In the aftermath of Finance Minister Larry Howai’s budget presentation, many individuals in the sporting fraternity believe that much more could have been done for the future of sports in T&T.
In the brief statement on national sports in Monday’s 2013/14 budget, Howai spoke about the rapid development of the National Aquatic Centre, the National Tennis Centre and the National Cycle Centre. Although satisfied with those goals, the general consensus is that not enough is being done for the next generation of sporting heroes.
Former Soca Warrior and current managing director of Central FC, Brent Sancho, was a bit disappointed.
“Looking at the social issues we have in this country, I would have liked to see more given to the grassroot programmes,” said Sancho.
He believes more immediate funding needs to be allocated to the ground level first, to produce world class athletes.
“We must start from the developmental level, or else we will have nobody to fill these facilities.”
Like Sancho, newly appointed president of the T&T Tennis Association, Kendall Cuffy, believes in developmental programmes.
Although he appreciates the government’s initiative in the National Tennis Centre, he says not enough is being done to nurture future stars.
“We need to start at the grassroot level; this is where world class talent will be discovered,” said Cuffy, who has plans to meet with the Sport Company of T&T (Sportt) to discuss concerns in local tennis, and will propose his developmental ideas.
Brian Lewis, president of the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC), is of the opinion that T&T must start taking sports more seriously.
“We need to build sustainability to further assist the sport economy,” Lewis said. “I am a believer that sport needs to get away from the dependency syndrome.”
He gave the example that more can be done to develop sport entrepreneurship.
Njisane Phillip’s stepfather and manager, Phillip Whiteman, is contented with the progress being made with the National Cycle Centre.
“I am happy with the development being made,” he said. He also said the Ministry of Sport has been co-operating with the cycling body.
“The cycling federation has given advice on stuff that can be done to improve the facility (cycle centre) and they have listened.”
Whiteman also believes the centre will develop a new crop of cyclists in T&T.
“I know this (centre) will bring talent, but it needs to be properly maintained.”
Whiteman mentioned this centre should help economic growth in T&T as many cyclists from abroad will continue coming to T&T to compete.
“A lot of people are excited to come to T&T and when people come to T&T we will earn revenue.”