On November 5, Blackman, along with more than 250 other competitors, faced rain and unusually rough seas as they challenged themselves over the 1.5 km course at Carlisle Bay. Among the competitors was former World Champion over 25 km, American Alex Meyer, who was the class of the competition. Meyer completed the course in 18 minutes, 8.40 seconds.

Blackman,meanwhile, dominated the 12 and under competition, finishing first in 18 minutes 35 seconds. This time was good enough for fourth place overall.

Other Marlins swimmers, Dominique Nurse-Allen placed 3rd in the girls 9-12 while Joshua Mohammed placed 6th in boys 9-12.

Earlier this year, Blackman handily won the 12 and under portion of the Maracas Open Water Swim. In October he also set the first record at the National Aquatic Centre, when he lowered the standard in the 200 metre freestyle for boys aged 9- 10.

Blackman and the entire swimming fraternity are in action at the National Aquatic Centre for the National Open Short Course Championships which concludes on Sunday.

The Tobago boys took the lead aafter 21 minutes when Damian Forde found the nets, but shortly after the halftime interval, Hakim Farray drew the Port of Spain team level.

It was all Bon Accord in the final 20 minutes, however, as Nigel Burnett and Tyreke Carrington scored.

At the Marvin Lee Stadium, Arima Bnoys RC swamped St Thomas RC of Mayaro 11-0 to also advance.

Tyrise Frontin netted a hat-trick, Kerron Hodge two while O’Neil Hepburn, Kyle Lalloo, Sherlon Lynch, Kylon Marcelle, Ashwold Rosado and Damiel Hamilton added one each.

In the second game of a double header, San Fernando Boys RC shut out Sangre Grande Government 3-0 on a double by Tyrise Griffith and another from Keon Edwards. And at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Enterprise Government marched into the semi-finals with a 6-0 drubbing of St Dominic’s RC of Penal.

Tobago champions Whim Anglican meet San Fernando Boys in one semi-final while Bon Accord take on Bon Air Government in the Under-12 category.

And Under-15 defending champions Bon Accord face Arima Boys RC at the Marvin Lee Stadium.

Douglas trounced Vheer Samnarine of Grant Memorial Presbyterian School 2-0 (11:1, 11:1) in a lopsided final to cap a wondrous year. In the semi-final round, Douglas won against CIC’s Nicholas Lee 2-0 (11:5, 12:10) while Samnarine was victorious over Trimont College’s Mikhail Dookie 2-0 (11:7, 11:7).

In the Girls equivalent, there was a round robin final with Rayanna Boodhan of Lakshmi Girls Hindu School claiming the gold medal after she recorded victories over Scarborough Secondary’s Shurja Welch 2-1 (11:9, 7:11, 11:6) and Kavita Solomon of Sangre Grande Secondary 2-0 (11:3, 11:6). Welch secured the silver medal after beating Solomon 2-0 (11:2, 11:5).

Jalen Kerr of Bishop’s High School defended his Boys Under 11 singles title, triumphing against Nicholas O’Young of Trimont College.

Kerr had to battle from a set down to eventually win 2-1 (9:11, 12:10, 11:7).

Both finalists had relatively easier semi-final matches with Kerr winning comfortably against Sachin Ramsumair of Gasparillo Hindu School 2-0 (11:5, 11:2) and O’Young doing the same against Jamalli Mauge of Harmons SDA 2-0 (11:8, 11:3). Hollistic Primary School student Imani Taylor was crowned the Under 11 Girls champion after battling past Brianna Solomon of St Andrews Anglican 2-1 (11:9, 6:11, 11:5).The previous round saw Taylor defeating Rebekah Sterling of Arima Presbyterian 2-0 (13:11, 11:9).

Solomon won by the same margin against her schoolmate Shaneika Collette (12:10, 11:7).

There were 21 schools represented at the Tobago leg of the 21st edition of the Scotiabank sponsored table- tennis tournament.

This was Harper’s eighth title, accumulating a total of 10 points. Coming in second was reigning junior champion, FM Joshua Johnson with nine points while FM Mario Merritt copped the third position with eight points.

Fourth place went to FM Adrian Winter Atwell (8) and 2015 champion, FM Kevin Cupid had to settle for fifth place with 7.5 points.

