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Minister, Potts reported to Integrity Commission

Sport Minister Anil Roberts and Buxo Potts, the former promoter he appointed as Special Adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Board of Control (TTBBC) have been reported to the Trinidad and Tobago Integrity Commission, along with Ashwin Creed, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs.

Boxing Board member Ricardo Phillip had submitted the complaint against the three men in a letter dated December 3, two days before he was among four members of the Board sacked by Roberts on Monday, December 5. He is alleging inappropriate action by the trio in a number of matters related to the distribution of funds and the hiring of Board personnel.

The four sacked officials are former deputy chairman Yaqub Abdul-Haqq and ordinary board members Janet Dennis, Mala Nasib and Phillip. They have been replaced by newly-appointed chairman, attorney Annabelle Davis, the People's Partnership candidate for Port of Spain North/St Ann's West, Ruth Marchan, Colin Mills (Tobago) and Neale Greaves.

On Friday, Potts handed out instruments of appointment to the four newcomers at the Ministry of Sport. Replying to questions about his part in the distribution, Potts said he was given the role because both the Minister and permanent secretary were out on assignment. However, Creed was in the building and seen entering his office on the fourth floor of the Ministry, a few minutes before the media conference began.

Potts was asked why the four were fired and replied: "All Board members are appointed at the Minister's behest, and the Minister was not satisfied with their performance.

However, Phillip's letter to the Integrity Commission paints a picture of a Boxing Board in conflict.

Phillips' letter dated December 3, was sent to Martin Farrell, registrar of the Integrity Commission and copied to Dave Bobb, Director of Sports, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.

In the header the letter states: "This letter represents my complaints to Members of the Board with regards to the Minister, the Permanent Secretary (Mr. Creed) and Mr. Boxu Potts. It was sent to my fellow members two days after my refusal to support a boxing card for Mr. Potts and his son. My position is keeping within the laws of Trinidad and Tobago and specifically the Integrity in Public Life Act chapter 22:01."

Efforts to reach Sports Minister Anil Roberts by telephone were unsuccessful.

By Ian Prescott

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

AZIM BASSARATH, president, Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), has renewed calls for an international venue to call their own following the removal of the Caribbean T20 Tournament from Trinidad due to the high cost of renting the Queen’s Park Oval.

The controversial Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba was supposed to fill that role but cost overruns and other challenges have left the venue in disarray.

The facility, which was supposed to be completed in time for the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007, is still under construction with approximately one billion dollars already spent on the project. The stadium was originally expected to cost $275 million.

Bassarath believes having a proper home for local cricket is essential and defended his organisation’s handling of the hosting of the Caribbean T20.

He noted that their detractors are using the issue to lambast his organisation but he remains adamant that they did all they could to keep the prestigious tournament in Trinidad.

“The latest ill-tempered barrage (against the TTCB) has come about as TT were originally scheduled to host the 2012 Caribbean T20 Championships but were substituted at the last moment with Antigua as the West Indies Cricket Board failed to reach an agreement with the Queen’s Park Cricket Club for the Oval venue. At all time during the process, the TTCB has fulfilled its obligation to the letter and regrets that cricket fans are being denied the opportunity to see the regional stars in action,” he said.

Bassarath, speaking at the Movement for Change Fundraiser held on Saturday at the Preysal High School, used the opportunity to make a plea for a facility.

“The unfortunate development does, however, make a strong case for us moving ahead to establish a facility which can undertake regional and international matches and which will offer the best for the players and patrons,” he added.

Bassarath, whose “Movement” slate was recently re-elected unopposed at the TTCB biennial elections, also outlined his party’s achievements and plans for the new term.

Bassarath noted that they have faced tremendous challenges in introducing change from their opponents but clubs have been more receptive of their ideas.

“Thankfully, the major stakeholders in the local game, made up primarily of our like-minded clubs and administrators, do not share that view and have indicated to us that they value collaboration and consensus and want to have a meaningful say in how the game is run,” he said.

The TTCB boss boasted about the proliferation of TT players in the current West Indies team and believes it is as a result of their commitment to development.

“We had long ago realised that if TT are to attain the pinnacle of regional supremacy in all form of the game, emphasis must be placed on the development programmes focussing on the respective age groups starting from primary schools leading up to the Under-19s.

We hoped that this would act like a feeder into the national senior team and ultimately the West Indies Test side...but better was to come when eight TT players were called for the subsequent One-day series against India,” he declared.

Meanwhile, Bassarath hailed his group’s creativity in attracting sponsors as funding from Government has decreased significantly.

“You see my friends, confidence in the Cricket Board’s policies and plans and their commitment to transparency, accountability are at an all-time high especially in this time of dwindling of financial resources available to cricket from the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago. And it is through the effective marketing strategies of the TTCB that sponsors have come forward to assist in providing the type of competitions which offer attractive prizes and keep national cricketers in readiness,’ he explained.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

December 11 -  France's Bernard Lapasset (pictured) is set to retain his position as chairman of the International Rugby Board (IRB), defeating his only challenger, former England captain Bill Beaumount, at a vote in Los Angeles tomorrow.

