Romany: Time TTgives sport its due

He made the appeal from Nuremberg yesterday, after watching the Soca Warriors go down 2-0 to England.

Romany said: “This experience has provided unquestioned evidence as to the power of sport to unify, inspire and motivate.”

He described the Germany experience as one of the treasured and very special moments in TT history.

With the Soca Warriors”historic appearance captivating the attention of TT and the sporting world, Romany pointed out, “it is no secret that outside of celebrating victories, TT can at times be very lukewarm when approached by sporting bodies for financial support.”

The TTOC chief noted that Trinidad and Tobago has received a level of positive international exposure that is “unprecedented.”

Romany who is also chairman of the TT Professional football League (TT Pro League) is confident that not only football but sport in general will be able to build on the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 experience. He pointed to TT's rich sporting history which includes the exploits of Rodney Wilkes, Hasely Crawford, Ato Boldon, Claude Noel, Leslie Stewart, McDonald Bailey, the 1979 “Calypso Girls” netballers, Brian Lara, Stephen Ames, Darryl Brown, Roger Gibbon, and Gene Samuel to name a few. Romany said their exploits are tangible evidence of TT’s inherent world class talent and ability.

“I am really hoping that sport will finally be placed firmly in the heart and mind of the nation.”

Romany made it clear it is not only financial support which is required but also that the education system needs to reflect the important role of sport and physical education.

In addition he claimed that representing TT in sport should be considered national service by employers, so that sportsmen and women will not have to choose to take no pay leave in some cases or holidays in others when selected on national teams.

Romany pointed out that corporate TT must understand they cannot continue to wait until the journey’s end and reap the spoils of the sacrifices and labour of our coaches and athletes.

He said they must come aboard for the sustainable development and preparation of competitive programmes, which must receive ongoing assistance, by assured and meaningful funding, sponsorship and value-in-kind support.

“There are many lessons not only with regard to sport and leadership but life to be learnt from TT’s historic appearance at the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006.

“This can be a defining moment in our nation's history, a huge paradigm shift in our self-esteem and sense of worth as a people,” Romany said.