Newly-appointed president of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) Brian Lewis has vowed to focus on the body’s core values and extend it to all member national sporting organisations (NSO) with the vision of self-sustainability.
Lewis, who joined TTOC in 1997 won the election, 29 votes to 16 over his opponent, Richard Young, a recently retired banking executive, on Monday. Lewis took over the portfolio of outgoing president Larry Romany for the post, the only one of which was opposed at the election.
David Inglefield and Terry Ali are the new vice-presidents, while Annette Knott is the secretary. The executive members are Wendell Constantine, Dr Ian Hypolite and Garvin Warwick, and the trustees, Kerston Coombs and former TTOC president Douglas Camacho. Prior to his election as president, Lewis served as the committee’s general secretary. His task ahead is to implement the factors which constituted his campaign.
Lewis said: “Prior to the election I met with the NSOs and asked what they cared about, what was their passion. I made it clear my intention was to made the TTOC more inclusive. NSOs need to feel attached to the TTOC.”
He said the TTOC already had a good existing relationship with member NSOs, but a stronger one was required for the purpose of strategic development for both parties.
Lewis congratulated the NSOs who succeeded in executing a transparent and ethical election, which epitomized those of which he stressed in his campaign. “At all times my aim is to keep with the dignity and integrity of the Olympic movement.”
He said he never did and never will have the intention of bringing the TTOC, or any sporting body into disrepute despite what he described as “untruths being suggested.”
“Now the election is over, we (have to) focus on moving forward, regardless of the vote count.”
Lewis said on the day of the election he was convinced the margin of victory (or defeat) would have been much closer, even at the start of the meeting. “I thought it was to be decided by one or two votes,” said Lewis, admitting he was not a favourite to win the election at the start of the campaign.
A primary concern and that of which he declared in his campaign are the issues of development of a strategic marketing approach, including but not limited to internal and external sports marketing, fundraising and sponsorship.