In the last few weeks a number of people have expressed strident and despairing concerns that it is a daily battle to remain positive about the future of sport here in T&T. At every turn it seems as if there is a distorted perception about what is needed and necessary if as a nation we are to display sincere commitment.
Why is there the feeling that those who can make a difference aren’t serious about conceiving and developing a proper strategy, structure and culture that will propel T&T sport to the attainment of its full potential?
What has caused the break down in trust and is this loss of trust justified? Are we serious enough about sport to commit the financial resources which are necessary to harness and prepare the talent residing in the bosom of T&T so that the red, black and white can shine ever so bright at the World’s important and precious sport events?
I have been asked—“Here we are in 2013 and the problem of funding continues to threaten the progress of many sportsmen and women. Can we honestly say that financially sport in T&T has been boosted?”
This and other frequently asked questions reflect serious doubts and a lack of optimism that T&T can be a world class centre of sport excellence and a regional and continental powerhouse.
Positive views are considered simply sugar coating things. Why can’t we set big goals without people admonishing that it’s unrealistic given all that is wrong within local sport?
What is the cause of the frustration? Notwithstanding confident utterances the perception persists that we haven’t overcome a history of paying only lip service to sport sufficiently to allow T&T sport to scale unprecedented heights.
Is a positive view of things and an unwavering faith and confidence that no matter the challenges and obstacles progress have been made unrealistic or delusional? Aren’t we are better off now than say 20 years ago?
What’s the real deal?
However, I do agree there are situations that can be frustrating and demoralising but will always recommend purposeful patience. In time to come sport will be given a priority position in matters of national policy.
In the meanwhile even as the problems, concerns and issues are identified developing solutions has to be the mindset.
Examples such as Singapore, Qatar, and Cuba, Australia and New Zealand, to name a few, can provide excellent pointers.
That’s not to suggest that the expressions of frustration and rising tide of pessimism of people who feel that a golden opportunity should be ignored.
All national sport organisations and their respective stakeholders need to take a close look at what’s taking place within their sport and wider environment. All organisations have a multi-phase life cycle. Understanding and appreciating where you are in the life cycle is critical as it informs the responses to the changes taking place in the operating environment. How then can a national sport organisation equip itself to be able to identify fundamental changes in the environment as they occur and to make adjustments?
Meeting the challenges, problems and pitfalls require that a national sport organisation be able to adapt and respond to pressures, and be adept and flexible at “putting out fires” and making decisions in an uncertain environment where the stakes are high and there is considerable emotional investment.
For me, its far better to remain positive and maintain a strong belief that big things are in store for T&T sport and that it is necessary to chart a course forward that is based on ambitious aims and objectives.