Team TTO | Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee | teamtto.org

feb.21.2008

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced that Singapore will host the first Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2010. The result was unveiled by the IOC President, Jacques Rogge, at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Singapore beat Moscow in the final by 53 votes to 44.

The 105 IOC members entitled to vote(1) had cast their votes by post over the last few weeks. The sealed envelope with the name of the winning city was delivered to the IOC President during the announcement ceremony by the independent and certified notary who oversaw the process to guarantee confidentiality.

“This is a key moment for the Olympic Movement”, said Rogge to the journalists present in Lausanne. “Singapore has put together a very exciting project. Hosting the Youth Olympic Games for the first time is a great responsibility, and I have every confidence in the team in Singapore. I have no doubt that their professionalism and enthusiasm will be instrumental in the staging of successful Youth Olympic Games in 2010”, he continued.

“The Youth Olympic Games are the flagship of the IOC’s determination to reach out to young people. These Games will not only be about competition. They will also be the platform through which youngsters will learn about the Olympic values and the benefits of sport, and will share their experiences with other communities around the globe. We are looking forward to joining in the celebration in Singapore in 2010”, Rogge added.

The IOC President thanked Moscow for its excellent efforts and the quality of its candidature. He also hoped that today’s disappointment would not discourage it from bidding again.

Rogge also paid tribute to the other seven Candidate Cities which took part in a candidature process that started in August 2007: Athens (Greece), Bangkok (Thailand), Debrecen (Hungary), Guatemala City (Guatemala), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Moscow (Russian Federation), Poznan (Poland), Singapore (Singapore) and Turin (Italy).

(1) Out of the 110 current IOC members, 105 were entitled to vote. In addition to the IOC President, the members from the countries of the finalist Cities did not vote - V. Smirnov, S. Tarpischev and A. Popov (Russian Federation) and S.M. Ng (Singapore).

About the Youth Olympic Games The Youth Olympic Games aim to bring together talented athletes – age group 14 to 18 - from around the world to participate in high-level competitions, and will also run, alongside the sports element of the event, educational programmes on the Olympic values, the benefits of sport for a healthy lifestyle, the social values sport can deliver, and the dangers of doping and of training to excess and/or of inactivity.

The first Summer Youth Olympic Games in Singapore will bring together approximately 3, 200 athletes and 800 officials The sports programme will encompass all the sports on the programme of the 2012 Summer Games, but with a limited number of disciplines and events.

Source: www.olympic.org

feb.21.2008

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC)President Larry Romany believes the selection of Singapore as host city of the first (2010)Summer Youth Olympic Games augurs well for T&T and other smaller National Olympic Committees.

"It is not beyond the realm of possibility that T&T could one day host a summer Youth Olympic Games. It is a wonderful concept(Youth Olympic Games) and Dr. Rogge(IOC President) has to be commended for championing the idea. We (TTOC) have included both the Commonwealth and the Olympic Youth Games as important events in our development pathway" said Romany.

According to Romany Singapore Sport and the TTOC share a similar vision for the role of sport. "Singapore has big ambitions for sport. I am excited and happy for them, their success and determination should inspire and motivate us." added Romany.

The TTOC is preparing a team to participate at the Commonwealth Youth Games which will be held in Pune, India later this year.

feb.21.2008

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) Secretary General Brian Lewis will assist the St Lucia Rugby with the development of a five year strategic plan for the development and growth of rugby in St Lucia.

Lewis who is also the honorary secretary of the T&T Rugby Union(TTRFU) holds an Executive masters degree in Sports Organisation Management from the University of Lyon,France. The Trinidadian will travel to St Lucia on Friday to facilitate the two day strategic planning workshop.

In 2007 Lewis conducted a similar exercise for the Jamaica Rugby Union.

The planning workshop is an International Rugby Board(IRB) and North America and West Indies Rugby Association(NAWIRA) Rugby development initiative.

feb.21.2008

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced that Singapore will host the first Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2010. The result was unveiled by the IOC President, Jacques Rogge, at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Singapore beat Moscow in the final by 53 votes to 44.

The 105 IOC members entitled to vote(1) had cast their votes by post over the last few weeks. The sealed envelope with the name of the winning city was delivered to the IOC President during the announcement ceremony by the independent and certified notary who oversaw the process to guarantee confidentiality.

“This is a key moment for the Olympic Movement”, said Rogge to the journalists present in Lausanne. “Singapore has put together a very exciting project. Hosting the Youth Olympic Games for the first time is a great responsibility, and I have every confidence in the team in Singapore. I have no doubt that their professionalism and enthusiasm will be instrumental in the staging of successful Youth Olympic Games in 2010”, he continued.

