None shall escape. It’s finally here. T&T will soon face up to the reality of austerity or lean economic times which ever is your preference. Who will thrive? Who will disappear? Who will emerge better, brighter and bigger? National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) will have to give deep thought and do some soul searching. Those who have experience at making the most of what they have at their disposal, no matter how little it may be, have experience to fall back on. Some will see austerity as an insurmountable obstacle. “Hard times,” “guava season,” “eating the bread the devil knead,” whatever or however one may choose to call it, tough times bring out the best and worst in people and organisations. NSOs that have a proper structure and systems and keep an open mind will thrive, grow and develop in these challenging times.
There is no in between. Treading water or just holding on is choosing to fall behind. NSOs that have strong basics and core skills already have the foundation in place. NSOs that have a group of stakeholders who will work hard, have good discipline and team spirit, need not have an iota of fear. Hard decisions will be made. In such an environment, elite-level sport funding decisions will be based not on performance but on outcomes. In other words winning and podium. This is not a new or unusual scenario. We have been this way before. The upside of this harsh economic time is greater efficiency and productivity. Corruption, “bobol” and “vi ki vi” thrive in moments of plenty. No more. Austerity is here and not a moment too soon. There should be rejoicing, not hand-wringing as hard work, honesty, creativity, innovation and adding value will be the great equaliser.
During this spell, clarity of mind, a clear vision and an understanding as to what must be done will prove the difference.
If ever T&T needed a dose of austerity, it is now. Hard times can be the making of a tremendously creative, innovative and dynamic and industrious T&T. It will be a much-needed wakeup call and motivation check. Those who don’t want to accept responsibility for making themselves fit for purpose must not expect or demand sympathy or special consideration. Prove your worth. The history of mankind is replete with examples of nations and societies using difficult times to find their better selves. Austerity is a challenge like any other challenge. It’s time to put on your thinking caps and welcome it with open arms.
It’s a whole new ball game where passion, not deep pockets will prove the difference. Those who talk without knowing will be found out. So as we head into the choppy waters of this crude financial spell, the words of Mahatma Gandhi can offer solace: “Divine guidance often comes when the horizon is blackest.”
If you look at the values of the Olympic Movement—courage, respect, honesty, integrity, determination, excellence—these are values that can be the driving force for thriving in lean economic times. The Olympic Movement—the five rings—is a living brand. It’s about giving back and doing the right thing. The above declaration may mean different things to different people based on their individual beliefs and or experiences. But even with flexibility and adaptation there ought to be an adherence to core values and principles. As we look at and experience events both here at home and abroad. No country, organisation, family or community is immune. You can also take a leaf from great sportsmen and women. The best in any sport finds time under pressure. Where the mere mortal panics in the rush and under pressure, the greats appear to see everything in slow motion, and have more time to react. Austerity is here T&T, let’s get to work.
By Brian Lewis
Source: www.guardian.co.tt