Silvio’s gold

NATIONAL striker Silvio Spann finally received the promised Chaconia gold medal, the country’s second highest award, from acting President Linda Baboolal at a simple ceremony at the President’s House, St Ann’s yesterday.

And Prime Minister Patrick Manning confirmed in a release that the former St Benedict’s College foward will receive the same financial reward as the rest of the team — $1 million, which has been broken down into $750,000 in units from the Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) and $250,000 in cash.

Baboolal presented Spann with the award as his mother Joy looked on, and afterwards she urged him to continue to serve the country as he has done in the past.

Spann, a member of the 24-man football team picked for the World Cup tournament in Germany, was involved in a mix-up in a list of players presented with the Chaconia medals at the Hasely Crawford Stadium last Saturday. After prompting from fans, Spann was recognised at the stadium but received his award yesterday.

Spann, who was injured out of the national squad just before the start of the tournament, told a small media gathering that while he had never been to the President’s House, his first visit was an absolute honour — one that he will cherish and share with his children.

He added that he never expected that sort of treatment but when it came he felt really honoured by it.

For him it was a period of mixed emotions after being the only player on Saturday whose name was excluded from the list of players to receive a medal and a million dollars.

“One minute I am down because all the guys were up there, feeling ashamed but I really want to thank the fans and I want to let them know that I will never let them down whenever I am playing for Trinidad and Tobago,” Spann said.

He said, being in God’s good grace, he was back to full fitness and will soon be leaving to pick up an offer in Europe.

He added also that he will try to prepare and put his best foot foward when he is playing for Trinidad and Tobago because of the love the fans showed him on Saturday.

The talented Spann said he felt left out when he picked up the injury in Germany but noted that these incidents do happen and “you just must know how to deal with it.”

He believes that his dream since a child has always been to play in the World Cup and he will do that in 2010 in South Africa.

He stressed that he could have added something to the team in Germany, along with defender Marvin Andrews — both of whom picked up injuries.

Meanwhile, Sports Minister Roger Boynes has said Prime Minister Patrick Manning is having discussions with the technical staff of the national team on rewards for them.

“The Prime Minister in his speech on Saturday has said he will hold discussion on all matters of football, which will also include possible awards for the technical staff and medals for Jack Warner,” said Boynes.