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The Prince was greeted by a carnival band, samba dancers and crowds chanting his name as he began the £25 million official drive to capitalise on the Olympic Games and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

The Prince was introduced by David Beckham, the footballer, via a video link at the launch on Sugarloaf Mountain, which dominates the view of the city. It marks a significant new role for the Prince as a "trade ambassador" for Britain.

But it continued the informal tone of his first foreign tour, which has already taken him to the Caribbean and been considered a triumph by royal aides and diplomats.

Prince Harry joked about his brother and father as he opened a party on the mountain attended by British representatives including Lily Cole, the model, and Marcus Wareing, the chef, and Brazilians including Daniella Helayel, founder of Issa – one of the Duchess of Cambridge's favourite fashion labels – who staged a fashion show.

He climbed to the top of the mountain on a Union-Jack branded cable car before opening the even, which showcased the "best of British" culture and business with James Bond memorabilia, a fashion tent featuring Stella McCartney and Burberry and prestige cars including Bentleys and Aston Martins.

His visit has attracted huge attention in Brazil in a boost to the tourism campaign, called GREAT, which hopes to attract millions of extra tourists from him to “get the party started as only he can”.

He managed to poke fun at Beckham – a friend of the Prince and his older brother – saying "That was David Beckham. Apparently he used to play football."

He then added: “Thank you for a stunning Anglo-Brazilian welcome to your spellbinding city – I've got to get this right – this 'cidade maravilhosa'.

"Over the years, I've seen and heard so much about this extraordinary place – in fact, ever since my father told me about a certain dance he once had with a beautiful girl called Pinah. It just seems to have stuck in his mind for some reason."

The joke was a reference to Prince Charles dancing the samba in Rio in 1978 with Pinah de Beija-Flora, whom he later described as a "rather dramatically semi-naked lady".

The Prince also poked fun at Prince William – with whom he has been exchanging text messages throughout the tour.

He said: "Everything about Rio makes you want to dance. I'm just so thankful that my brother isn't here because he might actually do it – and that would not be cool."

In a relaxed performance, he highlighted the "flourishing partnership with Brazil", one of the world's most dynamic economies, especially in sport.

He is due to play beach volleyball on the sand in Rio later and said: "I can't wait for beach volleyball tomorrow morning. It's my kind of game.

“I'm going to help coach Brazilians to play rugby. One plea to all Brazilians, though: please, please – if we show you how to play rugby – don't do what you've done with football, and leave us wishing we hadn't."

The Prince, accompanied by Rio’s mayor, Eduardo Paes, started his evening with a trip by cable car to Morro da Urca, a plateau on Sugarloaf Mountain where the exhibition stands showcasing the “best of British culture and business” across the technology, retail and sports sectors was hosted.

More than 700 Brazilian “investors”, “artists” and “cultural leaders” attended the event.

When shown the magnificent view of Rio from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain by the mayor, who pointed out all the beaches across the city, he exclaimed “Wow. You’re not short of beaches here, that’s for sure.”

The £25 million GREAT campaign, is a drive to capitalise on the London Olympics and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this year, aims to attract an extra 4.6 million visitors and an estimated £2.3 billion visitor spend to the UK over the next four years.

Rio is one of 14 key cities have been identified for Britain’s biggest ever tourism campaign, including Mumbai, Sao Paulo, and Shanghai.

Prince Harry met Chris Holmes, Britain’s most successful Paralympic swimmer, the winner of 15 medals and the director of Paralympic Integration for London 2012.

In the “sport” tent, Mr Holmes showed the Prince some of the London 2012 gold medals that have already been struck for this summer’s games.

Prince Harry pointed to one of the medals and said: “That one will be around Usain Bolt’s neck. Actually, it could be round my neck as I beat him the other day.”

The FA Cup was also on display, although the Prince could hardly quite believe it was the genuine article.

“Is that the real one?” he asked. “No, I don’t want to lift it up, I’ll just touch it,” he said, before he was eventually persuaded to brandish the trophy .

Guests at the event dined on a special menu devised by British and Brazilian chefs, Marcus Wareing and Roberta Sudbrack which included traditional British roast beef and Yorkshire pudding canapés.

Prince Harry also toured a presentation of James Bond memorabilia which included Odd Job’s bowler hat and the cable car that featured in the scene of a showdown between the Bond villain Jaws and Roger Moore’s Bond in the 1979 Moonraker.

After his speech, the Prince listened to a live music show featuring a performance by the Brazilian singer Maria Gadu.

The Rio event is the final stage of a tour which has become an unexpected triumph and makes the Prince an international star performer for the Royal Family.

The Prince has also sent a thank-you note to the Governor-General of Jamaica following his three-day tour of the Caribbean island – where his hug with the country's prime minister had ended tensions over her intention to end Queen's role as the former colony's head of state.

He wrote: “Wow! I have totally fallen for Jamaica and its people. The warmth that I received from the moment I set foot on your awesome island has been totally overwhelming.

"In passing on your good wishes to The Queen for her Diamond Jubilee, I can’t wait to tell her all about my three-day visit.

“I have made lifelong friends – and cool ones at that! Please can I come back and visit … lots?”

On Sunday Prince Harry will end his tour of Brazil playing in the Sentebale Polo Cup in Haras Larissa, Campinas, Sao Paulo.

Prince Harry set up his charity Sentebale, in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, in memory of their late mothers.

Sentebale, which means “forget-me-not” in the Sesotho language, supports orphans and vulnerable children in the southern African country..

By Roya Nikkhah, Royal Correspondent, in Rio de Janeiro

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

March 11 - Colin Moynihan (pictured), chairman of the British Olympic Association (BOA), believes that even if the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rules against the byelaw which currently allows his organisation not to select serious doping offenders for any Games, the BOA position will be regained.

Speaking on the eve of the BOA's appeal to CAS challenging the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) recent declaration that it is "noncompliant" with global doping policy, Moynihan told insidethegames that ground occupied by the BOA since 1992 would be regained, even if it lost this latest battle.

"I believe it will, and the only reason I believe that is not because of Colin Moynihan, it is because of the views of the athletes.

"I'm not talking just about British athletes here, I am talking about athletes across the world.

"They are looking to the IOC (International Olympic Committee), the the Olympic family, to deliver a clean Games.

"They don't want competition between chemists and laboratories, they don't want kids dying because they are taking a whole cocktail of drugs.

"They want a clean Games.

"Britain went to Atlanta [in 1996] and got one gold, and we've come fourth in the medals table at Beijing 12 years later, with 19 golds, and we did that clean.

"There is nobody who questions for a moment the British squad, and the tough line we have taken, and that has meant that the message to any athlete in this country is that you are simply not going to get there unless you are clean.

"We have set a very clear example through the last 20 years when we have had our byelaw that we only going to select clean athletes, and if we do they can win.

"You don't have to be on drugs to win.

"And that is the message from Atlanta to Beijing – the A to B.

"That's the background to our byelaw.

"So that is why I am confident.

I think when I and others have moved on, this campaign will still continue."

Moynihan, who has worked closely on the BOA legal position with David Pannick QC, who will be the organisation's advocate on Monday.

He believes the BOA is entitled to select its competitors in just the same way that Sir Alex Ferguson can select his players.

"That autonomy is the same as Sir Alex Ferguson's when it comes to choosing his Manchester United team on a Saturday," he added.

