning that the next 24 hours would be “crucial” for Muamba, with doctors more likely to be in a position to assess his reliance on medication following prolonged treatment.

Although it was reported locally in Bolton on Sunday that Muamba’s heart had stopped for two hours on Saturday, there has been no confirmation of this, although a joint statement released by the club and hospital confirmed that his heart was restarted after leaving White Hart Lane.

Supporters from Bolton and rival clubs left cards, flowers, shirts and scarves at the Reebok Stadium yesterday urging Muamba to get well soon. Managers added their best wishes.

“I am sure everyone feels great sympathy for the boy but we cannot be feeling as bad as what his family must be feeling,” said Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish.

“It must be horrific for them to be either listening or watching the game and see something like that happen and we hope he has a very speedy recovery.”

Roberto Di Matteo said he had spoken to Cahill before Chelsea’s game against Leicester: “He was shaken like the whole football community and our thoughts and prayers go to the family of Fabrice.”

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp joined Coyle in praising the compassion shown to Muamba by both sets of supporters on Saturday.

South Wales Police have confirmed that one man had been arrested for posting racially offensive comments on Twitter in relation to the Bolton midfielder.

By Mark Ogden

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

AT THE tender age of six, Tishon Camps is rapidly experiencing the highs and lows, the joys and heartbreaks of life.

Less than a week after he was hailed a hero for rescuing his grandfather Noel Luces who suffered a stroke while driving with the youngster in Marabella, Luces died at the San Fernando General Hospital on Tuesday evening.

Added to this heartbreak, the brave youngster is also having to come to terms with the fact that his father who was charged and went before the courts, is now in jail having been remanded into custody after efforts to post bail failed.

Luces, 63, died at about 9 pm on Tuesday in hospital. An autopsy yesterday at the San Fernando Mortuary confirmed that Luces died from complications arising out of the stroke and a subsequent cardiac arrest (heart attack).

Luces, a former national cyclist and coach at the Rig Tech Sonics Cycling club located in Pleasantville, San Fernando was on a ventilator at Ward 9 of the hospital following the stroke.

Last week Wednesday, Luces had just come off Bay Road in Marabella and turned at the intersection to continue along the By Pass Road heading toward San Fernando to drop off Tishon at school, when he suffered a stroke. Luces lost consciousness and slumped on the seat.

Tishon who was the front seat passenger acted quickly and pulled the steering wheel to keep his grandfather’s SUV from going into a drain.

He then pulled up the handbrakes to stop the vehicle. Subsequently, Tishon flagged down officers in a passing police vehicle for help. Police officers contacted the Emergency Services and Luces was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital.

On Tuesday, young Tishon was celebrated by his class and schoolmates as Karen Mitchell the Principal of his school — Jordan Hill Presbyterian Primary School — presented him with a medal for his bravery. Hours later that same day, Luces died at hospital. Meanwhile, Tishon’s father Joel Ramkissoon of Corinth Road in Princes Town appeared before Magistrate Lisa Ramsumair-Hinds yesterday in the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded not guilty to a charge of marijuana possession. He was placed on $40,000 bail, but was later remanded into custody when the bail could not be posted. He returns to court on April 5.

Tishon began living with his grandfather when he was only a few months old after his parents separated. His mother lives in the United States.

He and older brother Joshua, 12, lived with their grandfather at his Pleasantville home. Their sister Aaliyah, ten, lives with Tishon’s paternal grandmother Kamla Ramkissoon in Princes Town. Since Luces’ stroke, both Tishon and Joshua have been staying with Ramkissoon.

Ramkissoon told Newsday that when she got the news of Luces’ passing on Tuesday night, she was shocked and then panicked as she did not know how or what to tell Tishon and his brother Joshua, 12.

She said she waited for the morning (yesterday) and then hugged Tishon, Joshua and their sister ten-year-old Aaliyah as she tried to explain to them that Luces, had died. Ramkissoon said that while Joshua became silent, Aaliyah started to scream and shout, “it’s not true!”

