MINISTER of Sport, Anil Roberts, is confident that Carlos Suarez will be making Trinidad and Tobago proud in the 2012 London Olympics. He said Suarez will receive full backing from his ministry, adding all resources would be available for his quest.
“All monies Carlos needs, we will spend it on him. We will equip, prep and train him well...locally and abroad. We are raising the standard of boxing. No stone will be left unturned as we want Carlos to succeed,” he commented. Roberts was full of praise for the Trinidad and Tobago Amateur Boxing Association (TTABA) Special Adviser Boxu Potts, coach Reynold Cox, and the rest of the contingent that fought in the recent Brazil qualifiers. He praised the camaraderie in the sport recently and the perseverance shown by the team and current boxing associations.
Roberts said that there is much more progression and development in the sport heralded by Suarez’ feats. “We had boxing conflicts in the past but now we have resolution and our local coaches are producing. Next year we want to have our boxers as professionals and we want to send more fighters to the 2016 Olympics,” he added. Roberts believes that unity and support is essential for the athletes and he referenced his liaising with Kirt Sinnette as a 1996 boxer in Atlanta while he (Roberts) was a swimming coach at the Games.
“I lent Kirt a stop-watch as he was trying to make weight. That’s the kind of togetherness we need to foster. But the time for talk and time for action has come. Carlos Suarez is in the Olympics and I promised you an Olympian...and here is Carlos! He will make the whole nation very proud and represent us with honour,” concluded Roberts.
Source: www.newsday.co.tt
By RENALDO MATADEEN