In the female category, WFM Gabriella Johnson, 15, of St Joseph Convent, Port of Spain, reigned supreme with a perfect score of eight points, to take the national crown.

Candidate Master (CM) Shannon Yearwood came in second with 6.5 points and third place went to Amy Ali (5.5).

WCM Shemila James came in fourth place (5) and Zara La Fleur took fifth place (4.5).

The four-day match will be a day/night affair, scheduled to begin at 3 pm each day.

Last season, the Red Force endured a disappointing campaign and finished fourth in the six-team standings with 81 points, while the Volcanoes placed fifth with 64.

But the Volcanoes have been in a fine run of form against the Red Force lately, with five wins in their last seven meetings, including the last three contests here in Trinidad.

Red Force captain Yannick Ottley is eyeing a top two spot for his squad this season.

“Our preparation has been good,” he said. “It’s just for us to go out and execute and do well for our fans. I know we can challenge for the top two spots this season.” Asked about reversing the recent fortunes against Volcanoes, the 25-year-old Ottley replied, “those last games are in the past. It’s a new game, a new season. We’re hoping to start off well on our home court on the Oval.” The right-handed batsman and occasional left-arm spinner took over from Jason Mohammed as captain during the latter stages of the 2015-2016 season. “I’m very grateful,” he said.

“I did a couple games last year. I got a lot of respect from the guys and they appreciate me.” The Volcanoes skipper Liam Sebastien pointed out, “we have been putting in a lot of sessions. We had a short tour of Antigua where we had some games played. We have been doing a lot of work to try to improve on the performance last year.” Admitting that the batting affected the team’s display in the 2015-2016 season, Sebastien is not putting too much into the team’s recent unbeaten streak against the Red Force.

“What is more important is that we get off to a winning start,” said the 32-yearold left-handed batsman and off-spinner.

“We have been doing well over Trinidad over the past couple of years but it’s a new tournament, a new game, a new season, as well as a day/ night fixture. So we’re not really placing too many emphasis on having beaten Trinidad over the past couple seasons. What we’re trying to do is get off to a good start.” Squads: RED FORCE (from): Yannick Ottley (captain), Yannic Cariah, Sheldon Cottrell, Jyd Goolie, Kyle Hope, Jon-Russ Jagessar, Steven Katwaroo, Imran Khan, Jason Mohammed, Khary Pierre, Roshon Primus, Marlon Richards, Jeremy Solozano.

VOLCANOES (from): Liam Sebastien (captain), Sunil Ambris, Narsingh Deonarine, Tarryck Gabriel, Kavem Hodge, Delorn Johnson, Mervin Matthew, Kenroy Peters, Jerlani Robinson, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, Tyrone Theophile, Kyle Mayers.

The fans who turned out at the Lewis Street, San Fernando venue saw the Presentation San Fernando squad show no mercy to their opponents in a battle of Premiership and Championship division teams.

Alex Lee Yaw (18th and 41st minutes), Jordan Riley (27th and 80th) and Omri Baird (70th and 73rd) each scored twice, while Terrell Williams (55th) and Kareem Riley (64th) contributed one apiece.

Presentation San Fernando are now expected to battle 2015 National Intercol champs Naparima in the South Zone Semi Final round on Monday.

Intercol action will continue tomorrow with St Mary’s College opposing Malick in a North Zone Quarter Final match at the Fatima Ground, Mucurapo.

During a media conference at the Marriott Hotel, Mucurapo yesterday, Hart acknowledged, “I think the home fans have a big role to play. They should make demands on us to attack and be adventurous. They should be making demands on us to defend and do the right things.

“They should push us and constantly let us know that they’ve paid their hard-earned money and they expect certain things from us,” he continued. “I see nothing wrong with that. That’s what football is all about.” Jones, the 32-yearold Central FC forward, commented, “I think it’s very important.

All over the world you can see what the crowd support can do for the home team, especially when you’re in difficult situations.

It helps motivate you, it helps give you that extra push to be able to either get on top of teams or whatever situation (in) the game.

We’re hoping that the stadium is (filled to) capacity and the fans are rooting for the home team.” The buildup to the game, at least from the TT perspective, revolved around two midfielders, Kevin Molino and the English- born John Bostock.

