sep.28.2008

Team T&T will be cheered on by students of the Alphonsa High School during the upcoming Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India.

This support comes as a result of the “Bond Forever” initiative of CYG Pune 2008 (Games Organizing Committee). In an effort to make the Games as participatory as possible, educational institutions in Pune were invited to be part of the Games. “The children of Pune would be the best ambassadors for the city and the Games … Bond Forever will make young athletes from around the world feel comfortable in our city as they are welcomed by their young counterparts from the schools of Pune,” explains the website.

Each school selected a participating country as a partner nation and has studied its location, culture, customs, traditions, cuisine, language, history etc. as a learning project. Trinidad and Tobago was selected by the Alphonsa High School. The school’s project on T&T is posted on the www.cygpune2008.in/school-programme website.

“The school project, their letters to Games Mascot Jigrr, and Green Games themed artwork highlight that sport, culture, education, environment awareness and art are alive at Alphonsa High School. These 5 areas are the pillars of Olympism and tie into the initiatives of the TTOC Olympic Academy,” commented Team Leader Tanya Western. The team of 24 travels to India under the auspices of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee / Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association.

“The programme aims to help forge long lasting bonds of friendship and support between the youth of the Commonwealth, ultimately bringing the countries of the world closer together. We appreciate the efforts of the pupils and staff of Alphonsa High School and look forward to their support during competition. After competing in this 3rd edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games, we will pay a courtesy visit to the school,” added Western.

During October, the Indian schools will participate in a float parade depicting their chosen country so that other students and citizens of Pune will be aware of the participating countries. Additionally, a school programme for environmental awareness was introduced. Participating schools will be evaluated on their eco friendly measures, and based on this the CYG Pune 2008 Green School Award will be presented.

CYG Pune 2008 believes that education, in the real sense, is developing the spirit of sportsmanship and the forthcoming Games is the apt opportunity to develop and enhance this spirit amongst our youth today.