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...among the best land masses in the world, says London

"On a per capita basis, Tobago ranks among the best land masses in the world where athletics is concerned, and you must be proud of that."

Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Orville London was a very proud man at Cafe Coco, in Crown Point, Tobago last Friday. He was speaking at a function held in honour of the 11 Tobago athletes who represented Trinidad and Tobago at the Carifta Games in Bermuda, last month. London highlighted the successes of Tobago track and field athletes.

"Sometimes, we as Tobagonians spend so much time thinking about those things that we have not yet done, and those heights that we have not yet achieved, that we do not take time to really savour our triumphs. The last census, released just a couple weeks ago, has us just above 56,000. At 56,000, to be able to produce World Championship medallists Renny Quow, our hurdler (Josanne Lucas), to be able to produce Carifta medallists--four gold medals...we in fact, maybe, are doing better than many of the metropolitan countries of this world."

The most recent global track and field success for Tobago came at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, Kelly-Ann Baptiste bagging bronze in the women's 100 metres dash.

Last Friday, regional performances were recognised.

At Carifta 2012, Kenejah Williams earned gold in the boys' under-17 discus and silver in the shot put. Mark London captured the boys' under-20 800m title and secured bronze in the 1500m. Chelsea James struck gold in the girls' under-17 shot put with a Games record throw of 14.02 metres. And Andwuelle Wright topped the boys' under-17 long jump field.

Nicholas Douglas and Atiba Wright were also among the medals, claiming bronze in the boys' under-17 100m and boys' under-20 long jump, respectively. And Ron Wright and Douglas were part of the boys' under-17 4x100m relay team that copped third spot. The four Tobago athletes who did not enjoy top-three finishes in Bermuda--Britney Bedlow, Edson Moses, Kuniba Stewart and Akim Phillips--were also honoured last Friday.

Speaking on behalf of the 11 athletes, Mark London thanked the THA for publicly acknowledging their efforts.

"I would say that we surely deserved it, because we went out there and did our best and brought back a lot of medals, which was a very great achievement for all of us. We made Trinidad and Tobago proud, and surely Tobago. So thank you."

THA Assistant Secretary with responsibility for Youth Affairs and Sport, Huey Cadette attended the 2012 Carifta Games.

"The weather in Bermuda was not like our weather here. It was about 16 degrees (Celsius), extremely cold. What you saw from our athletes in order to compete at the level that they did and perform at the level that they did, despite these conditions, spoke to excellence on their part. It spoke to a determination, it spoke to an ability to rise above challenges. I really want to give kudos to them, I want to give kudos to their coaches, I want to give kudos to their parents."

Orville London said the THA will do all in its power to ensure that Tobago athletes excel.

"We are committed to provide funding to support young, talented athletes, so that what they need in order to develop their potential will be provided."

The Chief Secretary urged the 11 Carifta athletes to not get swell-headed.

"Too often we have seen young people get carried away by their successes at the lower levels and just fizzle out. We don't want no fizzlers at this point in time.

"You have demonstrated," London continued, "that you have capacity. Allow this to strengthen your sinews so that you will be able to be motivated. In other words, Tobago depends on you. You carry the burden of Tobago, you carry the mantle of Tobago, you carry the pride of Tobago, and I urge you to ensure that you will continue to carry it on to the next level."

-Kwame Laurence

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

International Rugby Board President Bernard Lapasset has welcomed the announcement that men's and for the first time women's Rugby Sevens will feature at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz, Mexico, in 2014.

The announcement comes after the IRB and the Central American and Caribbean Sports Organization (CACSO) signed a memorandum of understanding that will see the popular sport feature at its second CACSO Games.

The exciting decision to retain Rugby Sevens in the programme comes after a successful inaugural CACSO Rugby Sevens competition in Guyana in 2010 and detailed evaluation of all sports by the 31 National Olympic Committees affiliated to CACSO.

The new agreement will see eight men's and women's teams compete in an event which will showcase the sport across the region.

The inclusion of a women's competition alongside the men's event further reflects the growth of Women's Rugby in a region that is preparing to host the Rio 2016 Olympic Games where Rugby Sevens will make its debut.

Lapasset said: "I would like to thank CACSO, the region's NOCs and in particular CACSO President Héctor Cardona for their ongoing support of Rugby. We are committed to delivering an exceptional and competitive event that will further the profile of the Games, Rugby and our shared values."

IRB Regional Manager for North America and the Caribbean, Tom Jones, added: "It is excellent that Rugby Sevens will once again feature at the CACSO Games. The addition of a women's event is a real endorsement of a sport that is taking off throughout the NACRA IRB region and South America (CONSUR) and inclusion will further the development of the Game on all fronts."

North America and the Caribbean are strategically important to the IRB and the overall growth of the global Game. The region has witnessed significant increases in participation over the last four years with more than 500,000 men, women and children actively participating. The IRB is investing £10.7 million in the development of the Game there between 2009 and 2012.

