ago.26.2008

"They are our jewels and exemplars."

That was the description of the 2008 Trinidad and Tobago Olympic team made by Minister of Sport Gary Hunt at a press conference to celebrate the return of some of the athletes at Piarco International Airport yesterday morning.

Hunt called on the communities to praise the returning athletes, telling the athletes: "Each one of you played a pivotal role in the country's unprecedented level of success at the games."

Among the returning athletes yesterday were George Bovell III and his younger brother Nicholas.

"The world took notice of Trinidad and Tobago and they looked on as our athletes received their medals at the Bird's Nest Stadium (in Beijing)...we are indeed very proud," said Hunt as he called for a fitting tribute for the T&T athletes.

"We are encouraging all the communities in which they (the athletes) reside to create a festive atmosphere and a fitting welcome for our athletes to celebrate their success.

"Make the other athletes feel welcome and cherished," Hunt declared, adding: "They are young and they will be part of the team in 2012 and we need to appreciate the athletes at the community level.

"There was no doubt that we would have won medals," Hunt noted. "We were closely monitoring the progress of our athletes in the build-up to the games, but there is no guarantee in sport...we can only put things in place to ensure our good performances.

"We have a definite sports policy. We have the Elite Athlete Programme, physical education is compulsory at secondary schools, so we are looking to the future...it is a journey," the Minister stated.

"We are looking at the progress...we know where we want to get to and we need to find methods of getting there and when we get there we need to find ways of maintaining our status.

"It is a great time for Trinidad and Tobago, there is a lot of positive energy in the country and we will be looking to build on that energy," he added.

T&T's success at the 2008 Beijing Olympics was more a tribute to the athletes' mental strength and their preparation, Hunt pointed out as he compared the sporting policies of other nations and the success they have had at the games.

"It is something about motivation, honour and determination," he said.

"We need to develop in our athletes a hunger and desire for success and it is about how we treat our athletes.

"All the communities must come together to celebrate with our athletes in their own unique ways," Hunt asserted, reassuring: "The people will have the opportunity to meet, greet and interact with their heroes."


Returning Schedule for Olympic Athletes:


Today-8.30 p.m. (BW417):

Zwede Hewitt (St Joseph)-4x100m

Jovon Toppin (Coconut Drive, Morvant)-4x100m


August 28-3.20 p.m. (BA2153):

Josanne Lucas (Carnbee, Tobago)-400m Hurdles

Candice Scott (Lower Santa Cruz)-Hammer Throw


August 28-8.15 p.m. (BW483):

Monique Carbral (Blue Range, Diego Martin)-4x100m

Ayanna Hutchinson (D'Abadie)-4x100m

Wanda Hutson (River Estate, Diego Martin)-4x100m

Sasha Springer (Powder Magazine, Cocorite)-100m

Semoy Hackett (Lambeau, Tobago)-100m, 4x100m


September 1-3.20 p.m. (BA2153):

Keston Bledman (Claxton Bay)-4x100m

Emmanuel Callendar (Railway Road, Arouca)-4x100m

Rondel Sorillo (La Brea)-200m