dic.06.2005

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee extends best wishes to the Trinidad and Tobago men and women national hockey teams that will depart tomorrow for the third Pan American Indoor Cup in Kitchener,Ontario Canada.

"On behalf of the TTOC I wish the two teams good luck.The T&T men's team have qualified for next year"s Commonwealth games in Melbourne,Australia.It would be an excellent boost for the sport of hockey if both teams were to qualify for next year's World cup in Austria.I also think that the men's team in particular is in with an excellent chance to make it to Beijing for the 2008 Olympics."said Larry Romany TTOC President.

Romany also commented that the T&T Hockey Board is taking positive steps in it's ongoing efforts to foster and grow the sport in Trinidad and Tobago.


dic.08.2005

BHP Billiton Trinidad and Tobago is the official (title) sponsor of the Trinidad and Tobago Team that will be attending the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne from March 15th -26th, 2006.

As a result of the sponsorship, the sum of US $100,000 will go towards the team while an additional US $25,000 will be spent on developing sporting programmes for young athletes in the company’s operating communities of Guayaguayare, Mayaro, Tobago and Toco.

Vincent Pereira, President of BHP Billiton Trinidad and Tobago stated that “the company’s sponsorship of the Trinidad and Tobago team for the Commonwealth Games which is being held in the city where our headquarters are located - Melbourne, Australia is a wonderful show of support for games with a long and respected tradition. Additionally, our decision to sponsor the Trinidad and Tobago 2006 Commonwealth Games Team, is a tremendous decision which will both assist the team and future athletes from the communities in which we operate in Trinidad and Tobago”.

Larry Romany, President of the Olympic Committee, commented, “We are delighted that BHP Billiton Trinidad and Tobago has decided to be the major sponsor for our team going to the Commonwealth Games in Australia next year. We are also excited about the sport development programmes which, through this sponsorship, will be implemented in BHP Billiton’s targeted communities of Mayaro/Guayaguayare, Toco and Tobago. This is a tremendous opportunity for our team and our country”.

BHP Billiton Trinidad and Tobago is pleased to be associated with the Trinidad and Tobago 2006 Commonwealth Games Team and remains committed to education, entrepreneurship and environmental programmes that benefit the communities in which we operate.

This follows the December 5 2005 announcement by BHP Billiton that the company will offer support to ten Commonwealth countries as part of a sponsorship programme being initiated in conjunction with the Commonwealth Games Federation and as announced by the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games organizing committee.


dic.13.2005

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee extends sincere congratulations to the Trinidad and Tobago Men's Hockey team on their qualifying for the 2006 Indoor World Cup.

"It is an excellent achievement however I trust that the players and coaches will use this as added impetus to work even harder on elements such as fitness,technique and tactics.as I have said on a previous occasion.I am confident that the men's hockey team can qualify for the Beijing Olympics."said TTOC President Larry Romany.


feb.15.2006

Mel Tantrum from Australia has commenced working in the TTOC office as part of a joint project of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Sport Development Program, Australian Sports Commission, Victorian Government and Australian Volunteers International. Mel will be setting up a Sport Development Program in the area of Athlete Talent Identification and Coach Education that will benefit the development of future athletes in Trinidad and Tobago.

Currently living in Perth, Western Australia, Mel works as a Principal Lecturer at Central TAFE. In this role, Mel prepares students for employment in the Sport and Recreation industry as Development Officers. Mel also coaches swimming at West Coast Swimming Club, the 2 nd overall club at the recent Commonwealth Games Swimming Trials in Melbourne. Two members from Mel’s team were selected to represent Australia at the upcoming Commonwealth Games. Several other team members have been selected on other Australian and Youth teams.

Originally from New Zealand, Mel has a Bachelor of Physical Education (1991) and Master of Physical Education (1996) from the University of Otago, New Zealand. In addition, Mel completed a Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training (2002). Mel is a Silver License (Level 2) Swimming Coach and often conducts coach education clinics and seminars for coaches.

Mel has previous experience working in the capacity of a Development Manager for New Zealand Swimming Federation and a Development Officer for Western Australian Swimming Association. In these roles, she was actively involved in a broad range of activities including conducting coaching clinics and camps, promoting and coordinating swim meets, working with the media and volunteers to promote the sport, and conducting Talent ID and coach education programs.

Mel will be based at the TTOC office until the end of June. She will be traveling back to Australia briefly in March for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games where she will working at the swimming competition as a Team Liaison Officer for several Caribbean teams, including Trinidad and Tobago.


mar.14.2006

The Commonwealth Games is the responsibility of the Commonwealth Games Federation [CGF]. The 71 Commonwealth Nations participating do so under the auspices of their respective Commonwealth Games association [CGA]. In most if not all countries National Olympic Committees act as CGAs.