"And we will fiercely protect the right to select those that we believe are best capable of representing Team GB at the Olympic Games, where Olympic values are important.

"If somebody is match fixing, I don't mind how good an athlete they are, the BOA must have the right to decide not to select that athlete.

"And if they have knowingly taken drugs to cheat a clean athlete the BOA should have the right to say they should never represent Team GB in the Olympic Games.

"Separate from this case, that is a point that sport has to address.

"The 204 National Olympic Committees should have the right to select the athletes they wish to select."

And whatever the decision of the three-man CAS panel, Moynihan – who was at Eton Dorney to watch the final GB rowing trials – made it clear that the BOA would be turning its attention in a major way to instigating changes in the World Anti-Doping Agency code.

"When, effectively, the maximum sentence is two years for the most serious doping cheats, then these are dark days for sports administration," he said.

"After this is all over, we will campaign to change the WADA code.

"The WADA code is currently under revision and as it happens on Wednesday is the deadline for first submissions to change the WADA code.

"I think WADA is in need of fundamental reform across a whole range of issues.

"I think two years for a serious doping offence, the same sanction for someone who has mistakenly got clenbuterol in their system in a steak they have eaten, is fundamentally wrong.

"I think it is wrong that so many clean athletes in this country and internationally are operating under a compliance regime where they feel guilty before they are proved innocent.

"The whereabouts tests and overall approach to testing is so rigorous that on many occasions genuinely clean athletes feel that the system is pointing the finger at them as guilty and they have to continuously prove their innocence.

"I think WADA has clearly failed on a number of accounts and I'll give you one.

"Virtually all the serious drug cheats have been caught by law enforcement officers, not by WADA.

"If you look at Marion Jones in athletics, she wasn't found out by WADA, she was found out by law enforcement officers investigating BALCO (Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative).

"If you look at the cyclists who have been caught, again it is law enforcement officers.

"As it was with Dwain Chambers (pictured above centre).

"Not WADA.

"David Millar (pictured below) – EPO (Erythropoietin) – law enforcement officers, not WADA.

"So – hang on a minute, why are WADA not delivering?

"We need to review that and look at ways in which we could improve WADA and also reflect the wishes of the athletes.

"When we appear before CAS, we are the voices of the athletes.

"And the athletes keep saying: 'We want a clean Games, so please BOA, please IOC, work to make sure than anybody who is a serious doping cheat and who is willing to hide for as long as they can the benefits of performance-enhancing drugs to deny clean athletes the right to be selected, please IOC don't give them a platform at the Olympic Games.

'And certainly not after a two-year ban.'

"But the CAS case is nothing to do with that.

"The CAS case is about the right to select clean athletes for a clean Games, and the autonomy of the NOCs [National Olympic Committees] is supported by the IOC, is supported by athletes, is supported by the IOC Athletes Commission unanimously, is supported by the European Olympic Athletes Commission and by the British public.

"And they are right."

On the subject of whether athletes who have served serious doping bans, such as Chambers and Millar, had the right of "redemption", he added: "I'm really disappointed they made the decisions they did to take drugs – they knew the consequences.

"Secondly, both of them have campaigned strongly now against drugs in sport.

"But they have campaigned in full knowledge that our selection policy has not changed.

"And the third point is that those who argue there should be redemption for the most serious of drug cheats should pause and reflect that there is no redemption for the clean athletes who have never put on the Olympic kit because there are cheats out there who want to be selected and have knowingly taken those drugs to deny clean athletes the right of selection.

"There's no redemption for those clean athletes.

"And that is a really important point.

"But I have said all along that should the CAS panel find against us then anyone who is selected, such as Dwain or David, will be a full member of the British team and will receive full support."

By Mike Rowbottom at Eton Dorney

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

NATIONAL CYCLIST Quincy Alexander called on the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) to get their act together if the country is to produce more medals at the international competitions.

He made the plea at VIP Lounge of the Piarco International Airport yesterday, only days after winning a gold medal at the Kilometre Time Trial at the Pan American Track Cycling Championship at the Julio Polet Velodrome in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

Flanked by his parents, Nigel and Ann Marie Alexander, officials from the Ministry of Sport and Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago, the 18-year old cyclist explained that the TTCF played no part in his gold medal performance and described the management at the TTCF as poor.

He revealed that he was initially going to the Pan American tournament without a coach and manager as the Ministry of Sport had only purchased a ticket for him.

Alexander explained that his sponsor Beacon thankfully stepped in and paid for his coach Desmond Dickie to accompany him. However, his manager Robert Farrier had to cover his own expenses.

Alexander who produced a scorching 1:06.165 to secure the gold medal questioned why the TTCF did not make representation for his technical staff to accompany him at the Championships. He felt his achievement was due to divine intervention along with the assistance from his coach, manager, sponsor, parents and teammate Njisane Phillip.

“It was as though God wanted me to win that medal. I asked God for a medal and he granted me my wish and I am so grateful for that,” said an elated Alexander.

He added, “Two days before my event the conditions in Argentina were terribly cold and freezing, but on the day that I competed the conditions were suddenly warm. The sun came out on that day and I was really surprised.”

He thanked Phillip who also won gold medal at the Pan Am for sharing his experience and wisdom.

“It was a merely a team effort and Phillip was there with me sharing his experience and guiding me along before my race.”

Alexander was presented with $3,000 worth of equipment and accessories from the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago.

He will resume training tomorrow in preparation for the forthcoming World Cycling Championship in Melbourne, Australia from April 4-8.

Meanwhile Minster in the Office of the Prime Minister Rodger Samuels told the gathering that the best of Quincy Alexander is yet to come.

Samuels said he was not surprised when he heard that Alexander won gold.

By Walter Alibey

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

Prince Harry continued his prank filled Diamond Jubilee tour by crossing the line in a charity fun run in Brazil wearing a mask bearing the face of his brother Prince William.

Officially, it was a day to “celebrate the passion Brazil and Britain share for sports” and “to further explore the links between London 2012 and Rio 2016”.

Unofficially, it was a chance for Prince Harry to roll in the sand with short-clad female beach volleyball players and indulge in his passion for rugby, all in the line of royal duty.

On his second day of a three-day tour of Brazil, which Prince Harry is visiting as a trade and Olympics ambassador, the Prince often looked more like a character from Baywatch on Rio’s Flamengo beach in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain, than third in line to the throne.

He began the morning with a charity fun run, taking part in a Sport Relief mile with groups of local families and children, together with several Olympic and Paralympic athletes, the supermodel Lily Cole and the chef Marcus Wareing.

The run raised funds for five local charities.

Dressed in black striped tracksuit bottoms, a polo shirt and sunglasses, he showed yet another flash of the cheeky sense of humour that has become the trademark of his first solo overseas tour, donning a paper mask of his brother, the Duke of Cambridge, to complete the run in a leisurely 8 minutes 32 seconds.

The mask was given to him by a fellow runner and drew cheers and laughter from the crowds.

It was the latest in a string of light-hearted moments that have typified the Prince's Diamond Jubilee tour. Earlier in the week he charmed much of Jamaica, including the country's Prime Minister who has expressed strong Republican views.

His antics on a racetrack with 100 metre world record holder Usain Bolt helped to win over his hosts.

The Prince faced a packed schedule during his tour and after the run in Brazil it was time to hit the beach to give some local children some rugby lessons.

