We must support our young athletes

THE EDITOR: I write as someone who has been involved in swimming over the past 10 years, and also as a parent who has supported water polo from the very beginning. Having read an article in another paper on Thursday July 3, 2003, I felt compelled to express my view as a parent.

First of all, let me say that as far as I am aware, both the water polo teams and the swimmers paid for their airfares and accommodation to represent our country. They were supported by many fund-raising events organised by the various clubs, as well as many sponsors who came forward to support our children. Not an ounce of taxpayers’ money was spent to support our athletes who earned the right to represent our country at both these events. At the Carifta Games in Jamaica, Trinidad was able to win Gold medals in water polo for both boys and girls under 18 age groups. They made us proud. Naturally as young athletes, striving for greater excellence they were very encouraged to compete in Mexico. The controversy surrounding sending our young athletes was based on their readiness and ability to perform at a high altitude. Let me say, from the start that all the other teams were subjected to the same disadvantage except Mexico. Are we only to send our teams, when conditions suit us or when they can win? These young athletes performed exceptionally well and in the final match Trinidad versus Puerto Rico, Trinidad drew 8-8.

The entire CCCAN Water Polo participants were behind our team and if the Express was present the events may have been reported differently. Our seven swimmers performed creditably under the circumstances and brought home one gold medal. Additionally, one of our swimmers achieved his highest time ever. Rather than criticise our young athletes, we should support and encourage them when the decision to go has been made. Instead we put forward our own agendas and fail to recognise that it is not us but our kids who are competing. In this day and age, when so many of our young adults are going astray, we should strive to respect and encourage them, rather than destroy their efforts. It is we as adults, and particularly our so-called experts in the field who should refrain and learn!

LINDSAY GILLETTE
Bayshore