Tishon, Ramkissoon said, appeared puzzled at the news. “ Tishon told me, ‘how did he die? What is die? I want to go and see my grandpa!,” Ramkissoon said.

By this time, she added, she too was in tears as she told Tishon and the other siblings they won’t see their grandfather again. At this news, she said, Tishon’s eyes filled with tears.

Ramkissoon said that when she later tried to explain death to Tishon and how a dead person is placed in the ground and buried, Tishon told her, “I going with grandpa in the hole when he going. I going too.”

Tishon spent yesterday in the company of his siblings and other relatives while funeral arrangements were being made for Luces.

At an earlier interview last week with Newsday, Tishon expressed his deep love for his grandfather and said he wanted to see him.

He got that wish on Saturday afternoon when Ramkisson took him to hospital to see Luces.

Her voice breaking with emotion, Ramkissoon last night appealed for professional help to counsel not only Tishon but also Joshua and Aaliyah as they try to deal with Luces’ death.

-Vashtee Archiber

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

THE FIRST Professional Track Cycling Team in the Caribbean, aimed at exposing regional cyclists and allowing them to receive UCI ratings and points has been formed.

The initiative is the brainchild of ex-cyclist and Beacon owner and founder Jerry Hadeed and it focusses on local cyclists qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Yesterday, former president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) Robert Farrier said the programme has been labelled “Project 2016”.

He explained that cyclists will travel to all parts of the world to take part in international tournaments which are UCI sanctioned. Farrier said the professional track team will prepare local cyclists for tournaments such as World Cups. “What has been done in the past is that countries would carry their National teams and the pro teams which would enable more cyclists to participate at UCI events.

“The riders can either ride for their country or for the pro team and at the end of the tournament they would have been given points as well as rating depending on how they performed at the tournament,” said Farrier.

The professional track team will begin with Njisane Phillip, Quincy Alexander and Christopher Sellier.

Former national coach Desmond Dickie will fill the positions of Technical Director and coach while Farrier will be one of many volunteers.

-Walter Alibey

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

The British Olympic Association is "cautiously optimistic" after a hearing on Monday to decide if its lifetime bans for drug cheats breach the world anti-doping code.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) heard arguments from the BOA and the World Anti-Doping Administration (Wada), which opposes lifetime bans.

If the BOA's bans are lifted, sprinter Dwain Chambers is among those affected who could compete at London 2012.

A verdict may not emerge for a month.

Following Monday's hearing, BOA chairman Lord Moynihan told reporters: "It was a good day, all the arguments were put really strongly. The voice of the athletes was definitely heard and we now wait and see.

"One of the questions we put is to try and get a resolution as soon as possible. My expectation is a month, we don't want it any longer as it is in the interests of the athletes that they know what the outcome will be.

"Today was an outstandingly good presentation, the voice of the athletes came over strong and loud so I'm cautiously optimistic."

Chambers, 33, and 35-year-old cyclist David Millar have been prominent examples of reformed drugs cheats still active in their sports whose Olympic hopes are affected by the decision Cas is set to reach.

"I have no idea what the outcome will be and that does make it difficult. It does bother me," said Chambers, who won bronze in the 60m in the world indoors championships in Turkey on Saturday. He was banned for two years in 2003 after being found guilty of taking anabolic steroid THG.

The World Anti-Doping Agency believes Chambers and athletes in similar situations should be free to compete once their suspensions are served.

The BOA's argument, which has found support among a number of high-profile current British athletes, says its requirement that athletes have clean drugs records is part of its selection criteria for any Olympic Games, meaning the lifetime ban is not an additional punishment.

However, Lord Moynihan has insisted Chambers and others would be welcomed back into contention for the London 2012 team if Cas rules against the BOA.

"If it goes our way, it would be fantastic. But I can't get too happy because I still have to qualify," said Chambers.

"Even though I'd become eligible, I'd still have to qualify. These youngsters are getting faster and I'm getting older, so it's becoming that much harder."

Chambers has received support from American sprinter Justin Gatlin, who beat him to gold in Istanbul.

Former 100m Olympic champion Gatlin, who was banned for four years after testing for testosterone in April 2006, is free to compete in London 2012 as the United States team is open to athletes who have served drugs bans.