Molino was suspended by Hart for today’s game, as well as Tuesday’s match away to Honduras, for a pair of team curfew breaches, while Bostock, a day after receiving clearance from FIFA to make his international debut for the twin-island republic, announced his unavailability for the forthcoming games due to personal reasons.

“I can’t worry about who is not here,” said Hart. “I have 23 players in camp, all of who are capable, all who are fighting for a spot in the (team). That’s my main focus.” Notable names on the Costa Rica team are goalkeeper Keylor Navas of Real Madrid, left-back Bryan Oviedo of Everton, midfielder Bryan Ruiz of Sporting Lisbon and forward Joel Campbell, on loan from Arsenal to Sporting Lisbon.

About the Costa Rica outfit, Hart noted, “they have good balance and what we have to do is to be not afraid to play when we are in possession. We will need to try and disrupt the way they play as much as possible and make them uncomfortable.” Another major talking point regarding the TT team is the defending – in 11 international matches this year, the national squad has conceded 24 goals while netting 20.

Asked about the defensive woes lately, Hart replied, “we’ve always been addressing it. Defending is about the team; one or two players might be placed in uncomfortable situations or they might make a mistake, but defending is about the team, everybody’s responsibility. When the ball is lost, to get it back. If we do that, then (we) don’t concede usually unless it’s a penalty or something that’s not in your control.” Jones has been on the mend from a leg injury sustained during the 2-0 loss away to Martinique, in the CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifier, on October 11. But the muscular striker noted, “I think I’m very far (in terms of fitness). If I wasn’t progressing with my injury I don’t think I would have been here.

I’ve been working hard in the last 2-3 weeks to make it to this point.” Constantly the target by fans for his inconsistent returns – he has a total of 23 goals from 82 internationals, Jones commented, “what else can you do but just saddle on and keep playing.

“At the end of the day, as much as the crowd might be up in (anger) about something, as the coach said the game is 90 minutes and I have a job to do for the team, whether it might be attempting to score, assisting, defending, whatever the case is,” he added. “So, for the 90 minutes or however long that I’m on, I’m going to make sure that I try my best to do my job.” In related news, the TT Football Association (TT FA), in a media release yesterday, noted that two popular regional artistes will be performing at today’s match – veteran soca star and multiple Road March and Soca Monarch king Super Blue (Austin Lyons) and Jamaican dancehall ace Mavado (David Brooks).

Teams: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Jan-Michael Williams, Marvin Phillip, Adrian Foncette (goalkeepers); Jelani Peters, Aubrey David, Daneil Cyrus, Carlyle Mitchell, Radanfah Abu Bakr, Sheldon Bateau, Yohance Marshall (defenders); Khaleem Hyland, Andre Boucaud, Kevan George, Neveal Hackshaw, Joevin Jones, Cordell Cato, Levi Garcia, Marcus Joseph, Jomal Williams, Ataullah Guerra (midfielders); Kenwyne Jones, Trevin Caesar, Willis Plaza (strikers).

COSTA RICA: Keylor Navas, Patrick Pemberton, Esteban Alvarado (goalkeepers); Johnny Acosta, Kendall Waston, Michael Umana, Francisco Calvo, Cristian Gamboa, Ronald Matarrita, Bryan Oviedo, Jose Salvatierra, Pablo Salazar (defenders); Randall Azofeifa, Celso Borges, Yeltsin Tejeda, David Guzman, Bryan Ruiz, Cristian Bolanos, Johan Venegas, Rodney Wallace (midfielders); Joel Campbell, Ariel Rodr?guez, Marco Uren (forwards).

FOR THE past 18 years, the Women in Action for the Needy and Destitute (WAND) has been in the business of giving.

Since its 1998 inception, its accomplishments have been far and wide among them being awarded the National Medal Gold for the Development of Women.

The group continued its work toward assisting underprivileged women and children in our society through its charitable drives done throughout 2016.

At its recently concluded, annual Christmas Luncheon it was announced by its president, Jan Bocas Ryan that the group will be supplying 14 community centres throughout TT with computer equipment. The 2016 Christmas Luncheon was held at Hyatt Regency Trinidad, on November 4.

The project will be launched on November 15 this year.

The strains of Spontaneous Sounds filled the room as scores of women and a handful of men gathered for the 16th annual Christmas Luncheon.