Prince Harry, the vice patron of the Rugby Football Union, qualified as a touch rugby coach on his gap year in 2004.

He joined several top coaches from the Aviva Premiership including James Coles and Scott Watson for a rugby coaching session with local children from the Vasco da Gama junior rugby team.

At one point during the session, the Prince scooped up two children under his arms and ran with them along the beach, much to their delight.

Rugby is growing in popularity in Brazil, and will become an Olympic sport for the first time in 2016.

Following the rugby, the beach action continued with the Prince taking part in a volleyball match.

Although Prince William has joked that he is “keen” for tickets to the ladies’ beach volleyball matches for the Olympics, Prince Harry yesterday had a taste of what might be on offer at Horse Guards Parade this summer.

Clad in a shirt in the Brazilian colours of yellow and green, emblazoned with “Harry”, and a baseball cap to shield his face from blistering sun, the Prince got a few tips from the two-time Brazilian Olympic medallist, Adriana Behar and Jackie Silva, an Olympic gold medallist.

Ms Behar said: “We’re showing him how to do spikes and some other techniques, but he looks like he's already got the moves.”

Prince Harry scored several points during the match, laughing and brushing off several times after landing in the sand.

Watching the action on the beach from the sidelines, Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, the Olympics and Sport, who has joined Prince Harry for part of his tour of Brazil, spoke of the Prince’s “electrifying” impact as an international ambassador for the UK.

He said: “Prince Harry has the impact of 1,000 politicians. Watching him during his tour of the Caribbean and in Brazil, he is becoming an extraordinary phenomenon.

"He has not been on top of our list before as an ambassador, but seeing the electrifying effect he’s had here, his real connection with children and sport, shows just how he has taken to the role.

“Once again, it just goes to show what an asset the Royal Family are.”

In the afternoon, Prince Harry visited the Complexo do Alemao favela in the “zona norte” of the city, one of Rio’s poorest districts where he saw first-hand the poverty affecting thousands of Brazilians in urban areas.

The Prince took a cable car to the top of the favela, where, accompanied by young children and members of the local community, he met local graffiti artists, watched a pagoda musical display and visited a mobile health unit. He then opened a newly renovated community centre.

Prince Harry was given a raptuous welcome from a children's choir when he arrived at the top of a poor district of Rio.

Little girls clung to his hands and smiling boys clustered around him after they sang a song to welcome him to a favela called Complexo do Alemao on a hilllside in the gritty north of the city.

They were singing a song about the "need to have fun, and play and they can change the world."

Afterwards they kids from the Coral Liga dos Cantates choir clambered around the prince, 27, as he went down on one knee to chat to the youngsters.

Choir member Eduardo Miranda, 9, said: "I have never seen anyone so white with so many freckles. He was really gorgeous and everyone wants to be a princess."

Others asked him when he was going to come back and visit again.

One girl caught his eye as she held onto his hand and took a snap. The Prince playfully blew a raspberry at her as she did.

Thiciane, aged nine, said: "He is a really nice guy. He asked me if I was having fun and I said yes. This is a really special day in my life."

Rayanne, 11, said: "I first saw Prince Harry at his brother's wedding on the tv. I told him he is very handsome."

At a vaccination clinic set up for the day, he spoke to mothers and babies who were being brought in for polio and hepatitis b jabs.

He asked one little girl the name of her dolly and was told by the women that the clinic had improved their chances to get welfare for themselves and their children.

Prince Harry is due to end his tour of Brazil on Sunday by playing in the Sentebale Polo Cup in the Campinas district of Sao Paulo.

He set up Sentebale, in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, in memory of their late mothers.

Sentebale, which means “forget-me-not” in the Sesotho language, supports orphans and vulnerable children in the southern African country. Some of the money raised will also go to Brazilian charities.

The Prince has spoken of the charity’s work as a way of following in his mother’s footsteps and “keeping her legacy alive”.

He will then stay on in Brazil privately for a few days, exploring wetland conservation, one of the key areas of interest of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.

By Roya Nikkhah, Royal Correspondent, in Rio de Janeiro

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Keshorn Walcott will lead the charge for Trinidad and Tobago at the 2012 Carifta Games.

The Toco thrower is among 45 athletes selected to represent the red, white and black, and will bid for a hat-trick of boys’ under-20 javelin titles at the April 7-9 meet, in Bermuda.

Walcott made light work of the 54.00 metres qualifying standard at last weekend’s Carifta trials, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain. He opted to use a shortened run-up, but still produced a big 67.12 metres throw.

Walcott’s 72.04m Games record, established in Montego Bay, Jamaica last year, could be under threat in Bermuda, and perhaps his 75.77m Central American and Caribbean (CAC) junior record as well.

Also chosen for national duty in the boys’ under-20 category are 2011 under-17 double gold medallists, Machel Cedenio and Nicholas Landeau.

Cedenio and Jereem Richards are listed for the 400m event, while Landeau and Mark London will bid for honours in the 1500m. Richards has also been selected for the 200m, along with Asa Guevara.

Kernesha Spann will attempt a difficult double in the girls’ under-20 category. She has been chosen for national duty in the 400m event, as well as the 400m hurdles.

Sprinters Jonathan Farinha and Nicholas Douglas, jumpers Andwuelle Wright and Edson Moses, and throwers Kenejah Williams and Precious George are among the boys’ under-17 athletes on the T&T team.

And long jumper Alisha St Louis, high jumper Ayana Glasgow, thrower Britney Bedlow and hurdler Jeminise Parris are among those selected to compete in the girls’ under-17 category.

TEAM T&T

Boys’ under-20—Jereem Richards (200, 400, 4x100, 4x400), Asa Guevara (200, 4x400), Machel Cedenio (400, 4x400), Mark London (1500), Nicholas Landeau (1500), Ruebin Walters (110 hurdles, 400 hurdles, 4x100, 4x400), Kuniba Stewart (110 hurdles), Kern Alexis (400 hurdles, 4x400), Atiba Wright (long jump), Kevin Roberts (long jump, triple jump), Akeel Edwards (triple jump), Hezekiel Romeo (shot put), Keshorn Walcott (javelin), Akim Phillips (javelin), Jonathan Holder (4x100), Breon Mullings (4x100, 4x400), John Mark Constantine (4x100), Jesse Berkley (4x100)

Girls’ under-20—Kernesha Spann (400, 400 hurdles), Domonique Williams (800), Dawnell Collymore (800, 1500), Shaunna Downey (discus), Marielle Pierre (discus), Cherisse Murray (shot put)

Boys’ under-17—Nicholas Douglas (100, 200, 4x100), Ron Wright (100, 4x100), Jonathan Farinha (200, 4x100, 4x400), Andwuelle Wright (long jump, 4x100), Edson Moses (long jump, high jump, 4x400), Kenejah Williams (shot put, discus), Shaquille Singuineau (shot put), Precious George (javelin), Jamell Dacon (4x100), Nathan Farinha (4x400), Jamoul Pierre (4x400), Aaron Andrews (4x400)

Girls’ under-17—Jeminise Parris (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles), Alisha St Louis (long jump), Ayana Glasgow (high jump), Meriah Freeman (high jump), Britney Bedlow (discus), Shaiann Charles (discus), Portious Warren (shot put), Chelsea James (shot put), Akidah Briggs (javelin)

Officials—Dexter Voisin (manager), Allan Baboolal (assistant manager), Nadine Hamid (throws coach), Ismael Lopez (throws coach), Robin Brereton (jumps coach), Wendell Williams (jumps coach), Edwin Skinner (sprint & hurdles coach), Althea Busby (sprint & hurdles coach), Gerard Franklyn (sprint & hurdles coach), Juleus Smart (middle & long distance coach), Anyl Gopeesingh (team doctor), Zephyrinus Nicholas (massage therapist), Jason Pilgrim (massage therapist), Lucretia Burns (chaperone), Dawn Washington (chaperone)

-Kwame Laurence

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Marc Burns opens his bid for honours in the men’s 60 metres dash at the World Indoor Championships, in Istanbul, Turkey, at 11.59 this morning (T&T time).

