APPROXIMATELY $3.1 million have been invested in a bilateral agreement between the Ministry of Sport and Cuba’s National Institute of Sport, Physical Education and Recreation (CubaDeportes).
Through the agreement nine coaches from Cuba have been hired to work here on two year contracts. Sports Minister Anil Roberts will sign the official agreement today at the Ministry of Sport at Abercromby Street from 9am. Also expected to attend the historic signing are permanent secretary of the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT), Ashwin Creed and Cuban Ambassador, Humberto Rivero Rosario.
The partnership is aimed at improving the standard of athletes as well as maximising athlete-coach development programmes. All coaches were screened by the Sports Ministry’s Director of Sport.
The coaches being employed are; Ramón D Laferté Chávez (Basketball), Ramos Montalvo, Eddy Suárez Edua (Boxing), Gato Moya Idalmi (Indoor Volleyball), Jorge Suarez Condis (Beach Volleyball), Jesús R. Chávez Ramírez (Judo), Orlando Ortega Hechavarría (Hurdles and Sprints), Ihosvany Robles Cruzata (Jumps and Sprints) and Magdoni Martén Marén (Heptathlon and Hurdles).
All the Cuban coaches will work with athletes and local coaches in communities as well as with National Sporting Organisations (NSOs).
The invested amount ($3,160,480) in the Agreement is expected to cover airfare and ground transportation, accommodation, meals, monthly allowance and medical insurance for all nine coaches over the two-year period. Cuban coaches have been employed in Trinidad and Tobago in this manner since the year 2000, and have significantly assisted local athletes and coaches, therefore improving athletes’ results and coaches’ effectiveness at all levels.
Source: www.newsday.co.tt