oct.30.2007
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) is considering a bid to host the Commonwealth Games.
And Government's commitment to building world standard facilities is essential if a realistic bid is to be made says TTOC President Larry Romany.
Romany was commenting on the announcement that cycling,tennis and swimming will soon get world class facilities.
"My thoughts are that we can bid for the 2018 Commonwealth Games,but there are still a number of areas to be seriously consider before a firm decision is taken".
The National Olympic chief insists that Sport has a vital role to play in the social,civic, economic and human resource development of T&T .
"Getting buy in for that philosophy from the wider public and corporate T&T has not been easy.I am delighted that Government appreciates that investing in sport is no less important than other areas".
Romany lauded the Government and Ministry of Sport for their "demonstrated commitment" to the link between sport and sustainable social development.
Romany however pointed out that World class development can not occur with out community involvement and that implementation and execution of a comprehensive and systematic sport development pathway is the responsibility of National Sport Organizations(NSOs).
"I have being saying it for awhile now.NSOs must seize the day, and pay attention to issues of accountability, transparency, good governance and capacity building. It cannot be business as usual.Government funding should only go to NSOs that operate efficiently".
Romany believes that Trinidad and Tobago can be developed into one of the top 10 sporting nations in the Commonwealth and Americas region in 10 to 15 years.
"We can build a sustainable sport industry and get one in two Trinidadians to participate regularly in sports related activity.