It drew the presence of the US Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, John L Estrada and wife, Dr Elizabeth Estrada, as well as Sharon Rowley, wife of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Justice Nadia Kangaloo and other high court judges, MP for Laventille West Adrian Leonce and MP for Toco/Sangre Grande Glenda Jennings-Smith and Dr Denise Tsoiafatt-Angus, Secretary of Community Development and Culture, Tobago House of Assembly among others.

Bocas Ryan told the audience the 14 community centres throughout TT will benefit from the work done by the charity over the past year.

In her address she said, “These funds are being spent in education, 14 community centres throughout Trinidad and Tobago will benefit from computer equipment through this grant.

We have partnered with the University of Trinidad and Tobago who will play a key role. Trinidad Systems Ltd is also playing a major role in overseeing the hardware, delivering and co-ordinating installation and ensuring transparency.

“The Ministry of Community Development co-ordinated our site visits to the community centres and successfully negotiated with Flow for free service for one year to all 14 centres,” she added The organisation received a donation of TT $500,000 from the The Price Philanthropic Foundation, California, US. As well as receiving TT $100,000 from a private citizen as well as having its gala ball ‘well-attended.’ The pilot project done at Romain Lands/ St Francois Valley Road Community Centre in Morvant was credited for its success.

The organisation, Bocas Ryan said, was also actively working on rebuilding its Transition Home at Coora Camp, Siparia for the residents of WAND Drug Rehab Centre, Palo Seco run by New Life Ministries.

Throughout the year, WAND gave to several groups among them the Cascade School for the Deaf which received 43 special books with videos for the hearing impaired.

The organisation also partnered with Servol to provide two early childhood centres. One in Belmont and the other in South Port-of-Spain.

“At St Martins in South Port-of-Spain, we completed general works and provided a kitchen where there was none before.

We then turned to the toddlers at the Paradise Heights in Morvant.

That Centre received, infant beds, cribs, books and other play items.

The screen will paint the picture of some very happy faces.

In addition to these projects, for the third year running, we were able to assist two young paraplegic women with diapers and toiletries as their existence depends on others like you,” she closed.

Those gathered at the event were also treated to the fashion of Charu Lohcan Dass and entertained by vocalist, Natasha Benjamin.

Among the sections highlighted on the night were “Steampunk Love Affair”, “Aviator”, “A Bridal Ting”, “Camelot”, “Vacqueros”, “Conductor”, “Era of Flair & Fantasies”, “Mad Scientist” and “Queen Victoria”.

Guests also got glimpses of section spin-offs “Valentine Bride”, “Fantasy of Copper & Lace”, “Retro Futurism”, “Wedding Night” and “Bridesmaid”.

Placide indicated that it is a mix of 19th century England’s Victoria era and America’s Wild Wild West with bit of modern technology.

She said it is just the art of making something elegant out of random pieces of things considered junk or scrap into something elegant, new and impressive.

Among the designers bringing the concept to life are Marion George, Janelle Greaves, Devon Jerome, Michelle Huggins and Aaron Humphrey.

Placide said the presentation is about creativity and imagination in fashion and a tribute to its co-founder Earl Crosby. And come Carnival Monday and Tuesday next year the all-inclusive band will be provided with road music by DJ Crosby Sounds.

Registration for the band has started at Crosby’s in St James.

Leader of the organisation Dean Ackin went out of his way to make the event as informal as possible, but not before he thanked persons who have contributed to the business’ growth and strength, as well as their partners for supporting their cause. He singled out Nathan Baptiste, Camille Salloum, and Barry Bidaisee and presented them with long standing awards.

Ackin also took pleasure in presenting a cheque of $100,000 to five non governmental organisations – Hope for a Miracle, Music Literacy Trust, Animals Alive, Rapidfire Kidz Foundation and The Children’s Ark. The funds were raised from proceeds of their Las Lap event, which is usually held two to three weeks after Carnival. This year it was held in O2 Park in Chaguaramas in March.

Ultimate Events Ltd, via its We Help Foundation also assisted the Aquaholics Dragon Boat Team.

They too were represented.

Ackin told guests on the night: “It is our turn to give back.” After the short formalities guests were entertained by ace guitarist and musician Nigel Rojas, and the young duo of Preedy & Zone, while deejay music came from DJ Cin.