The Trinidad and Tobago sprinter has been drawn in lane seven in the fifth of eight heats.

Burns, a silver medallist in the men’s sprint relay at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, will square off against seven other sprinters in his opening round heat, including Canadian Justyn Warner and Guyana’s Jeremy Bascom. The top two will advance automatically to tomorrow’s semis.

Lalonde Gordon and Jarrin Solomon will fly the T&T flag in the men’s 400m.

Gordon, who ran an indoor best 46.43 seconds in New York, USA, in January, will match strides with British quarter-miler Nigel Levine at 6.30 a.m. (T&T time), in the third of six heats.

Five minutes later, Solomon will be on show in heat four. American Gil Roberts, second on the 2012 world indoor list at 45.39 seconds, is also in this heat.

The favourite for gold, 19-year-old Grenadian Kirani James, will run in heat two. James, the reigning 400m world outdoor champion, is the 2012 world indoor leader at 45.19.

The top two finishers and the six “fastest losers” will advance to the semi-final round, scheduled for 2.10 this afternoon (T&T time). Jamaal James will be the first T&T athlete to compete at the 2012 World Indoor Championships.

James will be on the track at 4.34 this morning (T&T time), running in heat five in the men’s 800m. He is targetting a top-two finish in the race and an automatic berth in tomorrow’s semis.

And the lone female athlete on the T&T team, 60-metre hurdler Aleesha Barber, faces the starter at 11.21 this morning (T&T time) in the fourth and final first round heat. The top three finishers will automatically secure lanes in the semis.

-Kwame Laurence

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Mark the day - Thursday 8th March, 2012 - as the day Trinidad & Tobago saw its youngest ever Pan American Champion in Quincy Alexander. At the age of 18 years and 70 days, the Arima native has written his name into the epilogues of T&T’s sporting history.

It was not as simple as he may have wanted it to be and may have been a bit fortuitous since Quincy got a second shot at the medal. That is to say, the 1 kilometre time trial began the night of the 7th, which saw Quincy clock a time of 1:06.133 to be provisionally second behind Kevin Mansker (USA). However, almost 5 minutes after his effort, the heavens opened up and washed out the remainder of the night’s program.

By regulations, all cyclists competing in the 1 Kilometre Time Trial have to attempt their ride under similar conditions, hence Quincy would have to re-attempt his ride on the morning of the 8th March in much windier conditions.

That however, would not deter the youngster as he stopped the time at 1:06.165 (3/100th of a second slower than his time the previous night). To put it into perspective, Kevin Mansker (USA) clocked a time of 1:05.570 the previous night but could only muster a 1:06.635 the next morning – an entire second lost; proving how exhausting and tedious the Kilometre Time Trial can be.

At the end of it all, Quincy had to wait until Carlos Linares (VEN) to ride; the one man who had the potential to better his time. The Beacon sponsored rider’s time was way to superior and too much of an uphill task for the Venezuelan as he registered 1:07.424, giving Quincy Alexander his first ever Elite Pan American title in his first ever International Elite competition since becoming a senior some 70 days ago.

He follows in the footsteps of Gene Samuel (1984 & 1994) and Christopher Sellier (2010) who captured gold at the same event. This mean that Trinidad & Tobago's 2-man team leaves Mar del Plata with 2 Gold Medals; a feat that has never been accomplished before.

Congratulations to Quincy Alexander, his management, coaching staff and support system that are without fail at every one of Quincy’s cycling events. The future is extremely bright for Trinidad and Tobago cycling and we are eager to see what it holds.

As well, job well done by the contingent at Mar del Plata; Rowena Williams (manager), Roger Smart (mechanic), Robert Farrier (Quincy Alexander’s manager) and Des Dickie (Quincy Alexander’s coach).


Final Results:



1st - Quincy Alexander (TRI)- 1.06.165

2nd - Kevin Mansker (USA) - 1.06.635

3rd Matia Gatto (ARG) - 1.07.261

4th Davi Romeo (BRA) - 1.07.415

5th Carlos Linares (VEN) - 1.07.424

6th Dieferson Borges (BRA)- 1.08.914

7th Jose Vega (CRC) - 1.13.100

8th Jason Vega (CRC) - 1.14.425

Source: http://www.facebook.com/notes/trinidad-tobago-cycling-federation/quincy-takes-pan-am-kilo-crown/10150665123123586?notif_t=note_tag

FORMER national 400 metres runner Ian Morris is dissatisfied with the suspension given to young Trinidad and Tobago athlete Semoy Hackett who tested positive for methylhexamine at the National Track and Field Championship in September last year, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

Methylhexamine is a stimulant which acts on the central nervous system to increase wakefulness, enhance cognitive function, cause alertness and euphoria.

The 24-year-old 100 metre sprinter was slapped with a six-month suspension, retroactive from the date of the positive test, September 16.

But Morris, who just missed out on an Olympic bronze medal at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 said the athlete should have been given a life ban.

“I do not ever tolerate the use of drugs by any athlete because as far as I am concerned, once you do it once then you can do it again. To add, it cannot be fair to the other athletes that took part in the championship.”

Hackett, who won the 100 metres title at the stadium, was also stripped of all medals from September of last year to present.

It is understood Hackett has been told she still has to make the qualifying standard, if she is to run at the London Olympics.

Morris explained that the athlete will now be scrutinised very closely.

“She will be watched like a hawk when she takes the tracks again...although She really might be clean at (whatever) games,” Morris said.

The athletics coach explained that he accepts the decision of the National Association of Athletic Administration (NAAAs) to allow the athlete to try and make the qualifying standard for a second time if she wants to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the Olympic Games in July-August.

Hackett’s explanation was that she accepted a drink from a friend and did not know that it contained the stimulant.

Morris said, “If it were up to me, she would not be running again.”

Meanwhile, another former Olympic athlete Candice Scott, who took part in the hammer throw, has described the incident as unfortunate.

“I am disheartened to know that she took a drink from someone. An athlete should know that they should not take drinks from other people like that. It’s like allowing someone to pack your suitcase before you go to the airport.”

Scott described the suspension as sufficient and called on Hackett not to allow the incident to deter her.

“She is a young runner with her entire career ahead of her and she has to get her life going again.

“She has been allowed to run again but she will be under the microscope when she steps back onto the tracks.”

The retired hammer thrower wants Hackett to be more diligent next time, saying ,“She has to prove herself on the tracks again.”

-Walter Alibey

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

March 7 - Mexico's Mario Vázquez Raña was re-elected as President of the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) in Mexico City today but his election was, inevitably, shrouded in controversy and bad-feeling, only heighthened after he removed the group's popular treasurer Richard Peterkin in what appeared to be an act of revenge.