The 2010 Games was won by Guyana, who have been regular winners of the Caribbean Sevens title in recent years and who also scooped the coveted Guyana team of the year award after winning their sixth successive NACRA Caribbean title since 2006.

Source: www.irb.com

On the weekend, acting Prime Minister Austin Jack Warner, commenting on a car accident that left four people dead and acting Chief Justice Wendell Kangaloo in a critical condition, was quoted as saying that it is only when there is discipline on the roads will there be a reduction of accidents. Any one of us or our loved ones, like Mr Kangaloo, can become an innocent victim.The words of his special branch driver that there was nothing he could do was a heartfelt echo of hopelessness and frustration. The reason why Mr Warner’s words struck me and triggered the theme of today’s column was his sincere and heartfelt comment about self-discipline on the roads. We may not want to admit it, but a lack of discipline on our nation’s roads is a symptom of a deeper malaise in our society. There cannot be discipline on our roads in the absence of discipline in our schools, homes, parliament and communities. The problem goes far deeper than just a lack of discipline on our roads.

This manifestation of a lack of discipline is evident in sport. The major problem facing West Indies cricket is not the absence of talent and potential but a lack of discipline, focus and concentration. Quick fix and impatience: everyone wants to do what they want when they want how they want. We are always looking for the easy answer or way out. Our focus is on the destination. We take great pride in shouting. We reach or we win without appreciating that achieving and sustaining success and excellence demands discipline, dedication and commitment. It is a sad irony that it was Mr Kangaloo’s discipline and dedication to horse racing and his horses that put him in harm’s way on his journey to the Santa Rosa race course in Arima to see his horses work out. As a nation and a society, we all need to do some introspection and give deep thought on what is the root cause of the general lack of discipline. A starting point certainly will be to remember that the onus is on the leaders to not only state that the answer is discipline but to also articulate what discipline means.

It is already part of our national watchwords: Discipline, tolerance and production. It begs the question: is a lack of discipline aligned to a change in our value system?  Is it that too many of us live our lives as if it is an entitlement and not a privilege and a responsibility? The examples that are being set suggest that we take life for granted, we take each other for granted and we take our talent and potential for granted. This lack of discipline is evident on our sport fields and among our young and talented sportsmen and women. It is also on display in the way we treat each other and conduct business.  It is on display on our roads, in parliament, in our boardrooms, homes and communities. In the absence of discipline there can be no true respect, honesty transparency or accountability. If we are to build a better, safer and more peaceful and sustainable T&T, we must first address the root cause, not the symptoms. It is only when there is discipline in our heart and minds there will be a reduction of road accidents. It is only when the value of discipline is instilled in our homes, communities and schools, that discipline will become a watchword of modern day T&T society and life.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

Trinidad and Tobago track star Kelly-Ann Baptiste produced the fastest 200 metres clocking of her career, 22.49 seconds, at the National Training Center Classic, in Clermont, Florida, USA, on Saturday.

However, a 2.1 metres per second headwind, fractionally above the 2.0 legal limit, robbed the World Championship 100m bronze medallist of a new national half-lap record.

Baptiste grabbed gold in the event, finishing ahead of Great Britain's Abi Oyepitan (22.57) and Jamaican Samantha Henry-Robinson (22.87).

Another T&T sprinter, Rondel Sorrillo, finished in a dead heat for fourth in the men's 100m with American Dentarius Locke. Both athletes clocked 10.18 seconds--just one-hundredth of a second slower than Sorrillo's 10.17 personal best.

In a close finish, Jamaicans Ramone McKenzie and Oshane Bailey were first and third, respectively, clocking 10.10 and 10.12, while American Cordero Gray finished second in 10.11.

In the preliminary round, Sorrillo finished second in heat two and fourth overall in a wind-assisted 10.20 seconds.

Brittany St Louis copped fifth spot in the women's 400m, the T&T quarter-miler getting round the track in 54.96 seconds.

Americans swept the top two positions, Moushaumi Robinson winning in 52.19, from Tiffany Williams (52.54). Canada's Amonn Nelson (53.50) finished third.

At the Rio de Janeiro Grand Prix IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) World Challenge meet, in Brazil, on Sunday, T&T sprinter Emmanuel Callender produced the second fastest run of his career, 10.07 seconds, for a runaway victory in the men's 100m dash.

Callender, whose PR (personal record) is 10.05, finished well ahead of Jamaica's Dexter Lee, the runner-up in 10.21, and Zambia's Gerald Phiri (10.22).

Another T&T sprinter, Marc Burns, clocked 10.25 seconds to cop fourth spot.

Lee, Burns, Callender and Phiri combined for silver in the 4x100m relay, the mixed nationalities team returning a time of 38.87 seconds to finish behind Brazil (38.63) and ahead of Bahamas (39.36).

Jehue Gordon bagged bronze in the straight men's 200m hurdles, at the Great City Games, in Manchester, England, on Sunday. The street meet was staged on a purpose-built track.

