jun.23.2006

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) President Larry Romany speaking from Germany where he is supporting the T&T national football team said it is one of the treasured and very special moments in T&T's history.

With The Soca warriors historic appearance captivating the attention of T&T and the sporting world.

Romany is urging the nation to give sport it's due."This experience has provided unquestioned evidence as to the power of sport to unify, inspire and motivate".

"It is no secret that outside of celebrating victories.T&T can at times be very lukewarm when approached by sporting bodies for financial support"

The National Olympic chief said that Trinidad and Tobago has received a level of positive international exposure that is "unprecedented".

Romany who is also chairman of the T&T Professional football League(T&T PRO lEAGUE) is confident that not only football but sport in general will be able to build on the FIFA 2006 World Cup experience .

Pointing to the fact that T&T's rich sporting history that includes Rodney Wilkes ,Hasely Crawford ,Ato Boldon,Claude Noel,Leslie Stewart, Mcdonald Bailey,the 1979 T&T Netball team,Brian Lara,Stephen Ames,Darryl Brown,Roger Gibbon,Gene Samuel to name a few is tangible evidence of T&Ts inherent world class talent and ability.

"I am really hoping that Sport will finally be placed firmly in the heart and mind of the nation".

Romany highlighted that it is not only financial support that is required but (1) the education system needs to reflect the important role of sport and physical education.

(2)That representing T&T in sport should be considered National service by employers so that sports men and women will not have to choose the option to take no pay leave in some cases or holidays in others when selected on National teams.

(3)That Corporate T&T will understand that they cannot continue to wait until journey's end and reap the spoils of the sacrifices and labour of our coaches and athletes.But the sustainable development and preparation and competitive programmes must receive ongoing, assured and meaningul funding , sponsorship and value-in-kind support .

"There are many lessons not only with regard to sport and leadership but life to be learn't from T&Ts historic appearance at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. This can be a defining moment in our nation's history, a huge paradigm shift in our self esteem and sense of worth as a people" affirmed Romany.