The election for rugby's top administrator was due to have taken place in Auckland ahead of the World Cup final in October, but the meeting broke up in acrimony.

A vote was taken to delay the election until this week at the IRB Council, which has provided more opportunity for some intense lobbying.

Under Lappaset's term at the head of the IRB, he successfully guided rugby sevens bid to gain admission to the Olympic programme for Rio 2016.

If he is re-elected tomorrow then it is widely expected that the 64-year-old Frenchman will promoted to become a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Beaumont, 59, is currently the vice-chairman, and wants to focus on strengthening the top nations who generate the majority of the money rather than trying to broaden the sport's global appeal.

That stance has earned him the support of the Home Unions plus Australia and New Zealand, who believe they will get to retain more of the money that the All Blacks generate within the sport under the financial model favoured by Beaumount.

"This is not about a battle between two men, but a different vision of rugby," said Lapasset.

It is claimed that Lapasset currently holds a 14-12 edge in voting, with backing from North America and Asia.

Asia's decision at a meeting in Laos to elect Japan's Koji Tokumasu as its delegate rather than the Beaumont-supporting Trevor Gregory from Hong Kong leaves the current chairman with a potential majority.

The main remaining hope for Beaumont is to persuade the North America Caribbean Rugby Association to change its mind about backing Lapasset.

It has, since Auckland, switched its representative on the IRB from a Canadian, Pearce Higgins, to an American, Bob Latham.

Canada, which has its own seat on the Council, is backing Beaumont but the United States, grateful for Lapasset helping to secure Olympic status for rugby union, is supporting the Frenchman.

If Beaumont loses, he also faces being voted off the IRB Council.

He could stand again as vice-chairman but there are already two candidates for that role, in Graham Mourie from New Zealand and Oregon Hoskins from South Africa.

By Duncan Mackay

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

Lindsay Gillette was re-elected to the position of president, when the Amateur Swimming Association of T&T held its annual general meeting at the Athletes Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, on Wednesday. Also re-elected to serve were Joseph Mc Cleod (First Vice-President), Rawden Graham (Second Vice-President), Mark Maundy (Treasurer) and Neal Marcano (Assistant Secretary/Treasurer). 

Wendell Lai Hing was elected Secretary after an absence of one term and Denise Farray-Constantine, Public Relations Officer taking over from Jason Wickham who opted not to contest the position after almost five years of yeoman service in this office. At Wednesday’s meeting, the audited financial statements for financial year 2010 were also presented, together with reports from the president and secretary of the association. With the AGM concluded the local clubs in both swimming and water polo are now looking forward to the efforts of this newly installed team to continue and improve on work in progress thereby ensuring that the highest standards are attained.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

December 10 - New Zealand defeated hosts South Africa in dramatic fashion with the final play of the match to win the Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa Sevens in what was round three of the HSBC Sevens World Series.

The reigning Series champions won a thrilling final 31-26 in front of 30,000 fans to claim the first South Africa Sevens title to be played at a new home in Port Elizabeth.

In doing so, they have drawn level with Fiji on 51 points at the top of the World Series with South Africa in third on 48 and England just one more point adrift in fourth.

"It was a great final," said the New Zealand coach, Gordon Tietjens.

"South Africa played really well but it was great for my new young guys to come on and provide something for that win.

"It's great for my team to get back on track.

"To beat South Africa on their ground is great for us.

"When you look at it, we have been to three tournaments and been in two finals.

"I am really proud of the guys."

Twice New Zealand led in the first-half through the captain DJ Forbes and half-back Tomasi Cama but twice South Africa hit back through Bernardo Botha.

However, Frank Halai's long-range run-in nudged the reigning Series champions into a 17-14 half-time lead.

After the break, the hosts built a lead with tries from Steven Hunt and Cecil Afrika, but Halai again answered for the All Blacks to cut the deficit to two points and with the final play of the match, New Zealand kicked a loose ball up the field to create a match-winning score for Tomasi Cama.

Samoa finished third in the tournament after beating England 17-14 in the bronze final.

By Tom Degun

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

Former Trinidad and Tobago captain Daren Ganga, along with pacer Shannon Gabriel, spinner Dave Mohammed, and aggressive opener William Perkins will all sit out T&T's Caribbean Twenty20 campaign after being omitted from the defending champions' 14-man team who will travel to Antigua and then Barbados in January.

Replacing the foursome, who were part of T&T's Champions League Twenty20 team this year, are Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo, who did not play for the national team in the 2011 Caribbean T20, and opener Justin Guillen, who has not been a regular on the T20 side since his debut in 2008.

West Indies wicket-keeper Denesh Ramdin will captain Trinidad and Tobago, who also include six other regional players in Lendl Simmons, Ravi Rampaul, Darren Bravo, Adrian Barath and recent call-ups, spinner Sunil Narine and batsman Jason Mohammed.

Guillen is the only relative newcomer in the T20 side, having only played two games in the format for the national team during the Stanford Super Series in 2008, when standout performers Dave Mohammed, Rayad Emrit and Pollard were drafted into the Stanford Superstars squad.

