abr.20.2007

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC)President Larry Romany says the retirement of Brian Lara is a sad moment .Romany described Lara as one of the greatest sportsmen ever produced by T&T ,a gifted "son of the soil" who worked hard and made the most of his world class talent and potential.

The National Olympic chief believes that the true worth of Lara's contribution will only be appreciated now that he is retired."The weight of expectation and at times unfair and overly personal criticism may have tested his character .But his steely determination and indomitable will stood out.The fact remains that Brian Lara acheived greatness.All of us make mistakes and Brian would have had his share.But he served his country and the region in the field of sport with unquestioned distinction "

Romany said that the Trinidadian shouldered the burden for the failures of the West Indies team and in many ways was made the scapegoat for administrative shortcomings and the failure of members of the West Indies team to take personal responsibility for their individual performances.

On behalf of the TTOC I extend public thanks and appreciation to Brian Lara for the pride and honour he brought to the youth of Trinidad and Tobago .We wish him well in his future endeavours.