Innovative stroke by George Bovell

THE EDITOR: Any initiative which provides real benefits to our nation towards the development of our youth is welcomed and appreciated as this critically important aspect is sadly inadequate. Hats off to Brian Lara and George Bovell III, two current national heroes, who have elected to contribute, from their individual successes, to the national community. Neither Brian nor George personally receive any money from related “congratulatory” commercial activity. Particularly noteworthy is the innovative and visionary initiative of George III in asking congratulatory advertisers to contribute in equal part, the cost of their advertising to the foundation to fund the development of infrastructure, facilities and personal development associated with the sport of swimming towards unearthing our future.

Previous to this, none of our sporting, cultural or other heroes or their disciplines derive any benefit financially or otherwise from their achievements as do the advertisers, newspapers, photographers and advertising agencies. Thus the salutations and recognition given by our appreciative corporate community-minded advertisers is intended to unearth and develop the hidden talent and ability of our swimmers for international competition which is now non-existent or inadequate for a multiplicity of reasons. The good news for our corporate citizens is the ability to claim for income tax purposes 150 percent of their contribution to the Foundation and the knowledge that their participation has now assumed a profound dimension in that of a meaningful contribution to the development of the youth of our country.

RONALD  MURRAY
Port-of-Spain