“The Youth Olympic Games are the flagship of the IOC’s determination to reach out to young people. These Games will not only be about competition. They will also be the platform through which youngsters will learn about the Olympic values and the benefits of sport, and will share their experiences with other communities around the globe. We are looking forward to joining in the celebration in Singapore in 2010”, Rogge added

feb.21.2008 Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC)President Larry Romany believes the selection of Singapore as host city of the first (2010)Summer Youth Olympic Games augurs well for T&T and other smaller National Olympic Committees. "It is not beyond the realm of possibility that T&T could one day host a summer Youth Olympic Games. It is a wonderful concept(Youth Olympic Games) and Dr. Rogge(IOC President) has to be commended for championing the idea. We (TTOC) have included both the Commonwealth and the Olympic Youth Games as important events in our development pathway" said Romany. According to Romany Singapore Sport and the TTOC share a similar vision for the role of sport. "Singapore has big ambitions for sport. I am excited and happy for them, their success and determination should inspire and motivate us." added Romany. The TTOC is preparing a team to participate at the Commonwealth Youth Games which will be held in Pune, India later this year.

feb.21.2008

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) Secretary General Brian Lewis will assist the St Lucia Rugby with the development of a five year strategic plan for the development and growth of rugby in St Lucia.

Lewis who is also the honorary secretary of the T&T Rugby Union(TTRFU) holds an Executive masters degree in Sports Organisation Management from the University of Lyon,France. The Trinidadian will travel to St Lucia on Friday to facilitate the two day strategic planning workshop.

In 2007 Lewis conducted a similar exercise for the Jamaica Rugby Union.

The planning workshop is an International Rugby Board(IRB) and North America and West Indies Rugby Association(NAWIRA) Rugby development initiative.

mar.10.2008

The British Olympic Association (BOA)through its British Olympic Foundation host annually a National Olympic Academy. The three day conference features prominent UK sport figures, researchers and participants from around the world, UK national governing bodies, English and foreign universities .

The theme of 2008 edition is Beijing and Beyond and it will be held 29 February - 2 March at the University of Greenwich , Devonport House, Greenwich, London.

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) secretary general and director of the T&T Olympic Academy Brian Lewis is representing the TTOC at the conference.

According to TTOC president Larry Romany participation in Global sport conferences ,seminars and workshops such as the BOA's conference is part of the TTOC's focus on capacity building.

'' We(TTOC) have an ambitious Olympic and legacy agenda .Achieving consistent Olympic podium success requires world class best practices.Where we have knowledge and information gaps those must be filled '' said Romany.

London will host the 2012 Olympic Games accordingly the British Olympic Association and UK Sport have developed various projects and programmes geared to meeting the high expectations of the British government, media , the public,athletes,coaches and officials.

Romany wants at least eight T&T Olympic affiliates to qualify athletes for the 2012 London Olympic Games. T&T will also host the 2009 Caribbean Games.The national Olympic Committee is also considering a bid to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

In addition the TTOC is preparing for the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games,the 2010 inaugural Youth Summer Olympics,2010 CAC and Commonwealth Games and the 2011 Pan American Games.

mar.10.2008

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) will host a Sport Performance Strength and Conditioning Course from the 25 March to 2 April.

This course has been specifically designed for sports coaches, physical education teachers and athletes .The main objective of the course is to increase the knowledge and understanding of functional exercise and sports specific training techniques.

The TTOC recently held a planning and periodization course and the upcoming sports performance course is the second phase of what will be a series of courses and workshops .The overall objective according to TTOC president Larry Romany is to modernize the fitness methodologies and concepts used by local coaches involved in Olympic Sports.

"Power is key to success in sport.How to achieve that in a systematic and structured manner is the information the TTOC wants to share" said Romany.

Romany revealed that the TTOC will be raising the fitness standards for athletes and teams desirous of participating in games in the 2012 quadrennial .

"I don't know if people recognize that we are in preparation mode for the 2009 Caribbean Games ,2010 Commonwealth and CAC Games,and the 2011 Pan Am Games. We would like to qualify more team sports".

For information and registration details interested persons can contact the TTOC office.Telephone number:625-1285 or Email:contact@ttoc.org Space is limited.

mar.10.2008

The first Americas Olympic qualifier to be held in Trinidad and Tobago got underway yesterday with a glittering opening ceremony at the Jean Pierre Complex,Wrightson Road,Port.of.Spain.

Professor George Maxwell Richards,President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago addressed the gathering.Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs,The Honourable Gary Hunt also spoke.