About the omission of ex-skipper Ganga and aggressive opener Perkins, Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board chairman of selectors Dudnath Ramkessoon said: "It is unfortunate we could only go with 14 players.

"We had to make a tough decision but we believed those selected were the best players for the positions we had open and I think we did well to come up with a very strong team."

He added: "I think we have players who could deliver with aggression when required, but while being aggressive, we also need players to play according to the plan. I think we struck the right balance and I have no doubt about the ability of the players we have chosen."

Of Guillen's inclusion, Ramkessoon explained that the Queen's Park Cricket Club captain has proven his worth for his club this season when they won all three titles, including the T20, 50-over and two-day crowns.

"We believed it was time we gave him a chance in this version because of how well he has done. He also got some runs in the one trial match we had. Sherwin (Ganga) also got runs and took some wickets. Rayad Emrit has been around the team for a while and he is one of the senior all-rounders so I don't think these players could have been overlooked," Ramkessoon added.

Guillen scored 47 in the trial while Sherwin Ganga hit 48 not out and took two for 12.

Emrit only had one wicket for 18 runs in that match but has been around the national team since his T20 debut in 2006. Since then, the all-rounder has only played 12 T20 matches, taking 17 wickets.

He also made the T&T Champions League T20 team twice, but never played in the tournament.

Ramkessoon is of the opinion that this T&T side is the most experienced and potentially the most lethal team in the tournament.

"It is a well-balanced team of talented young cricketers and this line-up is quite possibly the best on paper, and once they do what we know they are capable of doing, then I have no doubt that we can come out victorious," Ramkessoon insisted.

"We have a lot of all-rounders who are all capable with bat and ball and we have some top-class batsmen at the top of the innings, so we have batting right down to number 11 and that is always good to have in this format of the game.

"All the players have done well for us in the past and I think we have quality all-rounders capable of delivering. It is one of the most experienced teams in the tournament. I think we have a formidable batting line-up and a strong bowling attack," said Ramkessoon.

"We have to go out there and deliver.

"We could have the best team on paper, but we still have to go out there and perform in the middle. Having played in the Champions League T20 in India twice, expectations will be high. The other teams will be coming at us hard so we have to be at the top of our game. We have to be ready.

"It is the performance on the day that will count and once the players perform on the day, then I am confident we can win," Ramkessoon concluded.

T&T T20 Team: Denesh Ramdin (Captain), Lendl Simmons, Adrian Barath, Jason Mohammed, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Kevon Cooper, Sunil Narine, Ravi Rampaul, Samuel Badree, Sherwin Ganga, Rayad Emrit, Justin Guillen

Omar Khan (Manager), Kelvin Williams (Coach).

By Roger Seepersad

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Sehwag hits highest-ever ODI score in India's 53-run victory

West Indies were condemned to a 153-run defeat yesterday after Virender Sehwag mauled a world record one-day International score to lead India to a series-clinching victory.

The Windies' bowlers were almost powerless to stop the marauding Indian captain, whose sensational 219 from 149 balls catapulted India to their highest ODI total of 418 for five after they chose to bat on a typically easy-paced pitch in the penultimate match of the series.

Denesh Ramdin hit a career-best 96, but the visitors never mounted a serious challenge and were dismissed for 265 with four balls remaining at the Holkar Cricket Stadium.

The result meant West Indies conceded an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the five-match ODI series to their hosts with the final game to be played on Sunday at the Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The Windies needed a great start and a big partnership in their chase after Sehwag's pyrotechnics, but couldn't get either.

Ramdin stroked a dozen boundaries in his run-a-ball knock and put on a face-saving 64 for the last wicket with left-handed compatriot Sunil Narine, who made 27.

Opening batsman Lendl Simmons supported with 36 and Marlon Samuels got 33, but they were flashy and soon perished.

There was little substance and far less stability from the rest of the visitors' batting, which again got caught in the web of India's spinners with left-arm tweaker Ravindra Jadeja grabbing three for 34 from ten overs and lanky leggie Rahul Sharma taking three for 43 from ten overs.

Earlier, West Indies were almost helpless as Sehwag surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's undefeated 200 for the highest individual score in an ODI with some sensational hitting.

The Windies bowlers conceded 25 fours and seven sixes as the Indian opener became the second batsman ever to reach a double-hundred in this format of the game, giving him the distinction of being the top scorer in both Tests and ODIs for his country.

Darren Sammy's men were also condemned to become the first West Indies side to concede a total in excess of 400 in an ODI.

The visitors were on the back-foot from early after Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir were committed to open the innings, after Parthiv Patel had done duty for the first three matches without any success.

When Marlon Samuels' direct hit from extra cover ran Gambhir out in the 23rd over, India were cruising on 176 for one. The Indian opener made a run-a-ball 67, after he was dropped on 20.

The Windies continued to feel the pressure when Suresh Raina scored 55 and was involved in a 140-run stand with Sehwag before he was also run out, failing to beat Andre Russell's throw from long-on to the 'keeper in the 41st over.

West Indies continued to work hard, but Sehwag continued to dominate, stroking the ball with immaculate timing, reaching his hundred from 69 balls.

