jul.31.2008

BY KYLE JEREMIAH (www.guardian.co.tt)

There would be no cultural contingent accompanying the T&T Olympic team to Beijing in China, officials from the Ministry of Sports yesterday confirmed.

Even as Sports Minister Gary Hunt promised in March that there would be a disbursement of $1.8 million to elite athletes in preparation for the Olympics?the national team would have no official support when they represent the country in two weeks time.

When contacted yesterday, Minister in the Ministry of Culture Junia Regrello said he was not aware that a cultural contingent would be accompanying the national team.

Regrello said, however, that he was aware of rumours that a contingent would be sent to Beijing to support the team, but ?the Ministry has not heard anything.?

This, even as Government spent $9.4 million to send a contingent to FIFA World Cup in Germany to support the Soca Warriors as well as a means of highlighting tourism, sport, culture, trade and investment opportunities in T&T.