Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) president Michael Romany visited a Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTRFU) Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) Rugby 7s training session last Saturday at the King George V Park. Trinidad and Tobago will participate in CYG 7s for the first time.TTRFU president Leslie Figaro was also in attendance . Romany, Figaro along with Team manager Rudolph Jack, each gave a brief address to the eager youngsters who face a gruelling training programme ahead of the 4th edition of the Games scheduled for 7-13 September Isle of Man.
Romany told the youngsters that "it is an opportunity of a life time" and they should approach their training and preparations with discipline, dedication and commitment.
" You will meet very tough opposition. Your mental and physical fitness will be tested like never before. But it is a challenge you should embrace, especially as rugby 7s will be an Olympic sport come Rio 2016."
Romany also made a presentation of rugby balls and other training equipment to the TTRFU on behalf of the TTOC .
Team Manager of the Commonwealth Youth Games rugby 7s team, Rudolph Jack expressed thanks on behalf of the players, coaches and TTRFU.
" This donation is appreciated. All of us - players, coaches and myself, understand the responsibility and the trust that has been placed in us. Playing rugby at the Commonwealth games at any age level is a tall hill to climb. You are up against the very best rugby nations in the world. As manager I will do my best to motivate the players and coaches. I have accepted the opportunity to serve my country in a different capacity with this assignment. I assure you that I will give it my best."
TTRFU president Leslie Figaro told the young rugby players that coming close on the heels of T&T's recent loss to Guyana (22-20) in the Caribbean 15s rugby championship, discipline and dedication to fitness and a positive life style are important ingredients if they are to be at their best.
" Participating in the Commonwealth Youth Games is a leap of faith and an investment in the future with Rio 2016 firmly in mind. You young men have an opportunity to lay down your mark and let the senior national players know and understand that if they are not serious you are. I enourage you to work hard, but above all enjoy the training, hard work and knocks that will come" said Figaro.
There are seven sports on the CYG programme which is for young athletes between the ages of 14-18 years. See link below for more information.