Windies skipper Sammy gave Sehwag a reprieve on 171, when he dropped a sitter at extra cover off Ravi Rampaul in the 38th over before the Indian talisman reached the milestone double-hundred from 142 balls with a boundary through point off Russell, sparking celebrations in the packed stadium.

Kieron Pollard finally dismissed Sehwag, when he had him caught at long-on in the 47th over, before Kemar Roach bowled Rohit Sharma as India paved the way for a conclusive victory.

By -CMC-IANS

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Alexander Frei said belief helped FC Basel 1893 "move mountains" in the 2-1 win which denied Manchester United FC second place in Group C – and spelled "disaster" for Patrice Evra.
Goalscorer Alexander Frei said belief helped FC Basel 1893 "move mountains" after a famous 2-1 home victory against Manchester United FC eliminated the Red Devils and sent the Swiss side through to the UEFA Champions League round of 16. Patrice Evra, meanwhile, gave a stark assessment of United's performances over the course of the group stage.

Alexander Frei, Basel forward
It will take a few days for it all to sink in. All I know is that we really wanted this dream to come true. "The key to the victory was the belief that we can beat one of the best teams in Europe. We have now scored five times in two games against Manchester United, and that shows our quality".

In any group stage there is a key moment, and for us this moment was at Old Trafford [where Basel drew 3-3]. That's when we realised what we could achieve. This shows that our belief and confidence can move mountains, not just for one game but for the whole group stage.

This is not just a victory for Basel but also for Swiss football in general. I don't care who are next opponents are; everything is a bonus now.

Xherdan Shaqiri, Basel midfielder
We had the chance to reach the next round and we really wanted to seize it. We showed that tonight. In the end, we deserved this victory.

Home advantage was an important factor; our fans made us even more motivated – they inspired us to fight more, run more.

We defended very well by working as a team, and we didn't give the ball away cheaply – our passing was good. We knew as a team that we could take on Manchester United. For all of Swiss football, this victory is tremendous.

This victory is emblematic of the progress we have been making. In the past two years we have been steadily improving and gaining a good reputation in Europe. Opponents now respect us and no-one likes to play us at our ground.

Markus Steinhöfer, Basel defender
We are more than happy after that victory – it has turned into a party in our dressing room. I think we deserved this win and we really wanted to reach the next round. We wanted to take this golden opportunity.

It was a brilliant performance, although at the end it was close. I nearly scored an own goal while trying to get the ball out of our area. Luckily it didn't go in, but it was luck that we had earned.

We played very well at Old Trafford and we were unlucky. We definitely deserved something from that game and showed how good we are. Tonight, we were convinced we could do it and our fans were convinced that we were good enough. Now we all have the reward for this belief.

Patrice Evra, Manchester United defender
We created a lot of chances. They had fewer chances but they deserved to win. But it's not about tonight, it's about the whole competition: We haven't played well throughout the group stage and we threw away our qualification in the end.

"Manchester United going out at the group stage is just a disaster. For six years, we have never been out of the competition at the first round; it's a new experience for many of our players". But the gaffer knows he has the players to bounce back. If you play for Man United, you have to be strong.

Today is a really sad day for everyone at Manchester United: The fans, the staff, the players. We need to focus on the Premier League now. We have to make sure we don't throw our season away because the fans deserve better.

By Steven Rogers

Source: www.uefa.com

Renaldo John scored a pair of goals to lead Bethel United to a 4-2 triumph over Signal Hill United at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet, and keep alive its hope of promotion from the Tobago Football Association First Division on Tuesday. Akeel Scott and Downie Marcelle chipped in with a goal each for Bethel, now with 31 points from 16 matches, five behind leader Youth Stars United while second placed Carnbee/Mt Pleasant, has 34 and Hills United, 33.

In the lone Premier Division match, Kayode Legall and Stephan King netted braces for Goal City in its 6-2 blow-out of Black Rock. Despite the win, Goal City stayed joint sixth with Lambeau on 23 points each, well adrift of defending champion and table leader St Clair Coaching School which has 49 points from 17 matches. Second is  Sidey’s FC  with 39 points and a match in hand while Roxborough Lakers is third with 30.

Tuesday’s TFA Results

Premier Division:
• Goal City 6 (Kayode Legall 2 Stephan King 2 Nestar George, Seon Barry) vs Black Rock 2 (Webster Grimshaw, Allen Douglas)

First Division:
• Bethel Utd 4 (Renaldo John 2, Akeel Scott, Downie Marcelle) vs Signal Hill 2 (Omale Jackson, Rondell George)

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) president Azim Bassarath says he is bitterly disappointed the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) decided to move the first leg of the Caribbean Twenty from the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain to Antigua.

Bassarath is also still of the opinion that something could have been worked out to have the tournament take place in T&T.

"I am disappointed as president, just as the fans would have been disappointed, not to see the Caribbean T20 champions start their title defence here in T&T," Bassarath told the Express yesterday.

"What should have happened was that the WICB should have negotiated with the Queen's Park Oval before announcing Trinidad and Tobago as hosts for the tournament. It would have been prudent to negotiate that before," he insisted.