The Commonwealth Games Federation General Assembly will meet for two days prior to the 15 March opening ceremony to discuss among other things future Commonwealth Games. Jamaican Michael Fennell is the head of the Commonwealth Federation.

T&T will be represented at the General Assembly and other CGA meetings by TTOC President Larry Romany and Secretary General Brian Lewis. Former TTOC President Alexander Chapman is a Vice President on the Commonwealth Games Federation Executive Board.

Romany is already in Melbourne while Lewis leaves on Sunday for Melbourne.

According to the TTOC President there is tremendous benefits to be gained from attending the myriad meetings and functions

"In the last ten years as an organization our approach is strategic. The goal at these meetings is to create opportunities for our athletes and coaches, access to exchange programmes, grants, knowledge and technology transfer. Meet and negotitate with the policy makers and Prospective sponsors. Convince them that the TTOC has a plan and vision and is serious about sport and people development".

While playing down medal expectations TTOC officials remain confident of T&T medal prospects in Melbourne and believe that this countries best hopes for winning medals are in Athletics, Boxing, Hockey and Shooting.


mar.14.2006

South African cricket captain Graeme Smith was quoted after the fourth one day game won by Australia as saying the Australian team "choked" their way to a one wicket win. Ricky Pointing the Australian captain was not amused.

To be branded a choker is considered a fatal character flaw in Elite level sports.

There are those who believe that athletes can be taught how to cope with pressure. In particular the pressure to perform.Hence the growing importance of Sports Psychologist. However There are skeptics who believe it is an overrated intrusion.

The TTOC leans to the school that believes that the psychological aspect is a key component of an integrated performance management protocol.

The inability to cope with the pressure of Big events and the attendant spotlight and expectations have been the Achilles heel for many a budding talent. Sports Psychologist Dr Margaret Ottley is the individual charged with the responsibility to address the psychological aspect of the Bhp Billiton sponsored T&T Commonwealth quest for glory. Dr Ottley has assisted the TTOC since 1999.

According to Secretary General Brian Lewis it is an area that the TTOC will not overlook .

"When you have athletes who are all on par talent and preparation wise. Mental toughness and discipline becomes decisive Who can focus their self belief and self confidence and manage their fear of failure to step up and reproduce their best in the cauldron and spotlight will take home the medals".

The 18th Commonwealth Games will get under way in Melbourne on Wednesday 15Th March. 71 Commonwealth Nations will participate.

In other Commonwealth Games news the count down is well underway and so far so good says Chef de Mission Mushtaque Mohammed.

"The bulk of the contingent came in a couple days ago they were as expected tired after the long flight. Dr Ali and the medical team are paying close attention to everyone. Monitoring their diet and rest patterns,"said Mohammed.

As always there is the air of expectancy and excitement ahead of the Opening Ceremony. As always there is a buzz of anticipation surrounding the announcement by the Chef de Mission of his selection as to who will have the honour of carrying the T&T FLAG and leading the T&T parade into the Melbourne Cricket Grounds venue for the the Opening Ceremony.

T&T will parade in their new look Meiling designed outfit.


mar.14.2006

The T&T table tennis team got in some much needed competitive playing in preparation for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

T&T participated in the sunshine open Table tennis tournament along with Australia, Wales, Pakistan, Malta as well as a high percentage of Asian players residing in Australia.

Summary of the performances of T&T players:-
Aleena Edwards won quarter finals 3/0 and Semi finals 3/1. In the finals she defeated Melissa Tapper of Australia 11/5, 5/11, 11/7, 10/12, 11/5.

Edwards gave a scintillating performance, producing a series of solid counters and devastating drives. Although she gave team T&T a scare in the 4th game, surrendering a 10/4 lead to lose 10/12. Edwards regained her focus to claim the first prize.

Reeza Burke won twice to reach quater finals before losing to Ryan Jenkins of Wales 0/4 (eventual finalist)

Anthony Brown won twice to reach quater finals before losing 2/4

Curtis Humphrey won 3/1 and 3/2 to reach quarter finals before losing 0/4 to Simon Genada (Malta #142 World finalist)

Aaron Edwards reached quarter finals before losing 0/4 to top Pakistani player.

Khaleel Asgarali failed to qualify from the group phase.

U21 Division
Aaron Edwards won once but lost 0/3 in quarter finals.
Khaleel Asgarali won twice but lost 0/3 in semi finals.


mar.14.2006

Bhp Billition sponsored Team Trinidad and Tobago important dates.

14 March
1:30pm - Welcoming Ceremony for team to the Athlete's Village

15 March
Opening Ceremony
Australian Prime Minister's visit
Robert Auerbach and Aleena Edwards will be attending lunch with the Prime Minister.