The competition gets under way today .Boxers from 42 PASO countries will battle for 28 qualifying spots for the Beijing Olympic Games.

mar.10.2008

Preparations are well advanced said Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) President Larry Romany.

The TTOC will host a cocktail reception for International Olympic Committee(IOC) President Dr.Jacques Rogge on Monday (17 March)at the Hyatt Hotel.

Dr.Rogge will spend four hours in T&T on his way to Barbados.In Barbados the IOC head will be part of a Gala ceremony to officially open the Barbados Olympic Association(BOA0 Olympic House.

Accompanying Dr.Rogge on his visit will be Mr.Mario Vazquez Rana,IOC member and President of the American Sport Organisation(PASO) and the Association of National Olympic Committees(ANOC).

"It is an important occasion for the TTOC and T&T.We have an opportunity to host two very influential men in the International Olympic movement.It is no secret that we would like T&T's stature as a leading sport destination to be enhanced" said Romany.

The TTOC President and Secretary General along with Commonwealth Games Federation,Honorary Life Vice President, Alexander Chapman will form the greeting party at the Piarco International Airport.Dr.Rogge and Mr.Rana are scheduled to arrive from St Lucia on a private jet at around 2.30pm on Monday.

The Honourable Gary Hunt,Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs will meet Dr.Rogge at the Hyatt Hotel.Minister Hunt will address the distinguished gathering.

The TTOC will host a cocktail reception for International Olympic Committee(IOC) President Dr.Jacques Rogge on Monday (17 March)at the Hyatt Hotel. Dr.Rogge will spend four hours in T&T on his way to Barbados.In Barbados the IOC head will be part of a Gala ceremony to officially open the Barbados Olympic Association(BOA0 Olympic House. Accompanying Dr.Rogge on his visit will be Mr.Mario Vazquez Rana,IOC member and President of the American Sport Organisation(PASO) and the Association of National Olympic Committees(ANOC). "It is an important occasion for the TTOC and T&T.We have an opportunity to host two very influential men in the International Olympic movement.It is no secret that we would like T&T's stature as a leading sport destination to be enhanced" said Romany. The TTOC President and Secretary General along with Commonwealth Games Federation,Honorary Life Vice President, Alexander Chapman will form the greeting party at the Piarco International Airport.Dr.Rogge and Mr.Rana are scheduled to arrive from St Lucia on a private jet at around 2.30pm on Monday. The Honourable Gary Hunt,Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs will meet Dr.Rogge at the Hyatt Hotel.Minister Hunt will address the distinguished gathering.

mar.10.2008

Canadian Strength and Conditioning experts,Dr.L Perry Koziris and Alain Delorme will conduct the Sports Performance Strength and Conditioning workshop for the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC).

The workshop will be held from the 25 March - 2 April at the Athletes Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Dr. Koziris is the exercise physiologist at the Canadian Sport Center in Montreal.He works closely with elite-level strenght and conditioning expert Alain Delorme, a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee,Games preparation team.

Delorme has provided strength and conditioning advice to Canadian athletes competing in boxing, diving, handball, rowing, short-track speed skating, swimming, synchronized swimming, taekwondo and water polo. He is also a Team Leader and Coordinator with the National Multisport Centre in Montreal where he works extensively with alpine skiing, badminton, hockey and rowing athletes.

Koziris, a former McGill University football player and strength coach, has an extensive background of practical experience with high level sports and many years of university teaching and research.

Following his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in fitness education at McGill, the Montreal native obtained a doctorate in exercise physiology at Pennsylvania State University .

He is currently teaching several courses at McGill as a part-time faculty lecturer and also serves as coordinator of the Human Performance Teaching Laboratory in the department of kinesiology and physical education.

Koziris has co-authored numerous publications and is a column editor of Strength and Conditioning Journal and an associate editor of The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

He received certification as a personal trainer from the National Strength and Conditioning Association and is registered as a certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is also a member of the board of directors and a fellow of that association. Additionally, Koziris has been certified as a health and fitness instructor by the American College of Sports Medicine, where he has fellow status.

To reister for the workshop contact The TTOC -625-1285 or email:contact@ttoc.org

mar.10.2008

Sergey Bubka to chair Coordination Commission for the first Summer Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010 A few days after naming Singapore as the host city of the first Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2010, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today announced the composition of the Coordination Commission, the group of representatives from the IOC and the Olympic Movement who will be monitoring the Youth Olympic Games preparations and guiding the Singapore Organising Committee over the next two years.

