New ASATT head planning for 2017 CCCAN Champs

Lai Hing has replaced Joseph Mc Leod as president of ASATT after the organisation held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday at the Cascadia Hotel in St Ann’s.

Lai Hing has initially been elected for a one-year term but said once the organisation converts to the bylaws, his new team will be seeking approval from council to have a four-year term.

The new president said his team is already planning for the coming year. Lai Hing said, “we have actually started our plan into next year because we are going to be hosting what you call CCCAN which is one of the biggest meets in the region and we will be the first island in many years to be hosting all five disciplines. We will be having swimming - open water and pool, water polo, synchronised swimming and diving.” The CCCAN Championships will be tentatively held from June 20 to July 10 2017 at the brand new Aquatic Centre in Couva. “It (CCCAN) is going to be massive because it is also a water polo qualifier for CAC Games in Colombia in 2018.” Lai Hing added that hosting the CCCAN Championships at the new Aquatic Centre in Couva will benefit TT. “It can only augur good for TT because it will promote sport tourism and it will also promote a level of business for the ASATT that will allow us to thrive to become a self-sufficient organisation.

We know the economic climate and for the Government of TT to complete this venue the most we could try to do is utilise it as much as possible to derive some sort of revenue to break even.” Lai Hing said that he plans to bring qualified coaches from China and FINA (International Swimming Federation) representatives to TT to assist in the development of diving.

The AGM on Friday featured the president’s report, secretary’s report and the presentation of the audited financials for four financial years starting 2012. Mc Leod highlighted the achievements of the outgoing team and gave an explanation for the matters that remained outstanding.

Lai Hing thanked the clubs for their support and briefly outlined priorities inclusive of constitutional reform, hosting of CCCAN 2017, National Short Course Championships and ASATT Invitational. The meeting recognised the outgoing officers and thanked them for their service.

The first council meeting of the new term was scheduled for October 25.

ELECTION RESULTS - President - Wendell Lai Hing 25, Joseph Mc Leod 21 (outgoing).

First Vice President - Franz Huggins 26, Gregory Mitchell 21 (outgoing).

Second Vice President - Chantal Ross-Thomas 26, Gordon Borde 21 (outgoing).

Secretary - Andrea Brache 26, Nicole Coombs 21 (outgoing).

Treasurer - Indardeo Maharaj 27, Denise Kamal 19 (outgoing).

Assistant Secretary/Treasurer - Anthony Edwards.

Public Relations Officer - Jason Wickham.