Chef de Mission of the Trinidad and Tobago 2010 Commonwealth Games delegation, Annette Knott today welcomed the first arriving group of athletes and officials to Delhi.
The 31 members of Team T&T were understandably tired after a long journey from Port.of.Spain.
Somewhat uncertain about what they were going to meet given the intense media comments and doubt about the Games.They were ,however, relieved to received assurances from their delegation chief that while there were challenges things were not as bad as they would have feared.
Mrs Knott however cautioned that keeping a positive attitude and resolute focus on why they were in India was essential.
"We are here to represent our country to the best of our ability and are guests of the people of India .Let us conduct ourselves as such mindful that all countries face challenges and have different cultures. At the end of the day we are here to compete in our respective sporting disciplines .That is the priority.''
With the second batch of T&T athletes and officials scheduled to depart T&T today. TTOC president Michael Romany remains confident that the upcoming Commonwealth Games will rebound from the deep crisis that placed this year's edition in jeopardy.
With the second batch of T&T athletes and officials scheduled to depart T&T today. TTOC president Michael Romany remains confident that the upcoming Commonwealth Games will rebound from the deep crisis that placed this year's edition in jeopardy.
''Mrs Knott has provided us[TTOC] with clarity and context.Her assessment of the situation was honest but constructive.In fact she was always confident that the necessary efforts were underway to alleviate whatever challenges or problems were before the organisers in respect of the Games Village.''
Romany confirmed that the TTOC had no intention of pulling out and would have been one of the delegations that would have participated even if other CGAs had withdrawn.
'' There are opportunities and lessons for the Commonwealth Games Federation .I was dismayed by the breakdown in relationships between member nations. Afterall we are all our brother's and sister's keeper. You cannot destroy or tarnish the reputation and image of one nation with out compromising the entire group.This is not the time to turn on each other but to reach out and help.'' added Romany