The upcoming Pan American Games in Brazil,is an important signpost on the road to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the country's elite athletes are being urged to ensure that they prepare properly and produce their best. According to Larry Romany, the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC)President, the Government's Elite Athlete Assistance Programme(EAP) provides much needed financial support ,in addition Romany pointed out that the National Olympic Committee also provided Elite athletes with Pan Am preparation and Olympic Solidarity funding. Two things are at stake :Participation at the Beijing Olympic Games and EAP funding.Romany said " Athletes receiving funding will be evaluated on the basis of performance".Romany affirmed that the EAP is not developmental, but aimed at the podium as such Elite level athletes cannot offer lack of money as a credible excuse. The local Olympic chief cautioned that only athletes qualifying for the Beijing Olympic Games will be recommended by the TTOC for EAP funding in 2008.He also revealed that after next year's Olympic Games in China the TTOC and the Ministry of Sport will undertake a comprehensive review of the programme with the London 2012 Olympics in mind.
abr.01.2007