After receiving all the information on the course of events leading up to the WICB's last-minute change of venue, Bassarath said: "It shows that no planning was done by the WICB, causing the Trinidad and Tobago public to be deprived of seeing our champions in action.

"We must let the public know that it was the responsibility of the WICB to negotiate with the Oval for use of the venue," Bassarath revealed.

According to a letter dated December 2, the WICB directors took the decision based on "untenable conditions" under which the Oval was to be rented to the WICB.

The letter also stated that the primary concerns were the US$60,000 rental fee and the unavailability of the Oval at the time requested on January 14.

Bassarath also believes that had the TTCB negotiated with the Oval from the onset, things could have turned out differently.

"I would not say it was a hasty decision by the WICB. It would appear as though the WICB panicked a bit in reaching this decision. We had enough time to work something out. The tournament could have still taken place. I believe that something could have been worked out instead of shifting the venues," he added.

He also insisted that the WICB was made aware of the Oval's January 14 commitment even before T&T were named hosts of the first leg of the T20 tournament.

By Roger Seepersad

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

National Under-12 chess champion Joshua Johnson is favoured to win the eighth annual IBM 2011 Junior Chess Championship this weekend at Algico Plaza on St Vincent Street, Port of Spain from 9.30 a.m.

Johnson is in fine form, having returned last week from competing at the World Youth Chess Championship, where he finished 21st out of 131 Under-12 players.

His record at the tournament was five wins, two draws and two losses, meaning he finished on six points. After a good year, Johnson has earned a nomination for the 2011 Annual First Citizens Sports Foundation youth awards.

But victory for the national champ is no certainty, with brothers Vishnu and Mahendra Singh, both of Presentation College Chaguanas, and Queen's Royal College's Sylvon Yearwood. Malcolm Joseph (Fatima College), Dimitri Pacheco (St Mary's College) and Antonio Mohan (Holy Cross College) will also challenge for the top spot.

Among the girls, national Under-12 winner Gabriella Johnson will battle Shannon Yearwood, Tyler-Marie Mungal, Najarah Rahaman and national Under-8 champ Shameilah James for the top prize.

Registration for the seven-round Swiss format tournament starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, and is open to all junior players. Players wishing to pre-register can contact Bhisham Soondarsingh at 761 7061, or Andrew Bowles at 741 3982.

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) made the decision to shift venues for the opening stages of the Caribbean T20 tournament from Trinidad to Antigua without consulting the Queen's Park Cricket Club (QPCC).

This was the QPCC's explanation yesterday after the WICB announced on Monday they had moved the January 2012 tournament from the Queen's Park Oval to Antigua's Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

In their statement, the WICB cited the high rental cost of the Oval, and a clashing engagement on January 14 during the tournament as reasons for the shift to Antigua.

But QPCC, via a media release, stated that they were "extremely disappointed" to learn that the tournament would not be played at the local venue.

Queen's Park explained they were negotiating with the West Indies Board since June, but were advised by the WICB in November to hold talks with the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB), who were to host the tournament on the regional Board's behalf.

"Negotiations between the QPCC and TTCB commenced on November 21st, the release read, "and prior to the conclusion thereof, QPCC received a letter from the WICB proposing a rental fee significantly less than that proposed by the TTCB. QPCC responded indicating that it would be prepared to accept the fee proposed by the TTCB."

A letter from the WICB dated December 2–which put the figure at US $60,000 for six days of cricket—announced the change in venue, but Queen's Park insisted they were still in negotiations with the TTCB at the time.

QPCC also said that before the WICB made their announcement, they had sought to clarify the Board's position through "several phone calls and emails" without a response.

Concerning the clashing engagement, QPCC indicated that they never informed the WICB that the "venue was unavailable", and added that they had told the WICB about their prior booking, which the Board accepted.

Queen's Park further stated that as a private members club, they maintain the venue "using [QPCC's] own financial resources".

"[QPCC] receives no financial assistance from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, and hence must charge a rental fee for the use of the facility," said the release.

They also pointed out that the Sir Viv Richards Stadium is "not free", but that their costs are being borne by Antigua and Barbuda's government "out of public funds".

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Trinidad and Tobago hockey veteran Kwandwane Browne is the only local player to make the Pan American elite team roster for 2011.

The elite teams are named every two years to recognise the top players in the Pan American region and, as in 2009, Browne has again made the cut.

Argentine captain Lucas Rey heads the list for his performances at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico in October, with the South Americans having four picks on the men's team.

Canada and Chile have three each, while Cuba (two), Mexico (two) and USA (one) are the other countries with men's nominees.

In 2009, T&T duo Nicole Aming and Stacey Siu Butt made the women's list, but this time there was no T&T representative.

The USA earned four spots among the elite women, including Lauren Crandall as captain. The US earned their first victory in history over Argentina in the final to grab gold at the Pan Am Games.

Argentine and Chile both had three picks, with Canada two and Cuba, Mexico, Uruguay and Barbados finishing with one each.

