Sporting joys that overshadow crime

THE EDITOR: It is so refreshing to see news that make us proud splashed across our newspapers and heralded by the electronic media. These are the moments we must cherish — the recent sporting joys that overshadow crime made possible by heroes in the disciplines of swimming, track and field, hammer-throwing, boxing and cricket. Indeed, we are on a roll and one I hope that paves the road to better times for TT.

For this renewed optimism I wish to further extol all the relevant parties. However, special mention must be made of two athletes for their outstanding individual achievements at international levels at such early ages — feats that demand not only natural ability but also extreme discipline and focus. I refer to swim star George Bovell (III) and track and field prodigy Darrel Brown. Very well done fellas! Now that our dynamic duo rides high on the wings of glory they are sure to attract many opportunists. These would include hordes of the fairer sex to marketing managers, charity officials, coaches, sports managers/clubs and politicians. Many of them will have purely personal agendas, contriving ways to make anything between a quick buck and millions by rubbing shoulders with George and Darrel in the guise of having their best interest at heart. So our heroes must remain focused on their goals lest they succumb to exploitation by wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Another area of concern came to the fore during Bovell’s recent medal haul in the Dominican Republic when the scourge of racism had reared its ugly head. A letter writer claimed that Bovell was not getting the publicity he deserved and went on to imply that his performances would have generated more coverage had his skin been a darker colour. This was an unfortunate delusion since there was no justification and it appeared that the author simply needed to feed a sick hunger. Racial prejudice is a major world disorder that tarnishes just about every facet of life when we allow it to. According to some accounts, TT’s sports of yesteryear had been infected with this disease and perceptions are rife that an antidote is still needed today. Consequently, the onus must now reside, largely, with the authorities to ensure that this bane is kept out. Athletes and John Public too must play their part in nurturing impartiality by avoiding mischievous or frivolous words and deeds. Ultimately, we should forego dwelling on past mistakes and biases in favour of learning from them and moving on.

Perhaps then we would become more patriotic, at least with regards to our sports heroes. Maybe we will finally mature to the reality that a sports person needs more support when performances wane — when he/she struggles with thoughts of failure to attain the high expectations that we etch in their psyche when the going is good. The fact that we are a Third World country with a minuscule population and able to stand tallest among the world’s best speaks volumes for our ability and tenacity — our will to achieve. In addition to the new Olympic size swimming pool due for construction, I hope that TT spends more on sport-oriented facilities and expertise. The incentive should be geared at establishing better levels of expert training locally, and so, assist talented stars of tomorrow who presently cannot afford to relocate overseas in order to obtain the standard of training necessary to excel in their respective discipline. The spin off effects would include more jobs and a healthier TT. Of great significance also, would be the realisation of tangible options for idle, disillusioned and angry youths with crime on their minds. Through sport, they may find their niche in the awakening of a love or skill that for now lies dormant — awaiting discovery.

DEXTER J RIGSBY
Mt Lambert