Vázquez Raña refused to hold a secret ballot despite Luis Mejia, the President of the Dominican Republic Olympic Committee, openly demanding that one be held, even though the Mexican was the only candidate.

He insistead insisted that the process be carried out by acclamation or raising hands, which, even though the Dominican Republic were supported by Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Bolivia, Bermuda, Chile and Bolivia.

Applause finally broke after Michael Chambers, the former President of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), paid tribute to Vázquez Raña and started clapping him.

But one delegate inside the hall in the Mexican capital estimated that only 25 per cent of the audience joined in the applause with the rest refusing to join in.

Vázquez Raña nevertheless claimed that he did not want "not run over the desire of the majority" and declared himself re-elected.

"I was applauded with love and respect, with the same enthusiasm as I did in 1975 and I am willing to meet my commitments.

"I appreciate and I take this [title] of all, even of those who did not applaud."

It extended Vázquez Raña's 37-year reign and he is now set to continue in the role until 2016, even though he will be forced to step down as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the end of this year when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 80.

One of his first acts was to sack Peterkin as treasurer of PASO, a role he had held since 2000, and replace him with Ecuador's Danilo Carrera.

The decision to get rid of Peterkin, the President of the St Lucia Olympic Committee, appeared to be retribution for him last year failing to support Vázquez Raña in his row with the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), where the West Indian is also treasurer.

The current row has only strengthened the determination of the four other continents to force Vázquez Raña out as President of ANOC at its assembly in Moscow next month.

A meeting is due to be held in Bangkok on March 17 and 18 where a strategy is to be developed to ensure that a motion of "no confidence" is passed against Vázquez Raña.

At the heart of the strategy will be Vázquez Raña's recent controversial decision to remove Australia's Kevan Gosper as vice-chair of Olympic Solidarity, the IOC programme that distributes nearly $400 million (£230 million/€310 million) to National Olympic Committees (NOCs) around the world and which Vázquez Raña has headed since 2002.

Gosper was replaced by Sweden's Sweden's Gunilla Lindberg, the secretary general of the ANOC, with Raña claiming that he had taken the decision at the behest of IOC President Jacques Rogge.

But senior ANOC officials have now allegedly uncovered a letter which they claim shows that it was clearly the decision of Vázquez Raña and nothing to do with Rogge, who has since abolished the position of vice-chair at Olympic Solidarity.

Vázquez Raña is now set to be accused of misleading the ANOC Executive Board, a charge he seems certain to be unable to refute.

His reputation is already badly damaged and, following the events in Mexico City, few expect him to survive as head of ANOC.

"Historically, no one had dared to face Mario and I did," said Mejia after the PASO election.

"This is the beginning of the end for him."

-Duncan Mackay

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

JUS AMAZING – Those may be the only those two words that can describe Njisane Phillip’s perfect run at the 2012 Pan American Cycling Championships in the Sprint Event. Phillip showed his true merit, determination and proved why he should be representing Trinidad & Tobago at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

He first distanced himself from all non-believers and doubters when he set a new track record in the qualifying flying 200m with a time of 10.377s; his closest rival was just over 10.5 seconds. There was no stopping the speedster after that as he won all his races in fine form.

He took out Penaloza (CHI) in the 1/16 Final, then Hugo Barette (CAN) in the 1/8 Final and the perennial threat of Travis Smith (CAN) in the quarter-final in two straight rides. After a night’s rest, the rain in Mar del Plata tried in vain to spoil the show as it delayed the start of the evening session by about 30 minutes.

There was no dampening of Njisane Phillip’s spirit nor no rain on his parade!

He marched into the final after disposing of Fabian Puerta (COL) again in two straight rides to set up a neutral’s dream final with Hersony Canelon (VEN). Arguably, the two fastest men in the Western Hemisphere, Canelon held the upper hand on Phillip in their last two meetings. At the 2011 edition of the Pan Am Championships, Njisane went down to Canelon in the Semi-Final round as he went on to win the title. Then again in the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara the Venezuelan would get the better of Phillip at the same hurdle.

Added to this, Canelon skipped out on the London World Cup two weeks prior and thus had the fresher pair of legs to the Siparia native. But as the old adage goes, “where there is a will, there is a way” and Phillip certainly found it.

Once again and true to form, he won in two straight rides to become the 2012 Pan American Champion in the Sprints! From our calculations, T&T would have now amassed 173pts  and Venezuela with 133pts, thus T&T should jump ahead of Venezuela in the COPACI Olympic ranking by a marginal 3 pts. This is truly an amazing feat when we take into consideration that before the season began Trinidad & Tobago was 237pts behind the first place country at the time.

Njisane becomes T&T’s first Pan Am Champ since Christopher Sellier’s masterful 1km Time Trial triumph in 2010. Tomorrow we start over once again as Quincy Alexander is expected to line up in the Keirin event from 8:00am (T&T Time).

Once again, huge congratulations go out to now the undisputed fastest man in the Western Hemisphere and the 2012 Pan American Champion – MR. NJISANE PHILLIP!

Take a bow because you truly deserve it!

FULL RESULTS:

1. Phillip, Njisane (TRI) Gold
2. Canelón, Hersony (VEN) Silver
3. Puerta, Fabián (COL) Bronze
4. Bottasso, Leandro (ARG)
5. Marin, Jonathan (COL)
6. Smith, Travis (CAN)
7. Veloce, Josep (CAN)
8. Watkins, James (USA)
9. Gatto, Matia (ARG)
10. Barrete, Hugo (CAN)
11. Blatchford, Michael (USA)
12. Mansker, Kevin (USA)
13. Cipriano, Falvio (BRA)
14. Borges, Dieferson (BRA)
15. Marcano, Cesar (VEN)
16. Alesander, Quincy (TRI)
17. Horta, Rubén (MEX)
18. Perruchoud, Pablo (ARG)
19. Jair, Tjon En fa (SUR)
20. Verdugo, Edgar (MEX)
21. Silva, Andrés (CHI)
22. ROMEO, Davi (BRA)
23. Larrañaga, Miguel (MEX)
24. Peñaloza, Felipe (CHI)
25. Guillen, Marco (CRC)
26. Alvarado, Javier (CRC)
27. Acosta, Favio (CRC)

Source: http://www.facebook.com/notes/trinidad-tobago-cycling-federation/njisane-phillip-pan-american-champion/10150660131343586?notif_t=note_tag

National sprint champion Semoy Hackett has been banned for six months, after testing positive for the stimulant Methylhexanamine on August 13 last year, at the National Track and Field Championships.

The ban, however, took effect from September 16, 2011, and will end next Friday, March 16.

At a press conference, at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva yesterday, National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) secretary Allan Baboolal, said his organisation could not make a public statement on the issue until the case was completed.

He said the NAAA received a fax from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) last Thursday, "finally bringing closure to the matter".

Hackett’s urine sample was tested at an IAAF-accredited lab in Montreal, Canada. The IAAF informed the NAAA of the positive test on September 5, one day after the conclusion of the 2011 World Championships, in Daegu, Korea.

As part of the disciplinary process, Hackett attended a hearing in Trinidad, in October last year, before a committee comprising seven NAAA executive committee members--Baboolal, president Ephraim Serrette, Dr Ian Hypolite, George Comissiong, Dawn Washington, Paul Voisin and Robin Brereton.