2011 Pan American Elite Teams

Men

Francisco Montoya, Pol Quiroz (Mexico); Mathias Anwandter (gk), Esteban Krainz, Martin Rodriguez (Chile); Ignacio Bergner, Lucas Rey, Lucas Vila, Rodrigo Vila (Argentina); Kwandwane Browne (T&T); Sean Harris (USA); Ken Pereira Rob Short, Scott Tupper (Canada); Yuri Pérez, Roberto Domínguez (Cuba).

Women

Jesús Marín (gk, Mexico); Lauren Crandall, Rachel Dawson, Jaclyn Kintzer (gk), Katie O'Donnell (USA); Agustina Garcia, Rosario Luchetti, Luciana Aymar (Argentina); Cher King (Barbados); Brienne Stairs, Katie Baker (Canada); Janine Stanley (Uruguay); Manuela Urroz, Michelle Wilson, Camila Caram (Chile); Yuraima Rojas (Cuba).

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

When the mighty fall, they fall hard especially where vested interests are intent on furthering their own ends, whatever the consequences for others in a country, organisation or community. Culture does not just happen. It has to evolve. It’s an ongoing process. There is an apathetic attitude towards sport, its welfare and best interest. It’s an aspect of the cultural dimensions inherent in T&T society that is proving detrimental to the future of local sport. Even though some NSOs are better placed than others there is an overall feeling of doom and gloom. Money flow has dried up as the full consequences of fiscal policy take hold in the local economy.

What should national sporting organisations (NSOs) and their stakeholders do to alleviate the risks and negative consequences? A first step is a change to the laid back, laissez faire attitude to success. If sport matters then doing nothing is not an option. There can be no retreat.  Success - creating the environment, pathways, infrastructure and systems- demands energy and focus dissipating energy on useless activities will only compromise the future of local sport. When success is not that important it encourages a mindset that builds traits such as laziness, procrastination, a lack of urgency, sloth, irresponsibility, a tendency to blame others, entitlement, and the expectation that it is up to others to solve problems. It is vital that NSOs, in particular, their member clubs, come to a firm decision and  set their own priorities, commit to a solution and a commitment to success. Be very wary  of those who say take it easy, relax, it will sort itself out be content with what you have, eat little and live long.

There is no easy way out. It will take hard work. It must matter—sports—that is, from the grassroots level to the  elite level. There are many little habits and activities that don’t contribute to success that ought to be jettisoned. If success is a priority, then most of the available time should be spent doing things that will create success. The ongoing worry that clubs and NSOs endure of not having enough money to pay bills or to provide for their teams and athletes lead to doubt about the future. There is no remedy in condemnation. However, it’s a voyage of discovery for those who wish to expand their horizons and put to bed self-defeating behaviours. Effort, vision, determination and an indomitable will are worth far more than money. Sport is never going to be an investment for someone who is not passionate about sport. Those individuals and companies that donate to sport don’t look to sport for a monetary return they grasp the reality that sport brings with it intangibles that must be added to the equation to get value.

To begin with anyone who wants to make an investment will want to have total control, return on investment and growth in capital. There are some NSOs and clubs that may be in a better position than those consider minor sports. Resting on your laurels is a luxury that no one in local sport can afford. “Me first” thinking that has no regard for the whole will put local sport in peril. The wellbeing of all of sport should be of utmost importance to each individual stakeholder. There is a myth making the rounds and it is that there are major sports and even a national sport here in T&T. It may be more realistic to say there are niche sports and some have a bigger niche than others.  No one or group in local sport is out of harm’s way. Change that matters has to start with change in the mindset, attitude and behaviours.The welfare and future of sport is about setting standards, even in little things. Getting little things right helps you get the big things right then comes the culture shift.

-Brian Lewis

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Stag Trinidad Northern lost their second title in a week when they were thumped 40-10 by hosts Harvard Sports Club, who took their own Sevens Rugby Festival title back to their clubhouse on Sunday.

On a muddy outfield at St Mary's College ground, Serpentine Road, St Clair, Harvard turned back Northern in persistent rain, just a week after Northern were beaten 30-10 by Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) Toyota Championship Division champions and arch-rivals Caribs to lose their grip on the Marcus Minshall Cup.

Royalians cruised to the women's title with victory over Aranguez Romans, despite a tough physical battle by their opponents, while Harvard's Under-19 team were also victorious.

The Festival included competition in the Under-17 Division, which Rainbow Sport and Cultural Club of Marabella won 12-7, edging past Northern's youngsters.

In the non-contact rugby competition, Police Sports Club won the Over-35 "Rugby Reunion" crown.

And Royalians and International School of Port of Spain (ISPOS) won the Under-17 girls and boys competitions, respectively.

Rainbow's youth players also had success, taking both the Under-12 and Under-10 divisions.

Among the Most Valuable Players from the Festival were Claudius Butts (Harvard, Men Open), Dalia Jordan-Brown (Royalians, Women Open) Carlton St Clair (Harvard, Under-19) Themba Jack (Rainbow, Under-17).