"He's one of the best runners in British history," said Gatlin.

"He came back after all his trials and tribulations and established himself as one of the best runners for the UK team.

"I think he has proven himself as a God-given talent and a good runner and to have him on that line in the Olympics would be a great show."

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/athletics/17328532

FOUNDING MEMBER of the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) Compton Gonsalves passed away at the age of 86 last Thursday.

Gonsalves was TT’s first cyclist to compete at the Olympic Games. He represented TT at the 1948 Olympic Games in London, England.

Additionally, Gonsalves played an integral role in the formation of the TTCF.

The founder of Saddle Boys Club also ensured that local cycling was separated from being governed by the Amateur Athletics Association.

In 1946, the veteran rider claimed bronze in the 4000-metre Team Pursuit at the fifth Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games.

One year later Gonsalves raced to victory in five events at the National Championships. He also established local records in the half-mile and 15-mile races. Shortly after Gonsalves decided to migrate to England.

He then returned to the local competitive circuit after a 10-month absence. At the 1948 Olympic Games, he finished 16th in the 100m Time Trial and was eliminated in the first round of the Sprint.

In 1949 Gonsalves teamed up with Ferdi de Gannes to remove cycling from the Amateur Athletic Association.

This exodus caused a legal struggle which eventually culminated in the founding of the TTCF in 1951.

His final major international race was at the 1951 World Championships prior to pursuing sports administration and eventually assuming the presidency of the TTCF.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Michael Romany has expressed condolences to the family,friends and the local cycling fraternity on the passing of 1948 Olympian Compton Gonsalves. " Compton was a tireless servant to local sport and cycling in particular. His contribution to national service serves as an exemplary example."
Romany also noted that the passing of Gonsalves means that the only surviving member of T and T's history making 1948 London Olympic Games team is Rodney Wilkes.

Former national cyclist and administator Compton Gonsalves died on Thursday at the Mount Hope Hospital. He was 85 years old. Born in Guyana, December 11, 1926, Gonsalves came to Trinidad in 1940 and will be remembered as a champion cyclist in the 1940s and 50s. He represented T&T at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, the CAC Games, the World Championships and many International events.

In 1951, he was instrumental in the formation of the T&T Cycling Federation and was a past president.
Gonsalves’ formed the Saddle Boys Cycle Club and in 1952 he was a founding member of the Madonna Wheelers. He was inducted into the T&T Sports Hall of Fame in 1985. Gonsalves funeral will take place at the Church of the Assumption,  Long Circular Road, Maraval at 10 a.m today

WASA Football Club is now the lone non-TT Pro League outfit to remain in the T&T Football Federation (T&TFF) FA Trophy competition after defeating OJ Soldado 3-1 in the quarterfinal match, at WASA Ground, St Joseph. A double from Fabien Garcia and a single effort from Shane Calderon, was the difference between the National Super League team and the Southern Football Association team, whose only goal came from Anderson Smart. In a more predictable fixture, Defence Force defeated last year’s Super League bottom place finishers St Francois Nationals 5-0. Jossimar Belgrave bagged a brace, while Jemal Sebro, Jevon Sebro and Ross Russell Jr got the other goals for the under-strength “Tetron Boys”. W Connection also defeated the lone Secondary Schools Football League representative, Tobago’s Scarborough Secondary 5-0, thanks to a hat-trick and a double from Hashil Arcia and Jerrod Britto, respectively. Caledonia AIA, was the other team to book a spot in the last four of the competition with a 2-0 win over Super League cup and league champions bmobile Joe Public. Devorn Jorsling and Ataulla Guerra scored one goal each in either half. The draw for the semi-final matches will take place at the President’s Box of the Queen’s Park Oval, Tragerete Road, tomorrow from 2 pm.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Many are unable to make the transition from campaigning to governing. A direct consequence is a preoccupation with partisan interest. Mature leadership transcends selfishness. Immaturity is unable to do so. In the quest to improve sport governance and leadership, examples of mature and immature guidance can be found in all areas of daily life. There is no intent to disparage anyone, but rather to highlight that when we don’t take a mature and holistic view, mediocre results and unacceptable tradeoffs will be the outcome. All of us who have been elected share a great privilege: We’ve been placed in office by the votes of those we serve. It is a privilege shared by elected leaders in politics, sports, communities, civil society and non-government organisations. It is a privilege no one ought to take for granted. Just as a government owe their success in elections to the citizens of the nation and as such should work for the people. All elected leaders have a responsibility, obligation and duty to focus on working for the benefit and good of all - those who voted for and those who voted against and those who for personal reasons choose to abstain.

