It starts with a dream. Some understand it but they don’t buy it. As July 27, 2012 fast approaches, there is a growing sense of urgency and awareness. Some have only started to think about the Olympic Games as it draws near. Such a lack of respect for the Games can only result in one thing—failure. That’s only fair as hundreds have lived and prepared for the Games with relentless dedication for years. It’s all they dream about day in, day out. That’s the challenge. Fidelity to the Olympic dream is a prerequisite for success. The pursuit of Olympic success is not for those who are unwilling to sacrifice. Olympism and Olympic excellence is a state of mind and an attitude; a mind set; the willingness to endure and accomplish; to believe in the Olympic dream before anyone else; choosing reality over fantasy; looking for hope in the face of adversity; digging for the lessons in a sea of negativity.
Where do you find the inspiration and motivation in the face of those, who have no Olympic dream either through ignorance, apathy or deliberate intention. They ignore the price that must be paid. London 2012, what will it deliver for T&T? Even in the face of years of toil nothing is guaranteed to those, who have harboured and nurtured their dream. In this context it is important that those, who can make a difference recognise that the days of ignoring the plight of our sportsmen and women should be long gone. Since 2004, successive governments have taken the lead in providing elite athlete funding. This provides vital support that must not be taken for granted. Without this support our elite level athletes will have to find normal employment and forego any realistic hopes of making it to the Olympics, far less winning a medal.
As with everything else time brings with it changes. It is only fair that the elite athlete assistance programme look further than just the Olympic Games and individual athletes. Non-Olympic sports and team sports must also receive consideration. It is only fair that other aspirations receive support. After all the Olympic Games means nothing for some non-Olympic sports and even mind you some Olympic sports. So the challenge then is sustainable funding. A very real obstacle in trying economic times. There is no stakeholder in local sport who can avoid the circumstances that the economic difficulties must bring. It is a frightening prospect with July 27, just around the corner. This is not the time for false promises. The margin between Olympic success and failure is razor thin. This is when leadership will make the difference by setting the right example, standing up for what must be done. It is about absolute accountability—an attitude that is clear and uncompromising—no excuses.
We are all either on the same page or we are not. Are we serious about helping our sportsmen and women pursue their Olympic dreams? This is the time for honesty and an uncompromising look at what is going on and happening. Are we serious about pursuing Olympic dreams? This is not the time for egotism and silly games. It is either yes or no. Are we serious? Clarity and focus, this is what is required as we no longer have the luxury of time. The Olympic Games offers no hiding place for those who are less than sincere and faithful. It takes years to be crowned an Olympic champion. Olympic glory is not earned by quick fixes or shortcuts. There is an adage: the will to win is nothing without the will to prepare. This obligation is not for the athletes alone but also for the sport leaders, administrators and managers.
-Brian Lewis
Source: www.guardian.co.tt