Harvard 7s Division MVPs

Men Open – Claudius Butts (Harvard Club)

Women Open – Dalia Jordan-Brown (Royalians)

Under-19 – Carlton St Clair (Harvard)

Under-17 – Themba Jack (Rainbow)

Non Contact

Under-17 Boys – Jimmy Willhikes (ISPOS)

Under-17 Girls – Rachael McKenzie (Royalians)

Under-12 Boys – Jerome Pantor (Rainbow)

Under-10 Boys – Boysie Charles (Rainbow)

Over-35 – Willet Pantor (Defence Force)

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Walcotts face training challenges

Triple jumper Elton Walcott is hoping to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the 2012 Olympic Games, in London, England. To be considered for selection, the Toco athlete must attain the 16.85 metres "B" qualifying standard.

Walcott told the Express that while he is confident in his ability to attain the Olympic standard, the Road to London is a tough one, and he will need support.

"It's all about the financial issue."

Walcott, a past student of Toco Secondary, has been working since leaving school in July 2010.

"I don't have the facilities of the school. Right now it's off-season--I have gym in Sangre Grande and I'm running on the road. I had use of the facilities at the school up to the middle of the 2011 season, but I had an incident with my aunt, whose a teacher at the school, and I was stopped from using the facilities.

"I'm working construction about 1 1/2 months, and it's more strenuous on me to go to training after. But I have to work to pay gym fees and transportation. Before, I used to do yards with a weed whacker."

Walcott was a standout for T&T at the last four editions of the Junior Carifta Games. He captured the boys' under-17 triple jump title on his Carifta debut, in 2008, and went on to record a hat-trick of victories in the under-20 category, striking gold in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Walcott followed up on his 2011 Carifta success with the Pan American Junior Championship title, in Florida, USA, in July. His best jump at Pan Am Juniors was a wind-assisted 16.51 metres. The best legal effort produced by the T&T jumper at that meet, 16.43m, is the current national junior (under-20) record.

Walcott turns 20 in February, and will compete as a full-fledged senior next season.

"My goal is the Olympic standard. But I need to have a foundation, and preparation is a must. I don't feel preparation is going where it should be going. Because of the financial issue, I only recently started my off-season."

Elton's younger brother, Keshorn, is also a standout national athlete. Eighteen-year-old Keshorn has three Carifta Games javelin titles to his name, and will be bidding for number four in Bermuda next year.

Keshorn underlined his class at the Pan American Games, in Guadalajara, Mexico, in October. Competing against mostly senior throwers, the Toco athlete held his own, finishing seventh with a personal best 75.77m throw--a new Central American and Caribbean (CAC) junior record.

Elton said that though Keshorn is still a student at Toco Secondary, he has financial challenges as well.

"Keshorn has the facilities--use of the school gym. But he has to pay transportation to go and throw in Port of Spain, because there aren't throwing facilities in Toco. And right now, he has pain in his foot--a foot injury.

"Last year," the elder Walcott continued, "I had hamstring and ankle injuries, because of training with no facilities for massages and therapy. Before last season even started, I had injuries."

Elton said that efforts to get funding to facilitate training have so far borne no fruit.

"In June, me and my brother applied for financial help from the government, but there's been no response yet."

By Kwame Laurence

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Trinidad and Tobago’s National Under 17 women’s team captured the top spot in the Caribbean Football Union final round with a 1-0 victory over hosts Jamaica at the Tony Spaulding Complex on Saturday. A 65th minute goal by Diarra Simmons gave coach Stephan De Four’s team the win which pushed them to nine points from their three games with Jamaica and Bahamas finishing second and third respectively. Guyana finished bottom without a point.

Simmons goal came through a header from a Jonelle Warrick corner. Nicole Broderick had Jamaica’s best chance but she fired her shot wide of target after T&T had failed to clear from a corner. De Four later credited his team for their performances in the tournament saying: “We had to dig deep for the final win against Jamaica. The girls showed a lot of character to defeat the home team. Overall I was pleased with the way we contested the entire tournament. We had a lot to play for and the girls were inspired to come here and do well because they all want to see their country participate in another Under 17 World Cup following the 2012 tournament. Now we will regroup and focus on the final round of qualification next year,” De Four said.

Simmons finished the tournament as the highest goalscorer with five goals. T&T will contest the final round in Guatemala in May alongside United States, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, Bahamas, hosts Guatemala and either Panama or Costa Rica. The U-17 World Cup is scheduled for Azerbaijan in September.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Gold medallist at the inaugural 2010 Singapore Youth Olympics, Christian Homer, has set his sights on representing T&T at the London Olympics, next year. Homer, who is training with Bolles Sharks in USA, competed in the AT&T Winter National Championships in Atlanta on Saturday, and achieved a personal best time of 56.86 seconds in his fifth place finish in the C Final of the 100m backstroke. In the preliminaries, Homer clocked 56.97.

The multiple regional gold medallist and national record holder was pleased with his performance, especially since it was 0.56 seconds off the Olympic invitation time. “I feel as if I am one step closer to the Olympics,” Homer said. “I was elated to see the time I registered.” Homer identified some errors in his race in both the preliminary round and the final which may have jeopardised him even getting a faster time.

“I went out a bit too fast in the first 50 in the prelims in 26.6 and in the final, my first 50m was a bit too slow in 27.7. I was aiming for the invitation time but I’m still pleased to cut a half of a second off my personal best.” Homer will start University of Florida (UF) in January and will pursue studies in Aerospace Engineering. He eagerly anticipates starting UF, to engage in top class training with some of the USA’s fastest athletes in his age-group.