Baboolal said six months is the minimum ban for Methylhexanamine.

The NAAA opted for leniency because the organisation is convinced Hackett’s doping was inadvertent.

"Miss Hackett," Serrette said, at yesterday’s press conference, "was initially at pains to explain how the substance got into her system, but finally recalled that she had taken a drink from another athlete, believing it to be a simple popular sport drink.

"A supplement had been added to the drink, unknown to Miss Hackett, and this turned out to be the source of the Methylhexanamine. The other athlete was also unaware that the supplement contained a banned substance.

"The NAAA," Serrette continued, "continues to advise its athletes as to their absolute responsibility for whatever substances they put into their bodies. The NAAA further advises athletes to pay careful attention to the contents of supplements, and to seek clarification from the association, or from relevant professionals."

The supplement ingested by Hackett is an over-the-counter product. Serrette said a list of questionable products will be provided to clubs in an attempt to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.

All Hackett’s performances, from the day of her positive test, August 13, till the end of her ban will be struck from the records.

As a result, the Trinidad and Tobago quartet that finished fourth in the women’s 4x100 metres relay at the 2011 World Championships will be disqualified.

Kai Selvon, Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Hackett and Michelle-Lee Ahye, running in that order, clocked 42.58 seconds in the championship race. The same quartet produced a 42.50 national record run in the qualifying round. That record will be removed from the books.

Hackett will also lose the national 100 metres title she won at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on the day of her positive test. The Tobago sprinter clocked a wind-assisted 11 seconds flat to secure gold, beating Selvon (11.19) and Ahye (11.20) into second and third, respectively.

Selvon will become the new 100m national champion, the 19-year-old earning a belated sprint double. She had captured the 200m title in 23.27 seconds.

-Kwame Laurence

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Jereem Richards was in dominant mood on day two of the 2012 Carifta trials, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, yesterday, bolting to victory in the boys’ Under-20 200 metres final in an impressive 21 seconds flat.

Richards took charge on the bend, and never look threatened on the straight, finishing well ahead of Asa Guevara, the runner-up in 21.49.

Machel Cedenio, winner of the 400m on day one, ran a slow bend, giving himself too much to do in the second half of the race. Cedenio gave another fine display of finishing strength, but was never going to challenge Richards for the top spot, settling for third in 21.59 seconds.

Richards was among 14 athletes who attained Carifta qualifying standards yesterday. Four of them, including Richards, also qualified in an event on day one.

A total of 28 athletes achieved Carifta standards at the two-day meet.

Like Richards, Jonathan Farinha dominated his rivals in the boys’ under-17 200m final.

Coming off the turn, Farinha had a couple strides on 100m winner Nicholas Douglas. But a scorcher in front of the main stand at the Crawford Stadium killed off the race as a contest, Farinha winning in 21.32 seconds--68 hundredths of a second faster that the 22.00 Carifta standard.

Douglas, second in 21.85, also qualified. On Saturday, he had attained the 100m standard.

Kernesha Spann was the lone competitor in the girls’ under-20 400m hurdles. But that didn’t prevent her from beating the Carifta mark. A 400m qualifier on day one, Spann returned a time of one minute, 00.15 seconds in yesterday’s one-lap hurdles.

Kenejah Williams emerged as a double qualifier as well, the Tobago athlete throwing 48.54 metres to top the boys’ under-17 discus field. On Saturday, he was equally impressive in the shot put.

Half of yesterday’s 14 qualifiers were throwers—Williams, Keshorn Walcott and Akim Phillips in the boys’ under-20 javelin, Brithney Bedlow and Shaiann Charles in the girls’ under-17 discus, Hezekiel Romeo (boys’ under-20 shot put) and Precious George (boys’ under-17 javelin).

Romeo threw the iron ball 18.50m—a personal best with the six-kilogramme shot.

Walcott, meanwhile, signalled a warning ahead of his title defence at the April 7-9 Carifta Games, in Bermuda. Using a shortened run-up, he hurled the spear 67.12m.

DAY 2 QUALIFIERS (14)

Boys’ under-20 200m – standard 21.40

1. Jereem Richards (Quantum) 21.00 (wind: +1.1)

Boys’ under-17 200m – standard 22.00

Final (wind: +1.6)

1. Jonathan Farinha (Abilene) 21.32

2. Nicholas Douglas (Zenith) 21.85

Semis Heat 2 (wind: +2.1)

1. Nicholas Douglas (Zenith) 21.95

Boys’ under-20 400m hurdles – standard 54.00

1. Kern Alexis (Neon Trackers) 53.79

Girls’ under-20 400m hurdles – standard 1:01.00

1. Kernesha Spann (Neon Trackers) 1:00.15

Boys’ under-17 high jump – standard 1.85m

1. Edson Moses (Tobago Falcons) 1.85m

Boys’ under-20 long jump – standard 7.00m

1. Atiba Wright (unattached) 7.01m (wind: +0.7)

Boys’ under-20 shot put – standard 15.00m

1. Hezekiel Romeo (Memphis Pioneers) 18.50m

Boys’ under-17 discus – standard 39.00m

1. Kenejah Williams (Tobago Falcons) 48.54m

Girls’ under-17 discus – standard 32.00m

1. Brithney Bedlow (Tobago Falcons) 35.21m

2. Shaiann Charles (D’Abadie) 34.88m

Boys’ under-20 javelin – standard 54.00m

1. Keshorn Walcott (Rebirth) 67.12m

2. Akim Phillips (Zenith) 56.55m

Boys’ under-17 javelin – standard 48.00m

1. Precious George (Warriors) 48.58m

-Kwame Laurence

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Trinidad and Tobago’s Njisane Phillip took his record-breaking form to the Pan American Track Cycling Championships in Argentina yesterday, smashing the track record at Julio Polet Velodrome yesterday in Mar del Plata.
Phillip and senior T&T debutant Quincy Alexander both lined up for the Flying 200 event, yesterday, which qualifies riders for the match sprint.
And Phillip topped the field with a searing 10.377 seconds ride on the 250-metre concrete track, a strong time at a venue that is only 34 metres above sea level. He made it to the quarter-finals last night, where he is expected to medal at the very least.
Phillip’s record ride qualified him to face off with Felipe Penaloza, and the T&T Olympic hopeful blasted past the Chilean to move into the third round. Yesterday evening Phillip also outrode Canada’s Hugo Barrette to make it to the final eight, where he will face one of the repechage qualifiers.
Alexander also qualified with a good showing in the Flying 200, his 10.921s being the 16th best time among the 27 riders, but another Canadian, Joseph Veloce, edged him out in the second round.
The 18-year-old Arimian will next be in action tomorrow for the keirin and kilometre time trial events.

-Kern DeFreitas

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

President of the National Association of Athletic Administration Ephraim Serrette has publicly criticised the actions of the Memphis Athletic Club after it staged an unauthorised training session and subsequent protest at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Thursday evening. The club, which was preparing for this weekend’s Carifta Trials at the same venue, defied a notice released by the Sport Company of T&T in January stating that the facility would be unavailable for use until March 3. According to reports, members of the club, including head coach and Olympic medallist Edwin Skinner, entered the venue without permission and began training with their junior athletes. When asked by security to leave the premises at 6 pm, they refused and mounted a protest. Speaking during a press conference at the Stadium’s VIP Lounge yesterday, Serrette said he was disappointed by the conduct of the club. “Rules are rules... You can’t just come into the arena without authority... I sympathise with the athletes, but they knew in advance that the stadium would not be available until March 3. Dialogue needs to take place and if we do that we’ll be in a much better state.” The Sport Company’s Senior Manager of Corporate Communications Adrian Raymond added that the situation could have been handled more professionally.

