Walcott, Gordon included in T&T’s sporting legends

London 2012 track and field medallists Keshorn Walcott and Lalonde Gordon have been selected as the final two athletes in the 50 Greatest Legends of T&T Sport, an initiative of All Sport Promotions, in conjunction with the Ministry of Planning and the Economy in commemoration of T&T top athletes within the past 50 years. All 50 current and former athletes, some of whom are deceased will be honoured at a lavish function, tomorrow, the day before T&T celebrates its 50th year as an independent nation, at the Trinidad Hilton Ballroom. The launch was hosted by All Sports Promotions managing director, Anthony Harford, with Minister of Planning Bhoendradatt Tiware in attendance. The list includes some of the most influential people in their respective sports in which a wide range of disciplines are recognised, from sailing to weightlifting.

Four-time Sportswoman of the Year, Debra O’Connor (badminton), deceased boxer Giselle Salandy and sailing brothers Rawle and Cordell Barrow, are also among the varying list of celebrated persons. The nominees were compiled by a committee chaired by veteran sports broadcaster Dave Lamy. The selection committee panel includes former national footballer Sedley Joseph, water-polo and swimming legend Lloyd Agard (nominated), former hockey standout Sandra Charles-Montano (nominated), former T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) President Alexander Chapman and TTOC Secretary General Brian Lewis. Several foreign-based nominated athletes are expected to attend the function, including ESPN analyst Shaka Hislop, the vastly successful jockey Emile Ramsammy and three persons of the four-member 4x440 yard record-breaking relay team from 1964 and 1966. Each of the 50 nominated persons and teams will be featured in a one-minute video clipping or photographic slide-show displaying some of their most precious moments in action, compiled from delicate and rare archives. These details, along with the 50 nominated athletes were announced at the launch of the Gala Dinner, at the President’s Box, Queen’s Park Oval, Tragerete Road, and hosted by All Sports Promotions, yesterday. Lamy explained the criteria used to select the individuals. Lamy said, “the athletes must have represented T&T at some level, must have been outstanding in their particular sport, must have had an impact on the national community, should not have had a criminal record or have been the subject of ongoing scrutiny enough to bring disrepute to the T&T brand, and the candidate must have been portrayed in the true spirit of sport at all times.”

Meanwhile, Harford labeled the presentation as “an expensive project”, with the acquisition of rights for use of certain certain images valued up to US$500. Harford said that plans had been made since July last year, with the foresight of such an exclusive occasion and was worth the cost. Along with tokens of recognition for the athletes’ achievements, each nominee will receive a copy of the 50-minute presentation, while the public will have a one-time view of the programme on national television. It will subsequently be delivered to the national archives for safe-keeping. Speaking at the media launch, Minister Tewarie expressed the importance of sport in the foundation of the nation, stressing that the emphasis given to the celebration of such deserving athletes, will only serve to inspire young persons to achieve greatness and personal satisfaction. “Sport has a tremendous importance in our society. First of all, in terms of the recognition and nurturing of individual talent. Secondly, it has the capacity, when you develop sports leaders, and sports icons and sports celebrities, to have a tremendous positive impact on youth,” said Tewarie. He continued, “(And) more than that, as people achieve in the realm of sports either in individual sports, or in teams sports, they not only provide examples, but they are part of the entire achievement, motivation and orientation of the society and this is very important for us for inspiration and for positive influence in the society as a whole.” “This particular event recognises those who have achieved and those who have contributed. And for that we consider this a very valuable event. We say our congratulations for those who have been acknowledged and honoured on the night.”