TT Paralympic Committee boss hails local trio

Speaking on Wednesday at a celebratory function for the TT athletes at Goodwill Industries in Mucurapo, Ramessar said that track and field duo Akeem Stewart and Nyoshia Cain, and swimmer Shanntol Ince will encourage other athletes to compete. Ramessar said, “as we move forward I would like to say that their achievements will go a long way in helping to promote para-sports in TT . We must recognise that the doors that they are opening we need to build on it keep those doors open and let the influx of disabled individuals come forward and make their contribution to sports.” Stewart grabbed gold and silver respectively in the men’s F43/F44 javelin and discus events, while Cain earned bronze in the women’s T43/T44 100m event in the Paralympics which ran from September 7-18. The trio received awards from Goodwill Industries for their achievements.

Ramessar added, “as we move forward let us all join together in taking para-sports and the disabled community into full inclusion and participation in TT .” President of the TT Olympic Committee Brian Lewis said that the performances of our athletes at the Olympics and the Paralympics have given TT a positive image and their performances have built national pride.

He added, “I would like say to Akeem Stewart, Shanntol Ince and Nyoshia Cain you have done your country proud you have done your movement proud but above all you have done sport, not just paralympic sport, but sport proud.” Lewis reiterated that national Para-athletes and national athletes will be equally rewarded for their efforts. When competing at international meets athletes earn US$10,000 for gold, US$8,000 for silver and US$5,000 for bronze.

Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Darryl Smith shortened his constituency day in Diego Martin to attend the function on Wednesday morning. Smith said, “I told the team here that I will cut my constituency day short to be here with you all this morning just to share some insight with regards to how I feel and give regards to the athletes and the committee from Prime Minister of TT and the Cabinet. And again to congratulate you all for the work and the progress that you all have done for Paralympics and putting us on the map.”