Toussaint, Ragoo claim top accolades at Harvard awards

Toussaint was also among seven youngsters to win the Most Outstanding Player Award, while Nivan Ragoo also took home a Challenge Trophy at the closing ceremony. Awards were also distributed to Most Improved Players and Most Disciplined Players.

Delivering the feature address at the ceremony was Trinidad and Tobago Paralympic swimmer Shanntol Ince.

Ince spoke about overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of your goals and dreams. Ince stated, “sometimes you may not win and that is true. I don’t win all the time and recently I went to the Paralympic Games (in Rio) and I did not win because of certain obstacles I had encountered. But what is most important is really pushing through and remembering that God and Jesus always has a purpose for your life regardless of whatever circumstance that you go through.” The TT para-athlete spoke to the aspiring footballers about some of the steps to overcame obstacles.

Ince, who was assisted by some of the Harvard footballers during her address, said they must have faith, embrace the challenge, work hard and smart and never give up in order to overcame challenges.

Ince said when she started swimming some people were concerned if she would be able to swim.

“Some of you may have seen me on TV. I have been on TV but that is not where my story began. I started swimming at the age of four with my kindergarten and most of the children and even some of the teachers were a little bit concerned as to whether I can swim or not.” She added, “I had the support of my parents and that was truly important and everyone sitting here today especially you footballers you have the support of your parents so be thankful for that.” Ince also told the young footballers to be grateful for their coaches for helping them achieve their dreams.

HONOUR ROLL - Challenge Trophy Winners: Nivan Ragoo (Groups One and Two); Alexi Toussaint (Groups Three - Seven, Competitive).

Most Improved Players: Saoirse Young, Tarique Williams, Josiah Fernandes, Richard Kerr, Emerald Endeavour, Emmanuel Duplacy (goalkeeper), Chelsea Reis.

Most Disciplined Players: Hailey Charles, Kaitlyn Jackman, Benjamin Rose, Isaiah Fernandes, Andrew Young.

Most Outstanding Players: Ridello Boodhai, Nivan Ragoo, Kai Williams, Jaden French, Reon Sylvester, Alexi Toussaint (goalkeeper), Isabella Ramdeen.