jul.06.2007
Teething problems are part and parcel of the build up and drama of hosting multi-sport games, rare is the host nation that have escaped, call it Murphy's law or poor execution. The shear scale of an Olympic, Pan American, CAC or Commonwealth Games will stretch and strain the resources, efficency, effectiveness and capacity of the best event planners.
The 15th Pan American games is no exception. T&T Chef de Mission Annette Knott like those who have gone before her will have her stories that with the passage of time will on reflection provide a good laugh. At the moment, however, with 24 T&T athletes from the disciplines of Beach Volleyball Badminton Hockey and Shooting already in Rio. It is no laughing matter.
The early arrivals turned up after a long journey from Trinidad via Miami where they encountered delays at the Miami airport due to heightened airport security following recent failed bombing incidents in England and Scotland.
But teething problems aside everyone is in good spirits as the atmosphere at the Pan Am Games athletes village coupled with the excitement and anticipation as opening day draws near is affecting everyone.
The Rio 2007 Organizers are working non stop to complete the games village and competition venues ahead of the 13 July opening ceremony. The T&T team in the meanwhile have access to the training venues(at least those that are completed).
Over the next few days more T&T athletes are expected to arrive in Rio including 6 junior track and field athletes participating at the IAAF World Junior Games in Sao Paulo who have also been selected for the Pan American games.
T&T's Chef de Mission, Annette Knott has confirmed that the the Trinidad and Tobago opening ceremony parade team will include athletes and officials from Athletics, Badminton Beach Volleyball, Boxing Hockey Swimming, Taekwondo and Weightlifting.