Gordon got to the line in the rarely-run event in 23 seconds flat, the 20-year-old T&T athlete finishing behind British hurdler Andy Turner (22.54) and Dominican Republic's 2004 Olympic 400m hurdles champion Felix Sanchez (22.75). Another Briton, Richard Yates (23.23) was fourth.

-Kwame Laurence

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) is calling on advertising agencies and their clients to desist  from exploiting any unauthorised association with the Olympic Games.

In a release last week, the TTOC said that in an Olympic year, it is faced with the challenge of managing the use of the Olympic marks and logo. In the past there has been some misunderstanding surrounding the use of the Olympic mark and logo.

The release said: "The TTOC wishes to  advise that no company, organisation or individual in Trinidad and Tobago is authorised to use the Olympic marks and logos in any form of advertising, sale, marketing or public relations without the expressed permission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) and the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC)."

The Event Marks include, among other things, the Olympic Rings, the marks and logos of the TTOC, LOCOG, and all other National Olympic Committees and Olympic Games' Organizing Committees, past, present or future.

This restriction relates to all forms of media, including but not limited to video, print, audio, new media and mobile telephone and also extends to advertising and public relations expressions such as "Good luck" wishes and congratulatory messages.

The TTOC said that failure to abide by the mentioned stipulations will be construed as, "an unlawful attempt to ambush the publicity and goodwill of the London 2012 Olympic Games, IOC and TTOC."

Source: www.trinidadexpress.com

Carlos Suarez paid a visit to the TTOC office today. The american born light-flyweight boxer recently qualified for the London 2012 Olympic Games following the conclusion of the AIBA American Olympic Qualifying Event Rio de Janeiro 2012 in Brazil. Suarez became only the second boxer in T&T's history to qualify for the Olympic Games.

Bermuda’s national rugby team started off their defense of their NACRA Caribbean title, beating the Cayman Islands this afternoon [May 19] at the North Field of the National Sports Center in Devonshire.

At the end of the first half, Cayman was leading 3 – 0. The first half was fairly brutal, with the Cayman Island medic on the field on more than five occasions, and two players were forced to leave the field to seek medical attention.

In the second half Bobby Hurdle went over for a try with several Cayman Island defenders hanging on, and Ian Henderson kicked the conversion to send Bermuda ahead 7 – 3.

Bermuda will match up against the Bahamas in the next match of this tournament. This year’s Caribbean Championships will be extra competitive as the winners will be going forward as the sole Caribbean representatives in the World Cup Qualifiers for 2015 in England.

Bermuda National Rugby Squad for this tournament consists of Paul Dobinson, Dustin Archibald, Jahan Cedenio, Thomas Greenslade, Mike Williams, David Rourke, Bobby Hurdle, Peter Dunkerley, Darren Richardson, Andrew Hook, Henry Paddison, Pete Dunlop, Tony Ward, Tom Healy, Ian Henderson, Lachie Armour, Paull Davis, Tom Edwards, Neville Zuill, Andre Landy, Shauntino Simons, and David Pringle.

Source: www.bernews.com

Usain Bolt has been dubbed "the man who saved athletics".

And while there are those who might try to argue the point, there is no doubt  that the brilliant Jamaican has reignited public interest in a sport which had slipped into the doldrums, largely bereft of personalities and operating under an ever-present haze of suspicion of cheating through doping.

Bolt changed all that. His world record breaking performances at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships in Berlin ushered track and field into a new era. Its totem was a man who was not simply a stupendous athlete but undeniably cool as well. Here at last was an athlete the kids could identify with, a man who delivered a DJ set in Berlin after securing his dold haul.

Bolt's brilliance makes him a magnet for media attention and his personality and youth appeal make him pure marketing gold. On the back of it he signed a world record personal endorsement deal with Puma and has since developed a portfolio of work including that for Virgin Media in the United Kingdom where he appears on television spots, online and in print alongside the company's high profile boss Richard Branson extolling the speed of its broadband service.

So far, so good, but it is worth looking beyond the immediate and obvious at the impact which Bolt (pictured above) is having on the world of sport and sports marketing.

Bolt is a cult figure and has become a massive brand in his own right. He has also arrived on the scene at exactly the right time for his brand to be developed through social as well as traditional media, making him an extremely attractive vehicle for sponsors. This is where the difficulty creeps in. Bolt as an individual is probably a more valuable asset for brands than the sport he graces, potentially putting him in commercial competition with the IAAF.

Of course brands are well aware of some dangers of focusing their strategies and spending on individual athletes.  The dangers of an athlete being blighted by personal scandal - a la Tiger Woods - or suffering a massive and unexplained loss of form each carry dangers for the sponsor brand.

But in a changed media environment where the power of communications lies in the hands of the talent, personality deals are becoming more prevalent and valuable.

So just imagine a situation where Bolt is not the only superstar in track and field. Say there are 10 athletes whose personalities and talent enable them to become established as major brands in their own right. Each would have the capability to hoover up commercial deals making life ever more complicated for the governing body which sets out to sell deals around its own events.

The question is why a brand would want to become a partner of an event when high profile competitors are bringing their own sponsors into the picture, cluttering the environment and almost inevitably cutting across event sponsors' category exclusivity.

While a governing body has the ability to control these clashes and this confusion when it comes to individual event promoters of host cities/Organising Committees, this is not the case with individual athletes who, because of social media, have the power and are in the ascendancy.

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

Andrew Lewis paid a visit to the TTOC office today to meet with TTOC President; Larry Romany and TTOC Secretary General; Brian Lewis. Accompanying Lewis was his father David Lewis and his manager Kairon Serrette. Lewis recently qualified for the London 2012 Olympic Games commencing in July. The 22 year old sailor earned one of 12 qualification spots available in the laser category, following the May 4-10 Audi Laser World Championships in Boltenhagen, Germany.

AFTER his stint of creditable performances on the American circuit, national cyclist Emile Abraham wants to improve his US Criterium rankings when he takes part in two major meets, June 1 and 2.

Abraham and his Rossetti Devo Cycling team will battle against a number top American cycling clubs at the Lake Bluff Twilight Criterium and the Glencoe Grand Prix respectively.

Both events will be held in Chicago and will feature the local rider competing for honours in the endurance events.

Last week, Abraham and his team finished sixth overall at the USA Crits Series Speed Week. The 38-year-old cyclist recorded several commendable finishes in seven endurance events that propelled him to 10th position on the USA National Criterium Calender (NCC) Rankings.

The Tobago-born rider will attempt to improve his rankings at these two meets.

Contacted yesterday Abra-

ham said, “Currently I’m fifth overall in the USA Crits Series and 10th at the NCC. I plan on trying to defend or gain on both calendars throughout the season starting with Lake Bluff (USA crit) and Glencoe (NCC),” he explained.

Reflecting on his performances at the Speed Week, Abraham admitted that he has improved on his athletic development. Even though he competes for an American club, Abraham heaped praises on Trinidad and Tobago for his growth as a professional cyclist.

He continued, “My experience at Speed Week was a motivating time for me especially at this point of my career.

“It is always a great pleasure to be alongside the best (competitively) and as an ambassador to my country, especially being national champion and wearing the national colours.

“It continues to fuel my drive for the sport and hopes that my success can inspire more youth in Trinidad and Tobago.”

Abraham also acknowledged his club and its members for sticking to a strict and timely training schedule.

He admitted that these sessions are rigorous but well worth it, since they have been proven to produce the desired results.

“The team and I are based in Atlanta (Georgia) and I do all my training here. Other than that, we do a lot of recovery rides during races, as races are very demanding. We race approximately two to three times a week,” he added.

The endurance rider said he is proud to be flying the red, white and black flag in such competitive cycling events on the global stage.

Abraham affirmed his loyalty to the style of riding and was elated to still be ahead of his game and represent Trinidad and Tobago.

“There has never been a road rider from TT that has excelled internationally (criterium). And for me, to have been racing 27 years of my life, with 20 years of that representing TT, I am proud to be at the top of my sport for all these years.”

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH

MINISTER of Sport, Anil Roberts, is confident that Carlos Suarez will be making Trinidad and Tobago proud in the 2012 London Olympics. He said Suarez will receive full backing from his ministry, adding all resources would be available for his quest.

“All monies Carlos needs, we will spend it on him. We will equip, prep and train him well...locally and abroad. We are raising the standard of boxing. No stone will be left unturned as we want Carlos to succeed,” he commented. Roberts was full of praise for the Trinidad and Tobago Amateur Boxing Association (TTABA) Special Adviser Boxu Potts, coach Reynold Cox, and the rest of the contingent that fought in the recent Brazil qualifiers. He praised the camaraderie in the sport recently and the perseverance shown by the team and current boxing associations.

Roberts said that there is much more progression and development in the sport heralded by Suarez’ feats. “We had boxing conflicts in the past but now we have resolution and our local coaches are producing. Next year we want to have our boxers as professionals and we want to send more fighters to the 2016 Olympics,” he added. Roberts believes that unity and support is essential for the athletes and he referenced his liaising with Kirt Sinnette as a 1996 boxer in Atlanta while he (Roberts) was a swimming coach at the Games.

“I lent Kirt a stop-watch as he was trying to make weight. That’s the kind of togetherness we need to foster. But the time for talk and time for action has come. Carlos Suarez is in the Olympics and I promised you an Olympian...and here is Carlos! He will make the whole nation very proud and represent us with honour,” concluded Roberts.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

By RENALDO MATADEEN

OLYMPIC gold medallist, Natasha Hastings, is looking forward to a competitive meet at tomorrow’s Quantum Invitational Track and Field Championship at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain.

Hastings participated in the USA team heats and snagged gold in the 4x400m relay in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“I’m training for the London Olympics and I’m looking to get a good run here and fit the pieces together in my regime. My preparations are coming along pretty well and I see this Trinidad meet as promising,” she stated.

“I’m looking forward to the 4x400 and the 400m in London but here, I’m eager to warm-up and get a crack at the 200m also,” added Hastings. She won the 2012 Ponce Grand Prix 400m recently with a run of 50.72 and revealed that this Puerto Rico run was her fastest season opener in seven years. Hastings confirmed that this TT race would be her second 400m of the year and she sees the field as high quality.

The 25-year-old, who has Trinidadian and Jamaican roots, is hopeful that her compatriot and rival, Francena McCorory would compete this weekend. Officials at the meet however confirmed that Mc Corory has pulled out of the event. Hastings was initially expected to compete in the 400 metres only but yesterday she confirm that she will also contest the half-lap race.

Hastings, who overcame a grave injury in 2006, added that she is keen to medal in London once more. “It was my childhood dream to be an Olympian and copping gold in 2008 was an indescribable joy. It’s surreal and I want to repeat this Olympic feat this year,” she said.

Meanwhile National sprinter Renny Quow returned home yesterday to compete at the games. Only Wednesday Quow claimed silver medal at the Colourful Daegu Championship with a time of 45.65 in the 400 metres. He finished behind the overwhelming favourite Kirani James of Grenada (44.72) in a run that met the Olympic B-standard time.

Quow will be lining up this weekend against Ivory Williams (USA) and Justyn Warner (Canada) in the 400m. The 24-year-old exacted revenge over Calvin Smith who ended third in 45.70 in Daegu after Smith bested him to gold in the recent 400m Jamaica Invitational race. In Jamaica, Smith won in 45.47 while Quow claimed silver in 45.48.

With Deon Lendore, Zwede Hewitt and Lalonde Gordon all impressing in the quartermiles recently, Quow has also been in fine form this year. The 2009 World Championship bronze medallist stated, “The shape I am in right now is the shape I was in getting ready for Daegu last year. It shows just how strong and how fast I am right now for the season.”

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

By RENALDO MATADEEN

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) is calling on advertising agencies and their clients  to desist  from exploiting any unauthorised association with the Olympic Games. In an Olympic year the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee is faced with the challenge of managing the use of the Olympic marks and logo. In the past there has been some misunderstanding surrounding the use of the Olympic mark and logo.

The TTOC wishes to  advise that no company, organization or individual in Trinidad & Tobago is authorized to use the Olympic marks and logos in any form of advertising, sale, marketing or public relations without the expressed permission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) and the Trinidad & Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC). The Event Marks include, among other things, the Olympic Rings, the marks and logos of the TTOC, LOCOG, and all other National Olympic Committees and Olympic Games' Organizing Committees, past, present or future.
 
This restriction relates to all forms of media, including but not limited to video, print, audio, new media and mobile telephone and also extends to advertising and public relations expressions such as "Good luck" wishes and congratulatory messages.
 
Failure to abide by the above mentioned stipulations will be construed as an unlawful attempt to ambush the publicity and goodwill of the London 2012 Olympic Games, IOC and TTOC.

Brian Lewis

Secretary General

TTOC

NATIONAL boxing coach, Reynold Cox, has hailed Carlos Suarez for his exploits in qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics.

At a reception in Suarez’ honour on Tuesday at the VIP Room at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, he dubbed the US-born boxer a disciplined, tough worker with a big heart and believes that with the strict regime Suarez has adopted now, he will deliver the goods in the summer.

“Carlos fought tooth-and-nail until the last day in the Brazilian qualifiers. All the Caribbean islands got behind him as he was the only regional fighter left and we got Marcano (Jantony) to win the gold and help us qualify but you cannot take anything away from Carlos’ performance. He was spectacular,” said Cox. The former boxer added that he (Cox) sparred with Kirt Sinette when the latter was slated for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and knew the hardships that Suarez would now face training for London. “The work has just begun for us. We must now go to London and shine. We cannot depend on anyone to get us a result like in the qualifiers...we have to eke out our own victories. Carlos will duke it out and get us results,” he added.

Cox reminded that Sports Minister, Anil Roberts, and Special Adviser, Boxu Potts, were critical elements to this feat. He also thanked the Ministry of Sports for ensuring all expenses were covered as well as for their support on the foreign training camps that Suarez is lining up prior to the summer Games.

Cox was disappointed that there could not be more of the TT contingent heading to London but proclaimed Suarez’ distinguished showing as a great achievement and an enormous team effort. He lauded the fellow coaches, Joe Suarez (Carlos’ father) and his teammates for contributing to this Olympic accomplishment.

Source: www.newsday.co.tt

By RENALDO MATADEEN

Boxer Carlos Suarez, a part-time barber and rapper, had praises showered upon him when the Sports Company of T&T held a welcome reception in honour of his qualification for the 2012 London Olympic Games. The event was held at the VIP Lounge at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo. Suarez, 18, will be the second boxer to represent T&T at the Olympic Games after Kirt Sinnette, who participated at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The US-born boxer qualified for the Olympics as the bronze medallist from the Olympic Qualifiers of the Americas, which ended on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Ohio, USA resident, who recently qualified to fight for T&T by virtue of having a Trinidadian mother, finished 11th at the 2011 American Olympic trials, then decided to represent T&T. Suarez was no match for Puerto Rico’s Jantony Ortiz when the two fought in the semifinals, which was the final qualifier in the Americas region. Ortiz did the T&T fighter a favour when beating Ecuadorian Carlos Quipo, to win the gold medal.
 
The rules of the International Amateur Boxing Association gives Suarez the bronze medal, having fought Ortiz at the semifinal stage. Speaking at the reception, special adviser to T&T Boxing Board of Control Buxo Potts said: “It’s a great dream come true when I got this job. I made a statement that I would like to qualify a boxer to the Olympics and win a medal at the Olympics. I have won numerous world titles and it feels good to win these titles. “Boxing in Olympics is a stepping stone in the world of boxing. It’s a stepping stone before the world title but at the same time there is more attention of the world looking on at the Olympics than the world title even though the world title is more money. “I feel very good for the team and am proud of my county’s achievements regarding this qualification.”
 
Potts further explained the process in which he came across in finding Suarez. He said, “When I came into the boxing Cecil Forde and I spoke, I  said to him that our amateur team needs people mentally aggressive and we started searching and we found Lawrence Singh and then Carlos Suarez surfaced and both were interested in representing T&T rather than the USA.” Suarez told the gathering that he was very proud to represent T&T and thank those responsible for bringing him to T&T. “I have been here on three occasions before on vacation. I wasn’t planning on going to college. I am planning to focus on boxing. “I also like music, barbering and rapping. It’s a great feeling to actually accomplish this after so many years.” Suarez, an 11-year amateur veteran with over 100 fights which includes 30 knockouts, shared that he’s now focusing on getting to the medal round when he arrives in London in July.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

By Liam Gordon

The International Rugby Board (IRB) Council announced the formation of a working group and the dedication of new finance to aid participants in the 2015 World Cup at its annual meeting in Dublin on Tuesday.

The announcement has come after rumblings of discontent from the sport’s major unions at last year’s tournament in New Zealand. New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) chief executive Steve Tew warned that the country’s participation in future editions of the World Cup might be reconsidered if alterations to the commercial structure of the tournament were not made, citing a loss of earnings caused by regulations stopping incoming tours in a World Cup year and sponsorship restrictions.

The working group, made up of IRB and individual union representatives, will ponder changes to the commercial rules surrounding the 2015 tournament in England, with the intention of providing better value for unions without hindering the growth of commercial programmes associated with the competition. The Rugby World Cup Limited Board will receive the recommendations when they are complete. Under the new financial model, the IRB will invest an additional £50 million in the sport worldwide between 2012 and 2015.

Rugby World Cup Limited chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “I am delighted that we have an unified agreement on a way forward that will promote a business partnership with our unions over the next four years to invest in the future of rugby and deliver a funding model that is good for the game as a whole and will promote the long-term strength of rugby as the sport continues to grow on all fronts.”

IRB acting chief executive Robert Brophy added: “The agreed model directly addresses the challenges faced by our Tier 1 Unions by delivering an equitable business solution that promotes stability, as well as proactively addressing the issue of reduced revenues for participating Unions during a Rugby World Cup year. This new financial model will also see investment increase across Tier 2 and 3 Unions, IRB regions, Sevens and strategic development tournaments.”

The 2015 Rugby World Cup will kick-off on September 18 in England.

Source: www.sportbusiness.com

May 15 - Michelle Obama, the First Lady of the United States, has announced a nationwide commitment here at the Team USA Media Summit to get over 1.7 million American children active as part of her Let's Move! initiative which aims to wage a war on childhood obesity.

The First Lady (pictured above, centre) was joined by some of America's biggest London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic prospects, including triple Olympic swimming champion Natalie Coughlin, where it was revealed that a number of major sporting organisations, including the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and US Paralympics, will provide beginner athletic programming to more than 1.7 million youngsters in 2012.

"This year, 1.7 million young people will be participating in Olympic and Paralympic sports in their communities – many of them for the very first time," said the First Lady.

"That is so important because sometimes all it takes is that first lesson, or clinic, or class to get a child excited about a new sport.

"So this summer, together with our children, we can support Team USA not just by cheering them on but by striving to live up to the example they set.

"In the end, some of these athletes will bring home the gold, but all of them will make our country proud, and all of them will inspire a generation of young people to get active, to strive for excellence and to pursue whatever dreams they may hold in their hearts."

Obama, who will lead the Presidential Delegation to the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony on July 27, is working to turn the inspiration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games into action by getting more kids healthy and active.

In March, she welcomed Samantha Cameron (pictured above, left), the wife of British Prime Minister David Cameron, to the United States by hosting a mini-Olympics event for local school children.

She also spoke at the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Warrior Games last month, the USOC's Paralympic-style competition for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans, at the Olympic Training Centre in Colorado Springs.

But her close relationship to the USOC has been clear for some time after she gave a speech to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its Session in Copenhagen in October 2009, alongside her husband President Barack Obama, when Chicago were bidding for the 2016 Games, although the American city lost out to Rio de Janeiro.

The Let's Move! scheme is being spearheaded by the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), who have created a website, www.ahealthieramerica.org/olympics, to help families find affiliated sports programmes in their area.

PHA and USOC will work with several National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to help take the initiative forward.

"We're incredibly honoured to have Mrs Obama join us in Dallas to celebrate the accomplishments of America's finest athletes and announce new ways we can all work together to increase access to sport for young children," said USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun.

"The Let's Move! initiative is an important one and something the entire Olympic family in the United States is eager to support."

The initiative will see a number of projects from NGBs, including from USA Cycling/USA BMX, who will offer free 30-day memberships to tracks and free races/clinics at 350 BMX tracks nationwide this summer.

USA Gymnastics will challenge its local member clubs to host introductory clinics and events for National Gymnastics Day on September 22, while US Paralympics will facilitate 300 Paralympic ambassador visits to schools and community centres and provide training for an additional 1,000 local leaders.

Among other projects, the US Soccer Federation will engage 12,000 youths in 13 cities through the US Soccer Foundation's Soccer for Success programme – providing free, afterschool training to urban children – while USA Swimming will enrol 530,000 new learn-to-swim participants in its 'Make a Splash' programme.

Coughlin, who introduced Obama at the Team USA Media Summit, praised the initiative.

"It was extremely important to my parents that I was active from an early age," said the swimming star.

"I started swimming competitively at age six to make friends, be active and be healthy.

"It wasn't important to my parents that I win ribbons or trophies, but it was important that I was active and dedicated to something in addition to school.

"Not only did it feed my competitive drive and help me be healthy, but it made me a better student and a better kid.

"To join with the First Lady and spread that message is truly an honour."

PHA President and chief executive Larry Soler echoed Coughlin's (pictured above, second right) comments.

"This summer, Team USA will inspire us all with their skill, their grace and their abilities," he said.

"Because of today's commitments, the inspiration will not end after the Closing Ceremonies.

"The First Lady's leadership has brought together a group of organisations that are committed to helping more than a million young people engage in sports in ways that were previously unavailable to them.

"It's important for us to remember that being active and moving more doesn't mean you have to train like our nation's elite athletes – but being active is part of a healthy lifestyle."

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

By Tom Degun

May 14 - United States Olympic Committee (USOC) chairman Larry Probst has claimed that he is unconcerned about complaints the revenue-sharing agreement with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is taking so long to complete – because it is one of the most important deals in his organisation's history.

The USOC currently receives a 20 per cent share of global sponsorship revenue and a 12.75 per cent share of US broadcast rights deals but many international officials, including the IOC, think it is too big a portion.

The issue has caused huge tension between the IOC and USOC in the past with America still recovering from the humiliation three years ago of seeing Chicago eliminated in the first round of voting for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics, which was awarded to Rio de Janeiro.

It came after New York's bid for 2012 also faltered, with London eventually awarded the Games, and America sat out the bid campaign for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, declaring that they will not bid for the Games again until they have reached an agreement over revenue sharing.

"We are signing a relatively long-term arrangement with the IOC, and it is really, really important that we get this right and secure the financial future of the USOC and our athletes," Probst (pictured below, left alongside Scott Blackmun) said here at the USOC Media Summit.

"So if it feels like it is taking too long, so be it.

"It is more important that we get it right."

USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun also said that he makes no apologies for being cautious over the issue with the media.

"We made an agreement with the IOC that we wouldn't talk about any of the specifics of our discussion in the media and we really do want to stick with that," he said.

"The last thing we want to do is break our promise on that.

"There have been a lot of reports in the media saying that we just need to get it done because it isn't that complicated."

But he insisted: "Well, it really is complicated for many reasons.

"We want to be a contributing and engaged part of the worldwide Olympic Movement, and we need the finances to do that.

"Unfortunately revenue sharing contributed to the bad results we saw with the New York bid [in 2012] and with the Chicago bid [in 2016].

"But, at the same time, if we make financial concessions that is going to impact America's athletes.

"So what we really want to do is try and restructure our relationship with the IOC in a way that is fair to both sides but also fair to our athletes."

Blackmun continued: "It is a complicated endeavour and that is why the discussions are in their sixteenth or seventeenth month at this point.

"But I can tell you that we continue to make progress.

"We haven't gone backwards at any point in the discussions and I think we are much closer now than we were when we started in January 2011.

"I am hopeful, in the not too distant future, that we will have some positive news."

Source: www.insidethegames.biz

By Tom Degun

In Capitalism in Crisis, published in the year 2000, Fidel Castro argued that those countries that were colonies yesterday and are still today enduring the backwardness of poverty and underdevelopment, have only one asset that can guarantee the defence of legitimate aspirations and that is unity. He also asserted that we are all passengers on the same vessel: “This planet where we all live but noted that some passengers on the vessel are travelling in luxurious conditions while the majority are in far different conditions.” Local sport is a former colony on the vessel known as T&T and is in crisis as it endures backwardness, underdevelopment and a lack of unity. I long ago gave up hope that there was light at the end of the dark tunnel for sport in T&T and decided in my own mind that for sport to thrive it had to make its own light.

