New TTOC boss urges basketball coaches:
In his first official address since being elected into office, Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee president Brian Lewis called on the newly-certified basketball coaches to spread their knowledge and grow the sport through their knowledge.
Lewis was the feature speaker at the National Basketball Federation of Trinidad and Tobago’s certification handing-out ceremony at the VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Thursday.
Nearly 100 certificates from FIBA, the international body overseeing amateur basketball worldwide, were awarded to coaches for their successful completion of courses. That included 38 FIBA level two certificates and 60 FIBA community and level one certificates.
This followed the joint hosting of training workshops for coaches in communities across the country by NBFTT and the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT) recently.
Nathaniel Charles was also issued a FIBA referee’s licence which makes him eligible to officiate in FIBA international tournaments.
In his maiden address, Lewis said that without good knowledgeable coaches, the country can’t have great players.
“The importance of quality coaching and officiating can’t be undervalued or ought not to be undervalued.
“One can only hope that everyone will put their newly acquired knowledge to optimum use. I urge all the basketball stakeholders to seek to work together for the betterment and best interest of Trinidad and Tobago basketball.”
After congratulating the successful coaches, SPORTT and the NBFTT for their forward-thinking attitude, Lewis said: “Don’t let self interest and hidden agendas stifle and hold back the growth and development of T&T basketball. Strive to increase participation. Strive to develop a clear and long-term athlete development pathway that caters for basketball for all.”
Lewis said at the elite stage, coaches should strive for qualifying teams for the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) and Pan American (Pan Am) Games. They should also strive for excellence, he added.
“This evening I am suggesting to you that the handing out of these deserved and hard-earned certificates can be the platform for a new way of thinking for TT Basketball.
The NBFTT general secretary Nadine Khan said despite the organisation’s many financial challenges, it is continuing its drive to raise the level of basketball in T&T in keeping with their Strategic Plan 2011-2014, with the hosting of training workshops.