Let’s not associate maturity with getting older. That is a false association. Some people simply get older not more mature. Maturity is the ability to see and think beyond selfishness. It is the ability to put the interests and development of others first. If we use, as an example, the marathon 27-hour no confidence in the Prime Minister debate, one may well say it was an opportunity lost. Aside from picong and tit for tat accusations that advanced their own ends what came through loud and clear sounded a lot like traditional, command and control, top down and archaic governance, governing and leadership. If one were to judge by the debate contributions – the national interest of the country, society and future generation’s matters not when compared to what is in the best interest of the respective political parties. In developed and mature societies, political parties and political systems are guided by a political idea or philosophy. In every aspect of national life, a society needs leaders who are positive role models and exemplars. As such political leaders have a tremendous responsibility. Our members of parliament could have auditioned their big ideas and vision for T&T and the nation’s future - setting a positive example and creating a defining moment for mature leadership and governance. And, we would have gotten a narrative on the political ideals perspectives, philosophy, ideology and values behind their policies and proposals.

Good governance and ethical transformation are evolutionary notions that blossom with maturity, fortitude, temperance and providence. It was troubling the lip service to values such as integrity, honesty and transparency. Water under the bridge – that was yesterday- what are the lessons in governance and leadership? Where then are sport leaders and other civil society leaders to look toward for stewardship and leadership best practice examples? What is the national vision and value system that provides a signpost for sport and other national activities? What is going on? When will truth and good sense prevail? When will the lies and lying stop? Who cares about the brokenness of our times? This is craziness. As unbearable as unsatisfied avarice maybe our greatest enemy is not corruption or greed but despair. Despair is treacherous as it silences courage, shatters hope and destroys faith. Sir Francis Bacon cautioned that “men believe what they prefer” and “it is an immense ocean that surrounds the island of truth.” As we sit beside the rivers of Babylon bounded by foreboding and gloom - all that we can say is despair not for his faithful love endures forever.

-Brian Lewis

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Trinidad and Tobago finished the World Indoor Track and Field Championships on a high note, capturing bronze in the men’s 4X400m finals on the final day of action at the Atakoy Athletic Arena in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. The quartet of Lalonde Gordon, Renny Quow,  Jereem Richards and Jarrin Solomon combined to clock a national record of 3:06:85 to take the bronze medal behind the United States and Great Britain (3:04:72). The local squad was given the silver medal after the USA was disqualified. However, on appeal, they werre reinstated as winners. The result was just short of the medal won at the 1993 edition in Toronto, Canada when Ian Morris, Neil De Silva, Alvin Daniel and Dazel Jules collected silver in 3:07:02, the previous national record. The medal is the lone podium for the local contingent.

In the final event of the three-day championships, the national quartermilers had to work hard for their medal. Gordon started from lane one and was last at the first exchange. He handed over to Quow who moved up to fifth before Richards got into the act. The 18-year old ran a smart race and closed the gap on the top four before handing over to Solomon who moved up to fourth on the back straight and timed his finishing kick to perfection getting by the Russian Vladislav Frolov mere metres before the line to put the red, white and black on the medal table. Minister of Sport Anil Roberts congratulated the team on the success. The seven-member team finished 19th on the medal table. The USA topped the standings with 17 medals (9 gold, 3 silver and 5 bronze) with Great Britain 9 (3, 2, 4) and Ethiopia 5 (2, 1, 2) rounding off the top three. Jamaica was 8th with two medals (one gold, one silver) and Bahamas 16th with two silver medals.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt