Former Sports Minister Marilyn Gordon is encouraging  the nation’s young female athletes  to build on the success of the older generation of the country’s sports women. Gordon said the younger generation of athletes have a lot to learn from the experiences of a sporting stalwarts of the past generation.
She was speaking at the 4th annual National Association of Athletic Administration (NAAA) Women Committee Symposium entitled “Building Self Esteem”  at Capital Plaza (formerly Crown Plaza) yesterday. “I am looking for more Cleopatra Borels and Kelly Ann Baptistes coming out of this group. Not one or  two, but plenty because you can stand on the shoulders of the older generations.”
The  former national track and hockey representative added: “Instead of going through the bad experiences the older ones went through, listen to what they tell you and then avoid them (the bad experiences).  Then you can spend time doing other things, breaking other barriers. But you can only do it if you work with others. When you get help you have to give help.”
Gordon was the feature speaker at the symposium. The 70-year-old shared how interacting with her 14-year-old grandson allowed her to understand the younger generation and use technology like Facebook, BlackBerry to communicate. “As I listen to my grand-son, I learnt about what is going on among the young people. We share information.”
The symposium attracted close to 150 athletes, parents and coaches from track and field clubs and schools across the country. Chairperson committee, Lucretia Warner-Burns, said the aim of the workshop was to heighten self awareness. “The objective is to bring more awareness of self. In the end we expect them to have more confidence in themselves. This year we have seen the largest participation.  Some are already looking forward to next year.”
Olympian Roger Daniel was on hand to encourage the young ladies. The three-time Olympic rifle shooter told them to set goals and be positive. “As young athletes you should always try to keep yourself positive. Don’t let anyone else’s negativity pull you down. Set your goals.”
Source: www.guardian.co.tt