“To go the route that they did and to escalate the situation was just very unfortunate and very irresponsible, particularly since they were dealing with athletes who are minors... They were just simply asked to leave but they chose to disregard the requests of stadium officials and security,” he said. “Mr Skinner felt that he had a fundamental right to be there no matter what, regardless of if we’re the guardians and managers of the facility... The fact is that we need clubs to work with us otherwise anyone can come in here and claim that they should be training here and that’s not right.” However, when contacted yesterday, Skinner claimed that other clubs, including Concorde, had trained at the venue on Wednesday and that the NAAA was aware that Memphis had planned a session. “When we found out, we thought that it had been opened early... If you’re a competitive person, you want to make sure it’s an even playing field... I did not win my Olympic medal by allowing hurdles to stop me.” He added that a small scuffle had ensued after he was approached by a member of the venue’s staff. “A security guard held on to my hand and I refused to move. When he did that the athletes surrounded us and three others guards came to intervene. There was a lot of shoving and pulling going on for about three minutes. The parents were incensed but I told them to cool it.”

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

The glorious sun rose on Friday 17th February, 2012 illuminating the Harmony Hall recreation ground in warm yellow rays of light. The Harmony Hall Presbyterian School was about to commence its first ever Olympic Sports Day. This being the first stage in the school’s participation in the Olympic Values Education Programme (O.V.E.P); an initiative of the International Olympic Committee, Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Education through the Victoria Education District.

This being the first stage in the school’s Olympic Values Education Programme (O.V.E.P.) conceptualized by the International Olympic Committee, Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Education through the Victoria Education District.

The day was the culmination of weeks of organizing and planning by the Principal, Mrs. Joanne Nirmala Ramesar, Staff, pupils and parents of the school. All classes had previously selected their specific countries to represent and participate in our “Olympic” Fun Day. National flags, uniforms, mascots and even the languages of Germany, Japan, Greece and Australia just to name a few could be seen and heard at school. All teachers and pupils eagerly awaited this wonderful day.

Our “Olympic” Day began with a full Olympic ceremony complete with parade of Nations led by Greece with Trinidad and Tobago playing the host; Opening Declaration; Entry of Olympic flag and Anthem; Torch lap; Lighting of cauldron and even the release of the symbolic doves of Peace. Soon our events began with countries competing in archery, cycling, soccer, rifling, sailing, equestrian and even swimming events mirroring actual Olympic Events. All pupils were allowed to participate in teams against another country. Teachers, pupils and parents laughed, screamed and cheered on all athletes to compete in the true spirit of the Olympic Games. The Olympic Values of: Fair Play, Joy of Effort, Respect for Others, Pursuit of Excellence and Balance between Body, Will and Mind were clearly evident as athletes were encouraged to win, complete or assist others in their specific events.

When all was said and done all pupils were winners as gold medals adorned the necks of all who participated. Pupils and teachers smiled from ear to ear as they received the medals from the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s representatives Ms. Nicole Fuentes and Ms. Rena Douglas.

Finally all countries joined together as one body for the closing ceremony and the very first Olympiad of the Harmony Hall Presbyterian was declared closed. What a spectacle as Brazilians embraced Russians, Canadians danced with Chinese and French athletes sang with the Italians. As our day drew to a close all pupils and parents left the venue smiling proudly as the golden medals glittered in the brilliant sunshine.
                                                                                               

Wendell Devlin Ganga Persad
  

Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, could possibly run 9.4 seconds over 100 metres at this year’s London Olympics, Games organising committee chairman Sebastian Coe said yesterday.

Asked about media reports that Bolt was planning an assault on his world record of 9.58 in London, Coe said that Bolt had the ability to tear up the laws of physics.

“I do seem to remember scientists telling people if they tried to break the four-minute mile, they would probably die in the process,” the twice Olympic 1,500 metres gold medallist said in an interview.

“I remember scientists telling me it was probably unlikely that anybody would run significantly under 1:43 for 800 metres,” added Coe, whose world record of 1:41.73 stood for 16 years.

“David Rudisha (the Kenyan 800 metres world record holder) is quite capable of running a chunk under 1:41.

“I do think it’s possible (for Bolt to run 9.4) but also having watched the extraordinary performances of Yohan Blake, his countryman...

“And Tyson Gay in the States is not going to be a pushover either. I’m absolutely convinced that Usain can run faster, but this will be a Games that’s very competitive at 100 and 200.”

Despite his zero-tolerance stance towards doping, Coe said it was dangerous to treat every superhuman performance as suspicious because of a disgraced minority of cheats.

“Nobody comes from nowhere,” he said. “Usain Bolt has been around a long time working very hard.

“It’s far too easy to simply say ‘they’ve made rapid and dramatic progress and therefore they’re on some kind of illegal supplement’. That’s rarely the case.

“I broke 12 world records and won two Olympic titles and would no more have jumped off Beachy Head than taken any supplement.”

Coe said he would accept the ruling over banned British sprinter Dwain Chambers, expected in April, by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

CAS rule on an appeal by the British Olympic Association (BOA) against a decision by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that its lifetime Olympic bans are illegal.

“We would have to live with it (if overturned),” said Coe, an advocate of life bans. “I have written in support of the BOA as has the Minister of Sport.”

“It was a mistake to move (bans) from four to two years.

“Had we stayed at four years this would have been an academic discussion because a four-year ban would have meant the loss of an Olympic Games in that four-year cycle.”

The BOA currently bans from future Olympics any British athlete, such as Chambers and cyclist David Millar, found guilty of a doping offence.

WADA rules specify a maximum two-year ban for a first offence.

“I don’t think two years is enough,” said Coe. “It’s cheating. People talk about rehabilitation, that kind of stuff, but I’m not convinced.

“The damage is done to the integrity of sport, the confidence for people going to sport, for competitors, it’s really vital that we control this.

“I do not think anybody at the highest level of sport that passes beyond that border of morality is doing so because they don’t understand the implications.

“If you take something that enhances your performance you are basically forfeiting your place in the sport.”

With Britain looking set to undershoot its Olympic budget, Coe defended the London Organising Committee over ticket prices as it tries to balance its two billion pound operating budget.

“We start off with a liability of two billion pounds. We have to raise that money ourselves,” he said, asked about top seats for the men’s 100 metres final which will cost 750 pounds.

“Two thirds of the tickets are affordable at 50 pounds or less. “Only eight percent of tickets are in the hands of the sponsors, which is low considering their contribution of one billion pounds.

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

SQUASH PLAYER, Kale Wilson made a successful start to his competitive season when he powered to victory in category “A” of the Toronto Mayfair Open, Canada, during the period February 20-24.

Wilson started as a freshman at the University of Western Ontario in September 2011 and opted to take part in this competition, following a week-long training camp at the National Squash Academy in Toronto.

The Queen’s Park placer won his first round encounter 3-1 and advanced to the quarter-final stages where he won 3-0.

