The Ministry of Sport has launched a new programme, entitled the Podium Push, aimed at providing elite athletes with the best preparation possible for next year’s Rio Olympics. This was revealed during a function held in recognition of the country’s athletes at the Hilton Ballroom in Port-of-Spain yesterday.
Speaking on behalf of Minister of Sport Brent Sancho, who was unable to attend, director of physical education Gabre-Jesu McTair said the programme was designed to ensure the T&T Olympic Committee’s aim of winning 10 gold medals by 2024 could be realised.
“Providing funding to take our athletes to the Olympics is not enough. Getting there is not the challenge, but finishing in the top three. That requires extra effort from the athletes, coaches, support teams and the Ministry of Sports,” said McTair as he read from the Sancho’s prepared statement. “I am asking various national sporting governing bodies to recommend the athletes who they feel are podium ready. In other words, those athletes who won’t just compete, but those who are in the top 20 in the world in their discipline. These are the athletes who we feel have a real chance of finishing in the gold, silver or bronze positions.”
The function was attended by dozens of local athletes, including members of the CPL-winning T&T Red Steel, the 48-medal winning Special Olympics team, the Pan American delegation, and the national blind cricket team.
President of the TTOC Brian Lewis called on the country to take sport more seriously by creating conditions under which athletes could thrive.
“I remind everyone that actions speak louder than words. There are so many things that still need to be done for our athletes and it’s not only about money. There are simple things. We still have a corporate culture where representing your country is not considered a national service and our athletes have to take no-pay leave or time from their vacation to represent their country. It is a reality that for many people involved in sport, they have to make those sacrifices 80 percent of time,” he said. “If in the wider community, sport is not seen as key development pillar in the future vision for this country similarly as it is done in country’s such a Singapore, then notwithstanding the best intentions, dedication and commitment of sport stakeholders, we will all continue to struggle. Sport can make a powerful difference to society and I urge the country and its decision makers to take sport seriously.”
Meanwhile T&T Red Steel captain said he had been personally inspired by the achievements of the Special Olympics team.
“They are the real heroes of our country. To do what they do, words cant’ explain. I think they give us more appreciation of what we have and make us realise we should never take anything for granted,” he said. “Maybe one day our management can actually get the Red Steel team to do some kind of games with those Special Olympians.”
