Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com.
Writer-Kwame Laurence
Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (T&TOC) president Larry Romany has called on the country's Commonwealth Games team to "feel the passion of being patriotic".
At a farewell function for the home-based members of the team, at Guardian Holdings Limited, in Westmoorings, yesterday, Romany spoke about the thrill of hearing the national anthem—"Forged from the Love of Liberty"—blaring from the speakers during a medal ceremony.
He also made the point that Britain, with a population of 60 million, "has not produced a Brian Lara".
"We are 1.3 million, and we have produced Brian Lara, Ato Boldon, Edwin Skinner, Hasely Crawford, Wendell Mottley, Kwandwane Browne..."
Browne, captain of the men's hockey team, is one of 82 athletes who will wear T&T colours at the October 3-14 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India. The contingent also includes 43 officials.
At yesterday's farewell function, T&TOC secretary general Brian Lewis said it is difficult to achieve success at the Commonwealth Games.
"Coming back with a medal at the Commonwealth Games level is not easy. At this level it's high performance. [But] we are going to New Delhi, a long way, to be successful."
Chef de mission Annette Knott leaves T&T today. The chef and chief security liaison Randolph Protain will be the first members of the T&T contingent to arrive in Delhi. Yesterday, Knott assured team members they will be safe during the Games.
"Security will be top rate. No reason for fear at all."
India's high commissioner to T&T, Malay Mishra, said that while his country has hosted many major sporting events, the 2010 Commonwealth Games is of particular importance to Indians.
"This is the crowning point in terms of our sports history.
"The opening [ceremony] on the third [of October]," Mishra continued, "will be one of the most dazzling events."
Romany, who is also president of the Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association (T&TCGA), told the T&T athletes they are in for a treat in Delhi.
"Commonwealth Games always has the fondest memories.
"I'm very proud netball can go to these Games. They have arrived at the right time.
"The stadium (Thyagaraj Sports Complex) is a green building—a phenomenal architectural structure. Hockey, on the other hand, is being played at a heritage venue (Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium).
"The cycling velodrome (IG Sports Complex), I've never seen anything like it.
"The best food I have ever eaten," Romany continued, "is in Delhi. That food is fantastic.
"The culture is very, very rich and diverse. Don't miss any of the cultural shows."
Some members of the T&T team leave for Delhi on Thursday.
"A second group will fly out on Saturday, while the third and final group will leave on Wednesday, September 29.
At the 2006 Commonwealth Games, in Melbourne, Australia, T&T earned three medals—all bronze. Two of the three medallists at that Games—shooter Roger Daniel and shot putter Cleopatra Borel-Brown—will bid for honours in Delhi. Marc Burns, who captured bronze in the men's 100 metres dash, is not a member of the T&T team for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.