The composition is as follows:

Name	Function
Sergey Bubka	Chairman
Syed Shahid Ali	IOC member
Nat Indrapana	IOC member
Raja Randhir Singh	IOC member
Frank Fredericks	IOC member - Athlete representative
Guido de Bondt	NOC representative
Andrew Ryan	IF representative
Gilbert Felli	IOC Olympic Games Executive Director

IOC President Jacques Rogge and Sergey Bubka will visit Singapore beginning of April. Meanwhile, teams in Lausanne and Singapore will start working together as every minute counts in the two years leading to the staging of the first Youth Olympic Games.

mar.17.2008

Monday 17 March is a big day for the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC).The TTOC will host Dr Jacques Rogge ,The International Olympic Committee(IOC) president for four hours .Rogge arrives in Trinidad at 2.30pm .

The IOC president will pay a courtesy call(3.30pm) on his Excellency Professor George Maxwell Richards,President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The TTOC will host a reception(4 pm) for Dr.Rogge at the Hyatt Regency Hotel,Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs,The Honourable Gary Hunt will attend.

The IOC president will be accompanied by IOC member,Mario Vazquez Rana,president of the Association of National Olympic Committees(ANOC) and Pan American Sport Organisation(PASO).

Rogge,a Belgian, was elected IOC president in 2001.

An orthopedic surgeon by profession. He competed in yachting in the 1968, 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics, and played on the Belgian national rugby union team.

His term began at a difficult time for the IOC,as the Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games bribery scandal was very much in the headlines and he was stepping into the shoes of Juan Antonio Samaranch.

At the 2002 winter Olympic games in Salt Lake city he became the first IOC president to stay in the Olympic Village.

He made it clear early in his mandate that he would have zero tolerance for unethical behavior .He has advocated for a review of the Olympic programme and has openly voiced his view that the games is too big and complex and that he would like Africa and Latin America to be able to host an Olympic games.

Rogge's determination for the Olympics to appeal to youth has been a rallying call in his seven-year presidency. His long-held ambition for a young people's Games will be realised with the inaugural Youth Olympics in Singapore in 2010. Rogge's mild manner and natural diplomacy masks a steely determination.In 1980, the former Soviet Union had invaded Afghanistan and President Jimmy Carter called for a U.S. boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics, Belgium intended to follow suit as a NATO ally. However, as the leader of his country's Olympic team, Rogge believed that politics should be kept separate from sport.He insisted that Belgium compete. He was called before his government to explain his stance, and public funding for the team was denied. Still, Rogge held his ground, and the Belgian Olympic team traveled to Moscow.

His leadership and people management ability stood out during his chairmanship of the IOC Coordinating Commission for the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

mar.18.2008

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Dr Jacques Rogge has lauded the efforts of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (T&TOC) to facilitate the holistic development of athletes from the grassroots areas.

"You are a very respected National Olympic Committee in the Olympic movement, and you have a vision."

Rogge, who represented Belgium in yachting at three Olympic Games, was speaking at a cocktail reception at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, during his four-hour visit to T&T, yesterday. He was accompanied by Mexican Mario Vasquez Rana, president of the Pan American Sports Organisation (PASO) and the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC).

For the T&TOC, yesterday's function served a dual purpose. "Today, we mark not only their visit," T&TOC president Larry Romany told the gathering, "but we also mark the start of something that we have been working at for a very long time, and that is the brand called TTOC Legacy.

"In 1997," the local Olympic boss continued, "we started a programme called 'Shape Your Life' which was geared towards allowing the average person to recognise their greatness through participation in sport, not only as a sports person but also as a human being and a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago."

Romany also explained the details of the latest T&TOC initiative.

"We are doing research on exactly how an athlete learns. In third world countries, the grassroots are really the athletes that come forward, and these athletes that come from grassroots areas don't have the resources to be able to go forward. In addition, they don't necessarily learn the same way everybody else learns.

"The TTOC has entered a project with some specialised educators to do a pilot in determining how athletes in our school system learn, and to develop a curriculum that runs alongside the Ministry of Education's curriculum so that all athletes have the opportunity to become their greatest being."

Rogge pledged the IOC's support.

"The vision you have on Legacy and on supporting grassroots athletes is definitely also the Legacy of the IOC...we will not let you down. One of the issues we are going to offer you in your quest for having better athletes and better individuals is the Youth Olympic Games that we are going to organise from 2010."

At yesterday's cocktail reception, Rogge also paid tribute to Hasely Crawford, T&T's first and only Olympic gold medallist.

The IOC boss explained that he was unable to witness Crawford's men's 100 metres triumph live, since he was competing at the same time.

"I saw the highlights on television in the evening. I said 'Jesus, a non-American winning gold'," Rogge's clenched fist telling a story of celebration. "I am so pleased to meet the hero in person. We have the utmost respect for the feats of the sport of your country.