In 1983, a boyhood friend Ramesh Maharaj, at the time the public relations officer of the T&T Bodybuilding Federation (TTBBF) asked me to help out as his assistant. It was a baptism of fire and a reality check. Rejection and slammed doors were just an illusion. Fast forward to May 2012. Little has changed since then or I should say not much has changed. Sport is still undervalued, misunderstood, abused and used. That’s the reality. The only way forward is for local sport to accept it has to create and own its future. Neither government nor business person can do it. They will always have their own priorities. Sport has never been given a space at the economic or trade table—the Caribbean Investor Forum got under way yesterday at the Hilton Hotel and sport is nowhere close—there are plenary sessions on agri-business, creative industries, fashion value chain and entertainment. No sessions on the economic potential of sport and the sport value chain. InvestTT, the Ministry of Trade, the Minister of Sport, his Ministry or Sport Company are not at fault. It is the responsibility of the National Sports Organisations (NSOs) and the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC). It is for local sport leaders to chart the way forward and to create the future, not the Minister, his Ministry or Sport Company—they are facilitators. Two years ago, the TTOC pioneered a sport marketing workshop. The intention was for the event to become an annual full-blown Olympic sport marketing conference. That it has not happened is for another column.

T&T as a society has lost its sense of shared citizenship. The cleavages get wider and wider daily. Lost in the rat race are those who remain engaged in the reality of everyday life. Sport represents a facet of everyday reality but sadly the engagement that is on offer is not recognised or appreciated. Begging and crying and going on bended knees is an exercise in futility. For local sport to shape its destiny, the start point must be a consensus on the national policy framework for the sustainable development of sport within which objectives can be set and evaluated. A clear understanding about the role of the different stakeholders and an acceptance that developing excellence has costs. Recognition of physical education within the education system and the role of private sector and the media as a partner in sport. Some are very happy talking only about micro issues and not about the range of issues that have a bearing on sustainability. The economic and social potential of sport is being ignored. In plain language there is a lack of unity of thought and purpose. Better days will never come for T&T sport if we sit, wish and wait.

Source: www.guardian.co.tt

By Brian Lewis

New Zealand Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens has been inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame, the first sevens coach gain recognition this way.

Tietjens' induction follows New Zealand's record-breaking 10th IRB World Series win in London overnight.

To cap off a great night for New Zealand, Tomasi Cama received the IRB Sevens Player of the Year award. Cama also finished the season as leading points scorer with 390 points.

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said the accolades were testament to the consistent excellence of the team.

"I am delighted for Gordon that his remarkable achievements in sevens have been recognised by the IRB in this way. He has been at the top of his game for 17 years and has led the New Zealand Sevens team to all 10 of their world titles and four Commonwealth Games gold medals - an amazing accomplishment for any coach.

"The team has had an incredible season picking up three tournament wins in what was a very competitive series this year. To come away with our 10th World Series win is just fantastic, and we are very proud of them.''

Tew also congratulated Cama on winning his award.

"Tomasi has been an integral part of the New Zealand Sevens team for seven seasons. He is one of the most exciting players I have seen in this form of the game and has had an outstanding season,'' he said.

Tietjens joins a group of great New Zealanders that have already been inducted in to the IRB Hall of Fame, including All Black greats Sir Brian Lochore, Sir Wilson Whineray, David Kirk, the 1888 Natives team and Joseph Warbrick, Dave Gallaher and Jonah Lomu.

Usually inductees to the IRB Hall of Fame are required to have stepped down from active duty in playing or coaching for at least three years before being considered for induction. However, the IRB Hall of Fame panel viewed Tietjens' achievements as so outstanding that they were willing to overlook that criteria for induction.

New Zealand secured the title in a 36-0 win over South Africa in the Cup quarter-final at Twickenham in the final leg of the World Series. New Zealand went on to finish third at the tournament, beating Argentina 40-0 in the third and fourth play-off.

Fijian-born Cama was up for the award for the second year running, having lost out to South Africa's Cecil Afrika last season.

"It feels awesome. It's just a reward for all the hard work from the boys. Without them it would have been impossible to receive this award. I want to thank them as well,'' Cama said.

Cama fought off competition from compatriot Frank Halai and England's Mat Turner to win the individual accolade.

As well as finishing the season with 34 tries, Cama's impeccable drop-kicking helped him to 390 points for the season, the leading mark.

He also ends the season second in the all time point-scoring charts with 1,627, behind only England's Ben Gollings.

Cama becomes the fourth New Zealand player to win the prize, following Orene Ai'i, Afeleke Pelenise and his captain DJ Forbes.

Source: http://mobile.nzherald.co.nz