feb.28.2007
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee(TTOC) and Olympic Solidarity are encouraged by recent performances by cyclist Christopher Sellier at the World Cup Cycling Championship in Manchester, England.
Sellier who is on a TTOC/Olympic Solidarity programme has been based in Switzerland since October 2006 where he is expected to remain until the end of March.
Last Saturday,the talented 20 year old national cycling champion in the match sprint,kilometer time trial and individual pursuit clocked a 10.651 seconds time in the flying 200 meter.
"Sellier is making good progress, we are accountable to the IOC and Olympic Solidarity and must strive to make credible and transparent recommendations, that will stand close and objective scrutiny".said Brian Lewis,TTOC Secretary General.
In addition to the IOC and Olympic Solidarity,the TTOC is working closely with the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs to provide financial assistance to elite Olympic level athletes.
The TTOC admits receiving numerous requests for funding but with the focus on the upcoming PAN AM and Olympic games a review will be conducted following an assessment of performances in Rio.Priority will then be placed on athletes who have either qualified or still have a realistic chance of qualifying for the Beijing Olympic Games.
The TTOC Official urged National Sport Organizations to be credible in putting forward and supporting funding requests pointing out that if the efforts to provide an enabling environment for local athletes and coaches is to be sustained there must be transparency and objectivity.
"People must not buy into the ole talk that money is giving away and hence operate with a sense of entitlement.Expectations must be managed".