16 March
Queen's visit
Ananda Fraser and Kwandwane Browne will be attending lunch with the Queen.

VISITING T&T VIPs

Her Excellency Ms. Glenda Morean
(High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago)

Mr Michael Agostini
(Honorary Consul-General for Trinidad and Tobago)

Mr Larry Romany
(President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee)

Mr Paul Newallo
(Director of Sport ,Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs.)

Mr Rod Reed
(T&T Team Attaché)

Mr Roger Phillip
(T&T Melbourne Resident


mar.14.2006

The Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Team in Melbourne has selected Marc Burns to carry the flag at the opening ceremony of the 18th Commonwealth games.

The opening ceremony will be held on Wednesday 15th March (Wednesday Morning T&T time) at the MCG which is famously known to host cricket test match and one day series.

Marc Burns the TTOC sportman of year 2005 will lead the 103 member team at rhe opening ceremony

The Trinidad and Tobago shall participate in Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Table Tennis, Squash, Shooting, Triathlon, Cycling and Gymnastics in the games which will conclude on the 26th March 2006.


mar.15.2006

Day one of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games will see T&T in action in Badminton,Squash and Table Tennis.

In Badminton T&T will take on India from 2pm Melbourne time.

The Squash team go into action at 10am Melbourne time.


mar.15.2006

The MELBOURNE 2006 COMMONWEALTH GAMES got underway with a two hour spectacle at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds (MCG) last night. T&T led by flag bearer Marc Burns entered the MCG to a warm reception from the 81000 spectators.With miniature T&T flags in hand and decked out in their Meiling designed outfit the T&T delegation made a positive impression .

Missing from the T&T Opening ceremony parade was Ananda Fraser the talented young gymnast was with drawn from the competition due to an ankle injury .

According to team officials Fraser was with drawn following a podium work out .The medical staff advised that Fraser risked long term injury should she be allowed to compete.

"Ananda really wanted to take part in her event and was insisting that she could tough it out but in the end she had to accept our decision.She is disappointed and that is understandable " said Mushtaque Mohammed Chef de Mission.


mar.16.2006

BADMINTON

India 5 versus T&T 0

Men Singles - Darron Charles VS Chetan Anand 21:8; 21:4

Women's Singles - Nekisha Blake VS Aparna Popat 21:7;21:3

Men's Doubles - Darron Charles and Justin Siu vs Sanave Thomas and Rupesh Kumar 21:7, 21:8

Women's Doubles - Nekiesha Blake and Kerian Quan Chee vs Trupti Murgunde and Shruti Kuiran 21:7, 21:2

Mixed Doubles - Anil Seepaul and Kerian Quan Chee vs V Diju and Jwala Gutta 21:12, 21:1

TABLE TENNIS

T&T 0 VS CANADA 3

Anthony Brown vs Pradeeban Peter-Paul 11:8, 4:11, 9:11, 11:8,and 7:11

Khaleel Asgarali vs Kassam Faazil 9:11, 2:11and 5:11

Reeza Burke vs Pierre Luc Hinse 9:11, 6:11 and 7:11

T&T 3 versus Barbados 1

Scores:

Anthony Brown versus Roberts 11:7, 11:7, 11:5.

Khaleel Asgarali vs Trevor Farley - 11: 5, 11:8, 7:11, 11:8

Reeza Burke vs Kevin Farley 11:4, 3:11, 6:11, 5:11

Anthony Brown vs Trevor Farley 11:9, 6:11, 11:9, 13:15, 11:9

T&T 0 versus Singapore 3

Scores:

Khaleel Asgarali lost to Yang Zi the #38 seed 5:11, 2:11, 1:11

Aaron Edwards lost to Cai Xiao Li 2:11, 7:11, 6:11

Curtis Humphery lost to Ho Jason Jia Ren 8:11, 10:12,3:11

SQUASH - Men Singles

Joshua Pinard lost to Steve Richardson of Northern Ireland 2:9, 1:9 and 1:9

Colin Ramasra defeated Maxim Weithers of Guyana 3-0 10:8, 9:4, 9:2 and move on to play third seed player Anthony Rickets of Australia and lost 0:9, 0:9,1:9

TOMORROW

Boxing

Light Welter 64 kg Aaron Hassette vs Goodman Zanempi of South Africa - 1.39 pm

Welter 69 kg Kurt Backwill vs Absolom Okoth of Kenya at 9.06 pm

Cycling

Emile Abraham

Mens Points Race 1st Round at 10.30 am

Mens Points Race Final - 8.05 pm

Hockey

T&T versus South Africa (Mens Preliminary) at 4.00 pm

Shooting (Smallbore)

Mens 50 m Pistol Pairs Final

Mens Trap Pairs Final