Wilson shocked the Canadian spectators when he repeated his perfect showing in the semi-final stages again winning 3-0.

The TT athlete then stamped his name on Canadian soil when he cruised to a 3-1 victory in the championship match.

Wilson was not carded to compete in this tournament but was originally scheduled to return to TT.

The squash competition was headed by former world number one player, Jonathan Power. Power is the director of squash at the National Squash Academy.

He retired in 2006 as the number one ranked player in the Professional Squash Association and is widely considered as one the best players of all time.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

Plans are in place for the aggressive promotion of Trinidad and Tobago during the Olympic Games in London, England.

High Commissioner to London, Gavin Nicholas confirmed yesterday that for five weeks—July 22 to August 25—the Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn, London will be a mini T&T.

“It is meant to be a Trinidad and Tobago Village during the Olympic period, to highlight all aspects of Trinidad and Tobago culture. There will be fashion, music, food, theatre, film, art, workshops, but most of all a lot of business exposure. Companies from Trinidad and Tobago will participate in an Expo of sorts, exposing T&T to the world, trying to raise our profile because so many people will be in London at the time.

“It’s an overall business thrust...maximising opportunities to get business.”

Nicholas said the T&T Village in Kilburn has the full backing of the T&T Government. He added, though, that it was too early to attach a dollar value to the initiative.

“The cost is still being finalised. The idea is for Government funding, but we’re trying to offset some of the costs through corporate sponsorship. At the end of the day, this is the biggest opportunity for Trinidad and Tobago to market itself in Europe. Also, bear in mind that 95 percent of foreign tourists that go to Tobago are from Europe.”

The High Commissioner said a programme of events for the T&T Village is “being formulated right now”.

“We are looking at the biggest names in entertainment and culture in Trinidad and Tobago. We expect all of them to be there.

“We’re still working with various partners,” Nicholas continued, “though TDC (Tourism Development Company), the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Film Company, Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce, a number of agencies. We would like Trinidad and Tobago media there as well.”

Brian Lara, Dwight Yorke and Anya Ayoung-Chee are all expected to be at the T&T Village, promoting the country.

T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) secretary general, Brian Lewis said there is a lot to be gained from the T&T Village initiative.

“Over the years, we have always wanted to encourage using the opportunity of the Games to highlight attributes of Trinidad and Tobago. Jamaica has done a lot of that, and Barbados to a lesser extent.”

The 2012 Olympic Games will be staged in London, England between July 27 and August 12.

-Kwame Laurence

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex encouraged 23 recipients of the prestigious President’s Award “to walk taller” because of their achievement. Prince Edward and Princess Sofie, Earl and Countess of Wessex are in T&T on a two-day visit to mark the occasion of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Prince Edward is the fourth child and third son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The couple arrived in T&T yesterday morning in the RFA Fort Rosalie, one of the ships of the royal fleet which docked at the Cruise Ship Complex in Port-of-Spain. The couple was escorted to Knowsley Building, Queen’s Park West, Port-of-Spain around 11.05 am in a navy blue seven series BMW where they paid a courtesy call to president George Maxwell Richards and Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards before the presentation ceremony and reception for awardees which started at 11.45 am. The couple arrived with a heavy security detail, along with officials from the British High Commission. Prince Edward was scheduled to address the ceremony after Richards but asked to speak after the presentation of awards. His request was obliged by Richards.

The 23 awardees were from the Naparima Girls’ High School Open Unit, Metal Industries Presidents’ Award Unit and the T&T Cadet Force Unit. They received gold awards. The President’s Award is the successor programme to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. The name change occurred when T&T became a Republic in 1976. Prince Edward is also a recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh Award (gold). When he stood before the podium, Prince Edward he said: “Congratulations everyone, well done. Please, please sit down and relax.” He apologised for changing the order of proceedings. He congratulated the awardees and those who supported them. Prince Edward said: “The reason that we are all here is because of you. “You are the achievers. “You have pursued your award and you’ve achieved the gold award. “Welcome to the National Association of Gold Award Holders but also the International Association of Gold Award Holders.” He thanked those who supported the awardees and said the awards at presidential level made it worthwhile.

Prince Edward also noted T&T’s 50th Independence anniversary later this year. He offered congratulations saying he was delighted to be in T&T to share in celebrations. Prince Edward said: “It is a great pleasure travelling around the world and meeting so many young people and young leaders involved in the programme.” He praised the teachers, groups, friends, parents and leaders and asked them to share in the pride of watching the awardees receive their awards. He said: “When you walk out of this room a little bit later just walk a little bit taller. “I am sure there are other friends out there who say ohhh...the President’s Award...I can do that. “But the difference is, you know you can.” The Prince and Princess later spoke briefly to parents and departed around 12.15 pm for the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s.

-Rhonda Krystal Rambally

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Funny how moments of despair and frustration can bring clarity. It may have been the combination of the blazing sun and a one hour and ten minute wait for YUMA to cross the savannah stage. Whatever it was, it had me questioning my sanity. The situation was made even worse when the National Carnival Commission marshal harangued Tribal Connection, the small band in which I was playing, off the stage inside of ten minutes. Later in the day while crossing the down town stage and having waited for big band Dream Time to cross the stage, another marshal bullied Tribal Connection off the stage after three minutes. Talk about big band horrors and swimming with the sharks. It was no easy task for Astil Alleyne, Gary Sealey and their Union Hall, San Fernando based band. Through it all clarity, collective will and purpose forged perseverance. Dedicated to not only authentic Indian mas but the philosophy that playing mas should not be penance. As such every decision that is made is in keeping with that philosophy and commitment. The fact that Tribal Connection ended up winning small band of the year and masqueraders had a good time is not the point of today’s column but more so the importance of standing up for what you believe in and the principles that you stand for even if others may disagree.

In the above sense sport and Carnival are kindred spirits connected as they both are with the essence and being - the soul and spirit. That they both suffer from similar disregard and disrespect may not have entered the consciousness of most people. Why is it that we seem unable or unwilling to harness the potential and opportunities that both sport and Carnival offer? Why is it that both seem destined for a similar fate? We do like to shout that our Carnival is the greatest show on earth. But is it? T&T Carnival like local sport is more participation oriented than anything else. Most locals don’t want to watch Carnival or sport. They want to play. I recall growing up in Belmont in the late 60s and 70s where many of the sport role models were active in Carnival. There has always been a connection between sport and Carnival. So it is rather profound that the same issues that bedevil local sport are holding back even destroying the product that is Carnival. Why is it that sport and the grassroots elements of Carnival seem to be struggling? Many people will suggest that Carnival and sport both need to be more business oriented.

That may be so but what aspect of Carnival or sport should be more business oriented? When you talk to the band leaders of Tribal Connection they will tell you about the spirit, history and tradition of Carnival—its ties and importance to the community. When you talk to champions in sport they mention the same thing—it’s not just about the medals or the money but about reaching deep into the recesses of your soul and striving to simply be the best that you can be. Is there a balance to be struck between being more business oriented and respecting the spirit and soul of both? If we don’t get it right someone else will. What then? In respect of Carnival, it will still be the greatest show on earth but there will be a new home. As for sport with the gloom of economic woes it’s likely that we will have to start over from scratch. There is room for the bikini and beads crowd in both carnival and sport but should it be at the expense of those who hold dear history and tradition?

-Brian Lewis

Source: www.guardian.co.tt