"How can a country of 1,300,000 people," the Belgian continued, "groom such athletes as Rodney Wilkes, Hasely Crawford, Ato Boldon and someone coming from a non-Olympic sport but nevertheless an icon of sport, Brian Lara? There must be a magic, there must be a mystery here in your country."

SOURCE:Kwame Laurence,Trinidad
Express.www.trinidadexpress.com

mar.18.2008

Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) president Larry Romany hosted a reception for Dr.Jacques Rogge the International Olympic Committee(IOC) president at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Monday 17 March.

The IOC chief was paying a brief four hour visit to the twin Island Republic.

Romany used the opportunity to not only welcome Dr.Rogge, but also to launch a new TTOC initiative which comes under the umbrella of TTOC Legacy.

According to the national Olympic chief the TTOC will undertake research on exactly how an athlete learns.

"In third world countries,the grassroots are really the athletes that come forward, and these athletes that come from grassroots areas don't have the resources to be able to go forward. In addition, they don't necessarily learn the same way everybody else learns".

Romany explained that the TTOC has entered a project with some specialised educators to do a pilot in determining how athletes in our school system learn.

The IOC president in response expressed his respect for the TTOC's vision and initiative and pledged his support for the project.

mar.18.2008

mar.20.2008

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) has congratulated the Trinidad and Tobago Amateur Boxing Association(TTABA) on the "good job" that was done with the hosting of the recent Americas Olympic qualifier.

"While we are all disappointed that no T&T boxer qualified for Beijing,the organisation etc of the tournament was encouraging.It augurs well for the 2009 Caribbean Games" said TTOC president Larry Romany.

On the issue of qualification for the upcoming Beijing Olympics,Romany is hopeful that the lessons learned in the ring will help the local boxers in the next qualifier which will be held in Guatemala.

mar.25.2008

Taking Olympic Sports to the next level that is the objective of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC).

"We are living in a fool's paradise if we continue to act as if achieving sporting excellence will come without higher standards of fitness and strength.These building blocks must be in place ,there are no shortcuts"said TTOC president Larry Romany.

Romany was explaining the rationale behind the TTOC Sport performance strength and conditioning course which will start on Tuesday 25 March at the Athletes Lounge at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

"It is called sport performance because it is just that,there are certain principles and sport science based protocols that are imperative in high performance sports"

The national Olympic chief pointed out that a number of local coaches involved in Olympic Sports have admitted that there is a need to improve their knowledge of periodized strength and conditioning.

The TTOC will be bringing in two Canadian strength and conditioning experts for the one week course .

mar.25.2008

The lighting of the Olympic Flame in Olympia tomorrow is a time to reflect on the role of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The main responsibility of the IOC is to deliver the best possible Olympic Games to the athletes, who deserve it. We do this in a close and intense collaboration with the Beijing Organising Committee. Awarding the Olympic Games to the most populous country in the world will open up one fifth of mankind to Olympism. We believe that China will change by opening the country to the scrutiny of the world through the 25’000 media who will attend the Games. The Olympic Games are a force for good. They are a catalyst for change, not a panacea for all ills.

NGOs and Human Rights’ activists want to leverage the Games and ask the IOC to act along by their side.

The IOC respects NGOs and activist groups and their causes, and speaks regularly with them - but we are neither a political nor an activist organisation.

As I stated last weekend, the events in Tibet are a matter of great concern to the IOC. The IOC has already expressed the hope that this conflict should be resolved peacefully as soon as possible. Violence for whatever reason is contrary to the Olympic values and spirit.

The IOC will continue to respect the cause of the Human Rights. The IOC will work tirelessly with China for the welfare of the athletes and the success of the Olympic Games.

mar.25.2008

Canadian Strength and Conditioning experts,Dr.L Perry Koziris and Alain Delorme are scheduled to arrive in Trinidad on Easter Monday and The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) president Larry Romany has said that everything is in place for a "paradigm changing" workshop.

"Dr Koziris and Mr.Perry come highly recommended and with over forty coaches, athletes and interested persons registered.I anticipate great things from this course.The concepts that will be shared will move T&T Sport into the 21st century" said Romany.

The TTOC Sports Performance Strength and Conditioning workshop will be held at the Athletes Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium fom Tuesday 25 March-April 2.

Dr.Koziris is the exercise physiologist at the Canadian Sport Center in Montreal.The former McGill University football player has co-authored numerous publications and is a column editor of Strength and Conditioning Journal and an associate editor of The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

Alain Delorme,is a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee,Games preparation team and has provided strength and conditioning advice to Canadian Olympic and professional athletes.