"The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs on Saturday, February 4th, 2017, used a release to elaborate on its Elite Athlete Assistance Policy (EAAP) which has been the topic of conversation over the past two weeks, particularly among some of T&T’s leading track and field athletes. On Tuesday, Olympic triple medalist Richard Thompson chastised the Sport Ministry for not being financially supportive of all the athletes." - excerpt taken from The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper.
The Ministry release explained the requirements for continued elite funding and that Thompson was asked on three occasions to account for the last funding he received and to date there is no reply from him, yet he has the impudence to chastise the Ministry. Thompson is aware of the procedure for continued funding.
There is no responsibility on the part of the Government to support athletes. For the athletic fraternity’s information - Most countries in the world get their funding from the private sector. The Government took a decision in 2004 to give support to athletes given the lack of support from the private sector. The Government has since funded at the Junior and Senior levels every - Olympic, World Championship, Pan Am, Commonwealth, and CAC teams. The Government has also supported every CARIFTA team and other Regional and Intercontinental Games. The Government since 2004 has supported athletes under the Elite Athletes Program.
The responsibility lies really with the NAAA and the TTOC who have not been able over the years to generate the funding necessary to run the sport. In fact, one hardly ever hears these bodies recognizing the Government for their major contribution to the sport.
In the current scenario of Elite funding the NAAA and TTOC make recommendations to the Ministry of Sport. During the previous watch they had stopped that arrangement as they realized that athletes were being victimized and as a consequence the policy was adjusted to allow them to apply for funding directly to the Ministry.
Noteworthy to mention is that the SPORTT Company gives an annual subvention to the NAAA. Where is the Money Mr. NAAA President? My information on Sagicor is that they support the Junior and Senior championships annually.
Noteworthy to mention is that the SPORTT Company gives an annual subvention to the NAAA. Where is the Money Mr. NAAA President? My information on Sagicor is that they support the Junior and Senior championships annually.
The SPORTT Company is responsible for the Management and Maintenance of the Stadia in Trinidad. The stadium in Tobago is managed by the Ministry of Sport.
One must respect and support the concerns of Thompson and Callendar who have the gonads to voice their opinion. The NAAA / TTOC to date have dodged their plea! Ephraim Serrette - the President of the NAAA - when asked for his take on the situation responded that it was the Ministry’s business, not his. This is the man who seeks the position of CEO of his newly formed organization. It will be a paid position in the alleged vicinity of $60,000 TT per month. On the doorsteps of an approaching mandatory retirement age. What does this position imply?
Desperate times call for desperate measures! The athletes should pursue unionism as a guardian option. Athletic unions exist in developed countries. This would afford athletes an official voice on issues affecting them. Based on their knowledge and experiences the existing Elite athletes can contribute to the development of the sport in T&T. This forum can be used to address the athletes personal development, educational opportunities, skill development, career planning, work placement, financial support, sponsorship contracts, scholarships, training methodologies, etc.
The Ministry of Sport should provide a list of athletes who are current recipients of funding. This would afford the public an opportunity to monitor progress and stimulate local support. The current systemic process is oppressively secretive.
Dr.Cliff Bertrand