National record holder Caryle Blondell also participated at this meet. Blondell, a freshman at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, achieved a personal best 57.82 seconds in the 100m backstroke to place 36th in the 82-man field. Blondell, who is pursuing a degree in Sociology, was 48th out of 112 athletes in the 50m freestyle (23.59), and 71st in the 100m freestyle, in 52.12 seconds.

Commenting on the performances, 2004 Olympic bronze medallist George Bovell III was pleased to see solid performances from the T&T duo. “It is great that fellow Trinis competing in big meets and doing us proud and improving their times. Good to see Homer close to the invitation time for Olympics but this time is never a sure thing as only ‘A’ times can guarantee Olympic selection.”

Bovell III is currently competing in the Dutch Open where he put a stellar 22.24 second silver medal swim in the 50m freestyle. He is eager to equal or better this time in the Italian Open in under two weeks. The 2011 AT&T Winter National Championships features many of the swim stars of the USA and across the world including Adrian Nathan, Brendan Hansen, Dara Torres and Roland Schoeman.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Former Brazil World Cup captain Socrates, regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation, has died in hospital at the age of 57.
Socrates had been in the Albert Einstein Israeli Hospital in Sao Paulo since Thursday when he was interned with food poisoning which developed into septic shock and had been on a life support machine.

It was the third time Socrates has been taken to hospital since August when he spent nine days there due to a digestive haemorrhage caused by excessive drinking.

Socrates, who played for Brazil at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, spent another 17 days in the hospital in September with liver trouble and had been recommended a transplant.

A qualified doctor whose full name was Socrates Brasileiro Sampaio de Souza Vieira de Oliveira, he sprung to fame at Corinthians in the early 1980s.

The bearded, lanky Socrates, a leading player of his generation along with fellow Brazil midfielder Zico, he also played in Italy for Fiorentina.
Socrates was a cultured midfielder who won 60 caps for the Brazil national side, scoring 22 goals.

He captained the Selecao at the 1982 World Cup and also played at the 1986 tournament in Mexico, although never managed to win football's biggest prize.

His club career included spells at Botafogo, Corinthians, Fiorentina, Flamengo and Santos, while in 2004 he famously came out of retirement at the age of 50 to make a one-off substitute appearance for English lower-league side Garforth Town.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

NATIONAL UNDER-23 football team coach Angus Eve has praised the mental strength of his squad after they advanced to the CONCACAF Under-23 Final Round Qualifiers in the United States, from March 22-April 2.

The Trinidad and Tobago team trounced Suriname 9-1 on Monday night, at Warner Park, St Kitts, to take second spot in the four-team Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Under-23 Second Round Qualifiers.

Upon the TT team’s return home on Wednesday night, Eve said, “this team likes to operate on the edge.

“The last tournament we did the same thing and on the final day we had to win by a couple of goals and this tournament was no different.

“It’s the first time we’ve lost a game, and we lost badly actually,” he continued. “But we bounced back from that and we showed our determination, we showed the team spirit that we have and the ultimately the professionalism.

“I thought, leading up to the final game, the guys were really focussed because Suriname already had three points and we were actually last.

“We showed a lot of mental strength also. The guys could have bounced back from the loss as we did and win the game in the manner which we did.”

Questioned if he expected such a heavy defeat to St Kitts/Nevis, Eve responded, “no, definitely not. I think it was a bit of over-confidence by our guys. We took them for granted.

“We got some misinformation about the team also, going into the tournament,” he added. “They were basically a local team and when we got there, they had like seven professional players from England. They were much better.

“I think a bit of complacency stepped in. We looked at Cuba as the hardest team and then we went into the other game and the guys didn’t keep up the intensity that we normally play with. And we paid for it.”

Concerning the Suriname match, Eve noted, “I think we probably had 95 percent of possession of the ball. The only time they got the ball (was) when they had to pick it out of the net.

He continued, “we moved the ball around. What I did (was) change the whole starting 11. I played all the guys who didn’t play (before) in that final game, and they came through.

“Everybody needs to perform when they get the opportunity. Those guys (who) were sitting on the bench and watching from the stands, they came in and did a tremendous job.”

But Eve made a call for the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation (TTFF) to offer contracts, instead of stipends, to members of the technical staff.

“The guys have been working for a year now and we’ve not been given a real salary,” said Eve. “The staff needs to get their contracts sorted out so we can then go the other phase, going forward properly.”

Trinidad and Tobago will now turn their attention on the eight-team CONCACAF stage, where they will join hosts US, Mexico, Canada, El Salvador, Honduras and Panama.

The CONCACAF leg will feature two groups of four teams, with the finalists progressing to the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.

“We will need tours to North America so we can acclimatise to those types of places. Also I think Venezuela is a good spot so we can acclimatise playing to the teams from Central America.

“We’re going to (meet) contrasting styles in that tournament and we need to prepare well. We need probably a week in North America and a week in South America to prepare for this tournament,” Eve ended.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt