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

June 19 - The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has denied claims that it covered up evidence of Alex Schwazer's doping prior to him being caught with a positive drugs test just days before the Italian was due to defend his Olympic 50 kilometre race walk title at London 2012.

The New York Times yesterday published a story alleging that officials concealed the Beijing 2008 gold medallist's use of the banned blood-boosting substance Erythropoietin (EPO) and made no effort to prevent him from competing in last summer's Olympics.

The American daily newspaper said the suggestion of the IAAF's prior knowledge had come from the Italian prosecutors' currently investigating the case.

Authorities have also raided the offices of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) and the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL) as part of the probe into the suspected cover-up, which allegedly involves coaches and doctors.

"The IAAF is aware of and shocked by the accusations made against it in [the] New York Times concerning the ongoing investigation in Italy regarding the case of the sanctioned Italian race walker Alex Schwazer," athletics' world governing body said in a statement.

"The IAAF categorically refutes these claims in the strongest possible terms.

"The case outlined involved abnormal blood results with respect to an Athlete's Biological Passport and was handled in strict accordance with IAAF rules and those of WADA.

"As the investigation is ongoing, the IAAF will make no further comment at this time."

Schwazer's failed World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) drugs test subsequently saw him removed from the Italian Olympic team and banned for three and a half years - he later announced his retirement, which he described as the "biggest blow of my life".

An emotional Schwazer, who won the gold in Beijing by stripping more than a minute off a 20-year-old Olympic record set by Vyacheslav Ivanenko of the former Soviet Union, accepted all responsibility following the revelation of his drug use in August last year.

"I made a mistake, my career is ended here," he admitted.

"I did it all myself and on my own head so I assume all the responsibility for what has happened."

Schwazer suggested he had wanted to get caught and claimed he could have tried to skip the July 30 doping test knowing he had done a final injection the previous day, but did not.

This latest news draws alarming parallels to the International Cycling Union (UCI)/Lance Armstrong cover-up allegations, which have rocked the world of cycling to the core.

Source

Hackett's provisional suspension lifted by NAAA panel

OLYMPIC JAVELIN gold medallist Keshorn Walcott will be facing a race against time to overcome an ankle injury ahead of the Sagicor/National Gas Company (NGC)-sponsored NAAA (National Association of Athletic Administrations) Open Championships, which begins today and runs until Sunday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

The 20-year-old Walcott has been bothered with pain in his left leg and it is questionable whether he will participate in this weekend’s Championships.

The NAAA has made it clear that all of Trinidad and Tobago’s top athletes must participate in order to earn spots on the national team for the IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia, from August 10-18. But the NAAA is likely to allow Walcott to miss the National Championships if he is unable to regain full fitness.

However, an array of top national athletes will be featuring at the National Championships, including 2012 Olympic bronze medallists Lalonde Gordon, Jarrin Solomon, Ade Alleyne-Forte, Deon Lendore, Marc Burns, Richard Thompson, Emmanuel Callender, Keston Bledman, as well as Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Michelle-Lee Ahye, Wayne Davis II and Mikel Thomas.

Today’s action will begin at 5.30 pm with the men 10,000-metre final, followed by the preliminary round of the men and women 400m and 100m.

Simultaneously, the men and women hammer throw final will take place, from 6 pm.

Tomorrow, the opening ceremony will take place from 2 pm followed by competition at 3 pm, with the men’s 100m (semi-finals and final), 400m, 800m, 110m hurdles, 400m hurdles, 1500m, 3000m steeplechase, shot put, long jump, and, for the women, the 100m (semi-finals and final), 400m, 800m, 100m hurdles, 1500m, 5000m, 3000m steeplechase, discus, javelin, high jump, triple jump.

On Sunday, there will be the 5000m, discus, high jump, pole vault, javelin, triple jump (men); long jump, shot put (women); as well as the men and women 200m (prelims and final), 800m, 400m hurdles, 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay.

The decathlon and heptathlon will also be on this weekend’s agenda.

Thomas, the new national men 110-metre hurdles record holder (13.19 seconds set in Florida, United States on June 8), said yesterday that he is ready to square off against Davis II at the Hasely Crawford Stadium track tomorrow.

“He’s a great competitor,” said the 25-year-old Thomas. “He was (the) former national record-holder and now the NCAA reigning champion. He’s a very talented athlete and I think combined together, we will make Trinidad and Tobago proud.”

Concerning his 2013 season, Thomas noted, “I was back for the Twilight Games which was a wonderful event that we put on with our manager Sean Roach. It’s always a pleasure to be back home and running.

“I was at Twilight Games and Hampton Games as well, so this is just to continue what we’ve already started.”

Asked about achieving the national record, Thomas said, “it’s definitely a blessing but it’s something I believe I was capable of doing for a long time. It’s just seeing the fruits of the labour and we’re pressing on towards Moscow.”

Source

20 June 2013

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) will celebrate Olympic Day on Saturday 22^nd June at Chagville beach facility, Chaguaramas. Children from primary schools, homes and community sporting organizations throughout Trinidad and Tobago will get the opportunity to participate in over fourteen sporting disciplines.

The National Sporting Organizations (NSO’s) play a pivotal role in Olympic Day. They provide opportunities for children to get physically active and learn about new sports. The highlight of the day is a three (3) kilometre road race involving one hundred and fifty participants.

Approximately four hundred (400) children will be involved in the day’s activities, including Credo House, St. Jude’s Home, St. Dominic Children’s Home and Special Olympics.

The activities begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 3:00 p.m.

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Charles, Shabazz waiting on Beenhakker to know fates

The recent appointment of former Canada coach Stephen Hart as Trinidad and Tobago senior team head coaches will leave his predecessors in a state of limbo, at least until this weekend.
Hart will take over from former T&T co-head coaches Jamaal Shabazz and Hutson Charles as the national team gets ready for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which kicks off early next month.
TTFA general secretary Sheldon Phillips said that Hart was their first choice for head coach.
Phillips said that Hart was recommended by newly-appointed director of football, former T&T coach, Leo Beenhakker, and that the support staff for the national team will be finalised when the new coach arrives.
“As far as Mr Shabazz and Mr Charles, Mr Hart has been in contact with Mr Charles and is interested in meeting with the other members of the technical staff when he arrives in Trinidad,” Phillips said.
“The technical staff that will be going up to the Gold Cup has not been finalised. Mr Hart is eager to meet with the staff members and has been in direct contact with Mr Charles in preparation and to help set up the upcoming training camp,” Phillips added.
Phillips said Hart will arrive in Trinidad over the weekend and the national team training camp will start on Sunday with players checking in.
Former “Soca Warrior” Brent Sancho, who played under Beenhakker at the 2006 World Cup is backing the appointment of his former coach as director of football and Hart as T&T head coach, but also wants both appointments to have some “longevity”.
“I think Leo’s reputation speaks for itself. He is a tremendous coach and he has done well and has been with Trinidad and Mr Hart has done very well with the Canadian national team.
“It was an interesting selection; I think the timing is very interesting as well.”
“We only hope there is some longevity in it and I would also hope that some funding now can go towards development of young players coming through the ranks because I think that is where the problem is...the development of the youths,” he added.
Phillips said that while the TTFA are still in the process of finalising the terms of the contracts of Beenhakker and Hart, they were looking at Beenhakker serving in his new post for six months to a year and Hart for two years.
Asked about the timing of the appointments with the Gold Cup starting early in July, Sancho said: “It is not necessarily bad timing.
“Obviously I would hope that they (T&T) get at least one or two games in before they go into the Gold Cup so these gentlemen (Beenhakker and Hart) can get every opportunity to scout the team going into this tournament.”
Phillips said that the TTFA are in process of looking at a couple options for practice matches, and are hoping to get one or two games in before heading to New York for the Gold Cup.
But Sancho said his main concern was after the Gold Cup.
“How do we continue on and try to develop our national programme? That is where the importance of Mr Beenhakker and Mr Hart will come in,” he added.
The former national defender also believes that his former coach, Beenhakker, can have a positive impact in T&T football but is also concerned about the actual structure of the national coaching and how things are going to be run and implemented at the national level.
“I think anything you ask Mr Beenhakker to do is a positive. He is a tremendous coach and it is good to have him back in Trinidad.
“We don’t want a situation where people are stepping on other people’s toes. There needs to be clear, defined lines and I think once that is established, then you can have some benefits to it,” he added.
Phillips insisted that the TTFA had clearly defined roles.
In terms of the role of the technical director Anton Corneal, Phillips said, “His responsibilities will continue and will be largely developmental.
“The technical director is charged with organising grassroots programme and player development and coaching development for the wider part of the game.
“Beenhakker’s role is more narrowly defined dealing with the national team and national team coaches and national team programmes,” Phillips explained.

Source

Rugby player Jason “Moon” Clarke was living his dream when his reality was shattered.



Riding in the back seat of a vehicle while coming home from work last November, the star scrum forward was involved in an accident on the Beetham Highway which left one person dead and Clarke paralysed.



Though it remains uncertain whether he will walk again, the strength of his character cannot be questioned.



Following in the footsteps of his father Andy, Clarke joined the Caribs Rugby Club at the age of 19 and experienced a rapid rise through the local ranks which saw him representing T&T within a year and the West Indies soon after. He had been in the midst of a storied career before tragedy struck.



News of the accident came as a blow to the local rugby fraternity, where Clarke is universally liked and respected.



“There was total shock and sadness all around,” said national coach Larry Mendez. “It was the last thing anyone would expect. Jason is such a charismatic person, loved by all, and one of the players that had friends from everywhere.”



After spending six months in and out of the hospital, Clarke returned to the rugby field to support his former T&T teammates during their game against Guyana in St Augustine last week. Speaking from his home in Laventille recently, he admitted the reunion had been bittersweet.



“It’s very hard, knowing that I used to play and that I could be on the field but I’d rather be there than not watching it at all. Just because I can’t play doesn’t mean I can’t be involved. I’m very close with the team.”



Mendez said Clarke’s presence on the sidelines had given a jolt of inspiration to the players, who went on to win 20-0 and dedicated the match to him.



“It was the first time we’d seen him in a public function since the accident and it was a great motivation tool for the team,” Mendez said.



“It was great that he could come hang out and be a part of the game again and I hope he will continue to be a part of set up.”



Now 27, Clarke looks back at his career with fondness and gratitude, glad to have excelled in a sport he remains passionate about.



“Being on tour, celebrating victories, winning league titles and tournaments. It was great,” he said.



“With all the camaraderie among the players, it was like having another family.”



Mendez said Clarke had been one of the standout players of his generation.



“He was right up there with best; always willing to learn and share his knowledge,” said Mendez.



“He was a great passer and handler of ball which allowed him to play both versions of game. He was a really special player and we’re hoping for the best and that he’ll be able to walk again. He’s missed both on and off the field.”



Clarke plans to continue attending local matches in the upcoming months between trips to Colombia, where he will be undergoing a physical therapy programme with the goal of walking again.



“I’m just going to do everything I have to do and hope for the best. You have to stay strong,” he said.



He said he had been grateful for the support of his friends in the game, who had been by his side throughout.



“They’ve been calling, sending messages. Everything. We’re always in touch.”

Source

The bridge is the dominant metaphor of the Istanbul 2020 Olympic bid, as testified by its slogan, "Bridge together".

You can understand why: the bridge between Europe and Asia; bridges across the Bosphorus; or, as bid chairman Hasan Arat, put it on Saturday (June 15) in the Olympic capital of Lausanne at the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC): "Istanbul offers the Olympic Movement a bridge to a new culture; to a region and a people who have never hosted the Olympic Games before."

A potential problem for the bid, though, is that Turkey has also been seen, I suspect, by some in the Movement as a bridge to the Gulf - or more prosaically, as a majority-Muslim alternative that could forestall for another few Olympiads the steadily mounting pressure for the Games to go to the Gulf.

This means that when something goes wrong, like Taksim Square and the torrent of unfavourable international media coverage the handling of the protests there has provoked, there may be a greater tendency for that support to melt away than backing based on the specific - very manifest - qualities of Istanbul as an Olympic host and the merits of its Games plan.

With nearly three months to go before the crucial vote in Buenos Aires, I don't think the situation is yet terminal for this imaginative bid with its promise of an amphitheatre for the Games every bit as spectacular as that offered by Rio de Janeiro, the next Summer Games host.

Any bid winner requires a coalition of different brands of support.

Moreover, as has been observed elsewhere, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is very much a fan of strong political leadership.

As I write, there may still be enough room for manoeuvre - just - to enable Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to emerge with authority shaken but not undermined while placating some of the protesters and enabling bid leaders to laud a mature, tolerant, secular democracy, as National Olympic Committee of Turkey President Uğur Erdener tried to do in Lausanne.

That said, I saw it reported that the protests had achieved the difficult feat of uniting - bridging together? - supporters of the city's three rival football clubs, suggesting that grievances are widely shared.

As my friend, the eminent football writer Simon Kuper Tweeted, alluding also to Egypt, "Wish I could rewrite Football Against the Enemy".

So who stands to be the main beneficiary of Istanbul's present discomfort?

My first inclination would be to say Tokyo, whose bid has achieved a lot more traction than last time around, when it finished third in the 2016 race.

But, actually, it may also have let Madrid back into the game.

Alejandro Blanco, the Spanish capital's bid leader, has said that Spain's new anti-doping law will add to the bid's credibility.

I would say it was indispensable if Madrid 2020 were not to be dead in the water.

Nonetheless, having bid now on three consecutive occasions, the West European candidate can legitimately claim credit for its persistence - just like the 2018 Winter Games winner, Pyeongchang.

And London 2012's success may work in favour of the tried and trusted over the adventurous and new - particularly in light of rumblings over Rio 2016's progress and the still delicate state of the global economy.

The Spanish city also tends to perform strongly in the first round of voting, although it is campaigning this time without the inimitable presence of Juan Antonio Samaranch senior, the late former IOC President.

If it can supplement its core vote with some latecomers, switching from the Istanbul camp, then we could once again have a surprise first-round casualty at the vote in Buenos Aires.

I must say I also slightly fear for the impact that the simultaneous race for the IOC Presidency might have on the Turkish bid's chances.

I sense an incipient dilution in the apparent antipathy I have often felt in Olympic circles for the notion of hosting a Summer Games in the Gulf.

This may, in part, be a by-product of the courting of IOC members from the Gulf region - who include Kuwait's increasingly influential Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, the ANOC President - by candidates for the top job.

But I would be surprised if the new IOC leadership did not appear less hesitant than the present incumbents about the whole idea of a Gulf Olympics, perhaps as soon as 2024.

And if a Gulf Games is becoming a more attractive prospect, then why would you need to forestall it by voting for Istanbul?

The sheer number of high-level decisions that IOC members are being required to take in quick succession makes calling the outcome of any particular race more than usually hazardous.

But it is hard to concoct any "spin" under which this has been a good month for Istanbul 2020.

David Owen worked for 20 years for the Financial Times in the United States, Canada, France and the UK. He ended his FT career as sports editor after the 2006 World Cup and is now freelancing, including covering the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2010 World Cup and London 2012.

Source

Yohan Blake will not run the 200m at the World Championships after the Olympic silver medallist pulled out of this weekend's Jamaican national championships with hamstring problems.

Blake, 23, suffered the injury in April and has not sufficiently recovered.

As defending champion, he does not need to qualify for the 100m in Moscow.

Compatriot Usain Bolt qualifies for the 200m as champion but must win his place in the 100m after he false-started in Daegu in 2011, handing gold to Blake.

"Yohan's coach is not satisfied with the progress of his injury and hence his level of fitness will not allow him to compete at [the nationals] this time," said Blake's manager Cubie Seegobin.

"We will continue to assess the situation and re-evaluate as we approach the World Championships."

Blake won silver in both the 100m and 200m at London 2012 behind training partner and world record holder Bolt.

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June 16 - Pat McQuaid has suffered a further devastating blow in his campaign to win a third term as President of the International Cycling Union (UCI) after another member of the Management Committee publicly said that he no longer supports the Irishman.

Mike Plant, the former President of USA Cycling, claimed the the UCI was at a "critical turning point in the history of our sport, and strong, credible leadership has never been more important".

On Friday (June 14) Plant had delivered a damning dossier on McQuaid's handling of the Lance Armstrong scandal at the UCI's Management Committee meeting in Bergen - but only after McQuaid had tried to block it.

"I have been asked by a number of media outlets to provide information about our recent UCI Management Committee meeting and my actions during an executive session at the conclusion of the meeting," Plant told insidethegames.

"Since that portion of the meeting was in a closed session of the members, I will not answer questions about what has transpired, however, I believe it is time to make my views public.

"I can no longer support the current President of the UCI."

Plant, former director of the Tour de Trump and Tour DuPont - the biggest American stage race in the 1990s, had said last November that he supported McQuaid but that he wanted a return to "creditability".

It now appears that he does not believe that can happen under McQuaid.

"In private discussions with the UCI President and fellow members of the UCI Management Committee, I have made my reasons, findings and concerns clear to him and my colleagues," said Plant.

"This is a critical turning point in the history of our sport, and strong, credible leadership has never been more important.

"The impact of the decisions being made today will be felt for generations to come.

"What the sport of cycling needs most at this crucial time in its history is to be guided by a consistent set of values.

"This isn't a time for self-interest; this is a time for doing what is in the best interest of the sport.

"That's my primary objective for the sport I have been a part of for 40 years.

"I learned long ago that ethics and integrity cannot be situational; they must be constant and unwavering."

Plant's decision to go public with his lack of support completes a bad weekend for McQuaid.

Yesterday at Cycling Ireland's Extraordinary General Meeting in Dublin a motion to back McQuaid's nomination for the UCI Presidency was defeated 91 to 74.

It means that he must rely on a nomination from the Swiss Cycling Federation but that too is hanging in the balance after three members lodged a legal challenge that has forced the organisation to set-up a panel. to decide whether the decision will remain.

It has considerably strengthened the position of Brian Cookson, President of British Cycling, who announced earlier this month that he will stand against McQuaid at the UCI elections in Florence in September.

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Beenhakker hired as Director of Football – Page 62

June 17 - Singapore's $1.3 billion (£812 million/€1 billion) Sports Hub currently under construction in the Southeast Asian island city-state will provide it with the capacity to bid for a host the Commonwealth Games in the near future, International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice-president Ng Ser Miang has claimed.

Construction on the giant 35-hectare Singapore Sports Hub began in September 2010 with the facility scheduled to open in April next year.

It will include a new 55,000 capacity National Stadium with a retractable roof, a 3,000-capacity indoor Aquatic Centre, a 3,000-capacity multi-purpose Indoor Arena and the existing 13,000-capacity Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Construction on the Sports Hub began just one month after Singapore successfully hosted the inaugural 2010 Summer Youth Olympic Games, where Ng served as President of the Organising Committee.

The Singapore Rugby Union has already announced it plans to launch a bid to host the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens at the new National Stadium.

The 64-year-old Ng, a former sailor, is currently one of the leading contenders to replace Jacques Rogge as IOC President when the Belgian steps down from the position following at 12-year reign at the organisation's Buenos Aires on September 10 this year.

Rogge and Ng worked together close on establishing the Youth Olympics in 2010 and Ng said that the success of the event, as well as the construction of the Sport Hub, mean that Singapore could soon move for the Commonwealth Games.

"I think the success of the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore has given us the experience as well as the confidence to go on and stage more big multi-sport events in the future," Ng told insidethegames here where he was attending the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC).

"The construction of the Sports Hub will also be complete next year and that means we will then have the facilities to host a big multi-sport Games, for example a Commonwealth Games.

"I am sure that this is something all the relevant federations and organisations in Singapore will be looking at after building the Sports Hub.

"I think we will definitely need big events once it is complete because it is important to make use of such a world class facility that will have next year given the huge investment that has gone into it."

Ng Ser Miang ParisIOC vice-president Ng Ser Miang believes the new Singapore Sports Hub in the island city-state could set-up a bid for the Commonwealth Games in the near future

It is unclear as to whether Singapore would look to bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games or whether they will position themselves for a later bid in 2026.

The deadline for Commonwealth Games Associations and candidate cities to notify the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) of intention to bid for the 2022 edition of the event will be due either in March or April 2014.

A host city is due to be elected by the Commonwealth Games Associations at the CGF General Assembly at the end of 2015.

They will follow Glasgow in Scotland, who are hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and Gold Coast in Australia who are staging the 2018 edition of the competition.

At present, London appears one of the front-runners for the event after senior Government figures and the city's Mayor Boris Johnson said they would support a bid using the facilities put in place for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

However, the decision to bid must be made by Commonwealth Games England (CGE), who are currently debating whether to move for the event or not.

Other potential bids could come from South Africa, Sri Lanka, Canada and New Zealand, although all those countries have been quiet in recent months despite having all expressed an interest in bidding for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the past.

Source

London 18th June

On the day which marks 400 days to go until the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, the important role of sport as a catalyst for peace and development initiatives and its growing importance in promoting healthy and active lifestyles, has been recognised by two new appointments by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
•    Louise Martin, Honorary Secretary of the CGF and the Chair of SportScotland, has been appointed Chair of CABOS – the Commonwealth Advisory   Body on Sport; and

•    Gideon Sam, President of SASCOC, the South African Olympic Committee and Vice-President of the CGF, has been appointed by the CGF executive board to Chair its new development committee.
CABOS was established by the heads of Commonwealth governments in 2003 as the key sports policy advisory body to the Commonwealth Secretariat and Commonwealth member governments on sports policy. Its membership is made up of the leading sport and development experts and senior sports officials from across the Commonwealth.

Current areas of focus for CABOS include strengthening sports role in meeting the Commonwealth’s development goals, as well as addressing threats to the integrity of sport such as monitoring and addressing illegal and irregular betting and match-fixing  and supporting efforts to ensure that sports governing bodies are well-governed, transparent and democratic.

To do this CABOS identifies, analyses and disseminates research, resources and examples of 'best practice'. It develops policies and helps co-ordinate efforts between Commonwealth countries and with other international bodies such as the United Nations International Working Group on Sport for Development and Peace.

Louise Martin, the new Chair of CABOS said: “I’m really honored and delighted to be accepting this role, because I truly believe that sport is what really binds the Commonwealth together.

“Commonwealth countries are uniquely placed to learn from each other and work together to maximize our efforts. We can be tremendously powerful when we pull together as a team.

“I would also like to thank Professor and Olympic athlete Bruce Kidd, who’s done an amazing job as Chair of CABOS for the past four years, and built its credibility and voice. It’s time now to build on that hard work.”

The CGF’s new development committee was established by the Federation’s Executive Board at their meeting in Samoa earlier this year, following a recommendation from a recent review of the CGF’s strategy, activities and processes last year.

The Federation is placing greater emphasis on developing sport throughout the Commonwealth, and using sport to achieve development objectives.

Gideon Sam, the new Chair of the CGF’s Development Committee, said: “I’m very pleased to have been appointed Chair of the Committee, whose membership will comprise me and the six Regional Vice Presidents on the CGF’s Executive Board.  There’s a great opportunity before us to ensure that the Commonwealth Games is the best possible stage not just for the very best in sport, but also for improving the lives of people across the Commonwealth.

“I’d also like to congratulate my colleague Louise Martin on her appointment to the Chair of CABOS. This is a great step towards proper coordination of our efforts. Sport as our focus in the CGF will benefit tremendously by the appointment of Louise.

“I know that the task given to our Development Committee by the CGF will call for many hands on deck and we are well aware of the task facing us. However on the committee are men and women who have been involved in sport development for decades.  It’s on their shoulder that rests the responsibility to guide the 71 nations which comprise the CGF membership towards genuine development within their territories.”

For more information or photographs contact:

Peter Murphy, Head of Communications, Commonwealth Games Federation p.murphy@thecgf.com +44 (0)207 491 8801

Or

Richard Uku, Director of Communications, Commonwealth Secretariat r.uku@commonwealth.int +44 (0) 20 7747 6500

NOTES TO EDITORS

SASCOC is South Africa’s national multi-coded sporting body responsible for the preparation, presentation and performance of teams to all multi-coded events, namely the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Games, All Africa Games, Olympic Youth Games, Commonwealth Youth Games and Zone VI Games. See more at www.sascoc.co.za

CABOS is an independent advisory body providing support and advice to the Commonwealth Secretariat and member governments on sport policy, particularly Sport for Development and Peace (SDP). CABOS was established at the 2003 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and endorsed by Commonwealth sport ministers in 2004. See more at www.thecommonwealth.org

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is the organisation responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games and the Commonwealth Youth Games.  It comprises 71 member Commonwealth Games Associations from the nations and territories of the Commonwealth.  At the heart of the CGF’s work is the will to promote and celebrate a unique, friendly and world class Games which will inspire and unite the Commonwealth. See more at www.thecgf.com

How can we get sport on the economic agenda? Why is it so difficult to get sustainable development stakeholders to give sport a hearing?



There are a lot of nice sentiments expressed about the role sport can play. But against a background of policy development and strategic visioning can we really say sport is on the table?



How can we further the idea of transforming the sport sector to a value creation and added value culture?



a Last week two important events were held in T&T and it’s hard not to feel that local sport was left out once again.



The two events were: The third annual Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF). CIF allows for very important discussions that can impact micro and macro enterprises and is attended by captains of industry, heads of government, regional and international investors. Critical issues such as entrepreneurship, innovation and investment opportunities are discussed.



CIF is presented by InvestTT whose mission is to sustainably grow T&T’s non-oil and gas sectors.



There were sessions on Public Private Sector Partnerships (PPPs) and new Opportunities in Tourism yet no significant representation for sport.



No blame can be placed on InvestTT. It is not their responsibility to chart the way forward for local sport.



The other event held was the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers' Association (TTMA) Trade and Investment Convention.



Again local sport was not a full participant.



If sport lacks respect or the attention from those who are responsible for charting the country's economic welfare, it’s the fault of sport. I am not pointing fingers at Sport Company or the Ministry of Sport.



I would like to see the national sport organisations at the forefront of the efforts to get sport on the agenda of InvesTT and TTMA.



Those who are responsible within the national sports organisations for the strategic thought leadership must take the lead role.



Sport has a place at the economic table—a modern, innovative and vibrant sport sector is key to Trinidad and Tobago's economic future.



But for the idea to be taken seriously, local sport stakeholders have to take it seriously.



How do we improve the operating environment?



How do we create and develop markets, goods and services for sport?



We need to do research and provide sport stakeholders with the information and knowledge of trends.



It’s up to local sport to earn the respect of organisations such as InvestTT, TTMA, Chamber of Commerce, the local business journalists and media.



There are any numbers of initiatives and strategies that can be adopted to incentivise interest in a sport industry.



Let’s call it the drive to thrive.



Those who have told me the task is daunting point to the struggles of the T&T Pro League as an example.



Instead of looking at the strengths of the Pro league, attention is always focused on why it can’t work.



It’s time we get past the negativity and focus on a strategic vision for the future of sport.



Let the talking points surround sustainability and a vibrant legacy and the positioning of local sport for what’s coming and shaping the direction that sport should be heading.



Sport leaders of today face entirely different challenges from those of years ago.



Today’s leaders wear multiple hats and must be able to understand all aspects of the challenge in front of them.



They need intellectual honesty to articulate a path to the future that is viable.



A rethink is needed to inspire a new strategy, vision and ambition.



Local sport has to look reality in the eyes and decide how the future should look... Ask and answer the question—how will T&T and the world look in five, ten years from now?

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The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association has unveiled a new logo, among other identity material, showing colors and imagery symbolic to the Twin-island State that pays homage to the country’s historic past and creates a contemporary look and feel for the future.



Among the changes fans will see are uniforms that portray a coherent theme with consistent use of T&T’s red, white and black across a wide range of platforms from apparel and merchandise to signage and advertising, as well as the new TTFA logo that comes alive with renewed spark and energy. However, one significant element will not be altered: the iconic mark of the two islands that we represent as one nation.



“We at the TTFA feel that we have developed a logo that respects T&T’s strong tradition and globally-recognized marks,” stated TTFA director of communications Shaun Fuentes.



“At the same time, we realise we needed to create a look designed to evolve with our changing world. We looked closely at the attributes that define our Association and its values, including such words as innovation, character, excellence, commitment and passion of our people. These are the characteristics we want associated with our football and they have helped define our new visual identity,”



TTFA president Raymond Tim Kee, hinted during the early days of his tenure in December that rebranding the Association was on his agenda.



“The new logo sparks a new look, a new feel, a new vision for our Association and football in our beloved country,” Tim Kee said.



“We looked very closely at several designs and came up with this final creation which I can assure you will stand out on our merchandise items and our uniform kits and other memorabilia. This represents our future and we intend to live up to it by going the distance over time to ensure the various aspects of our football has a new glow to it also,” Tim Kee added.



“The feedback has been very good so far. We showed the logo to some of our counterparts at the recent Fifa congress and they were equally impressed. And I can say that our new national team kit which will be unveiled on July 1st will also be an attraction.”



The TTFA President maintained that further developments will be disclosed in coming days that will point towards a better direction.



“We have made some evaluations over recent days and we’ve made some decisions that we believe is in the best interest of our football. And we have had some very healthy discussions with stakeholders and partners who are very enthused by all of this,” Tim Kee said.

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KINGSTON

President of the Jamaica Olympic Association, Mike Fennel, says the country’s reputation in the international arena will suffer some degree of damage following reports of Olympic and World Championship medallist, Veronica Campbell-Brown’s failed drug test.

The seven-time Olympic medallist, who also has nine medals at the World Championships, tested positive for the prohibited substance Lasix, which also goes by the name Furosemide. She failed the drug test at the Jamaica International Invitational World Challenge meet on May 4.

“It will be a big blow because there are a lot of cynics out there who have felt that we have athletes who have not been adhering to the rules. That has not been the case, but I cannot speak specifically to this particular case until we have all the facts. What is quite clear is that there are a number of people who don’t wait on the facts and will all draw their own conclusions. All I can say to everyone is let’s get the facts first before we start drawing our conclusions.”

Campbell-Brown, who lives and trains in the United States, has been provisionally suspended after being notified of the Adverse Analytical Finding of her “A” sample by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association.

She is expected to miss the 14th IAAF World Championship in Moscow, Russia in August.

Lasix is a form of diuretic that promotes the production of urine and treats medical conditions, including high blood pressure and edema.
It is viewed as a masking agent by the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA).  

Meanwhile, Natalie Neita Headley, the Minister without Portfolio with Responsibility for Sports, said the government is awaiting the outcome of due process by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).

In a release on Saturday, she expressed confidence in the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO), saying the government continues to be proud of all Jamaican athletes.

“JADCO has a very robust testing programme in place and we are proud of our sporting history and tradition as a country, we continue to remain committed to preserving the integrity of the sport and will stand firmly with our athletes and encourage them to remain focus and disciplined going into these trials,” she said.

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Ramasra takes seventh National crown

RHEA KHAN and Colin Ramasra enhanced their already stellar reputations in the National Squash Championships Saturday night at Cascadia Squash Club, St Ann’s.

After upsetting second-seeded Julian Chin the night before in the semi-finals, Mandela Patrick, the under-19 champion, gave it his absolute all and was very gallant in defeat.

Ramsara, now based in Canada and ranked in the top 250 in the world, was expected to blow away the 17-year-old in the title match, but was made to work for his 11-5, 11-9, 11-5 victory.

It was the seventh time that the 29-year-old had captured the title, but that is just a drop in the bucket when compared to the amount of times that Khan has lifted the women’s crown.

The pint-sized 35-year-old contested her 21st final and walked away with the crown for the 18th time when she overwhelmed recently-crowned national under-17 champ Faith Gillezeau 11-2, 11-9, 11-3.

Nakita Poon Kong, the 23-year-old former top junior, came from behind to defeat national under-19 champ Talia Abdool 10-12, 12-10, 11-5, 11-7 to claim third place in her first tournament in four years.

Chin, a Guyanese residing in Trinidad, ended up third in the men’s draw with a 12-10, 6-11, 11-9, 11-4 victory over Patrick’s younger brother Nku.

Brandon DeMontrichard whipped Adam Da Costa 11-5, 11-1, 11-8 and Angelique Jackson cruised past Stephanie Sobrien 11-2, 11-8, 11-5 for the plate (for first-round losers) titles.

After stunning two-time defending champ John Holley in the semi-finals a couple hours earlier, fourth-seeded Peter Pirtheesingh completed the job when he upset No. 2 seed Roger Salandy 11-8, 6-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-8 in the veterans’ final.

And Paul Boyce took the over-40 plate by halting Raymond Patrick, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Squash Association and father of Mandela and Nku, 11-4, 11-8, 8-11, 10-12, 11-3.

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TRINIDAD and Tobago defeated Mexico for only the second time when the Women’s Pan American Volleyball Cup continued on Saturday in Peru.

Two years after upset the Central Americans for the first time in this very tournament two years ago in Mexico, the five-time Caribbean champions were even more impressive on this occasion at they did not lose a set.

The 25-17, 25-22, 26-24 triumph put T&T in position to finish ninth in the 12-nation tournament. However the girls needed to defeat Colombia when the tournament concluded yesterday to finish in single digits.

Colombia began their quest for ninth place by coming from two sets to one down to deny Costa Rica 35-33, 15-25, 20-25, 25-22, 15-6.

The Costa Ricans avoided the cellar place yesterday afternoon when they defeated the Mexicans 27-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21.

T&T, losers of their three group matches in straight sets in the round-robin phase of the competition, had four players scoring in double figures in their 74-minute contest against Mexico.

Channon Thompson, the Most Valuable Player when this country won the gold medal a few weeks ago to advance to the penultimate round of NORCECA (North, Central America and the Caribbean) qualifying for next year’s World Championships in Italy, led the way with 21 points.

The other two Poland-based players, skipper Krystle Esdelle (18) and Sinead Jack (ten) also contributed significantly to the attack, as did Finland-based former national skipper Darlene Ramdin (12).

Samantha Bricio top-scored for Mexico with 18 points.

Defending champs United States cruised into last night’s gold-medal match with a 25-11, 25-20, 25-22 victory over fellow two-time champs Brazil. And Dominican Republic, another two-time winner of this title, trounced Argentina 25-18, 25-18, 25-11 in the other semi-final.

The playoff for fifth through eighth began with four-time champs Cuba coming from behind to halt hosts Peru 18-25, 25-16, 25-15, 25-16 and Puerto Rico defeating Canada 27-25, 18-25, 25-17, 25-19.

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