Smith hails start of sport tourism thrust

A 13-member contingent representing Club Aquatique Montreal (CAMO) arrived in TT yesterday for a training camp which will last almost two weeks.

Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT ) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adam Montserin and Tourism Development Company Acting CEO Warren Solomon welcomed the CAMO team on their arrival at Piarco International Airport.

The team’s visit was coordinated by the Business Development department of the SporTT , in an ongoing effort to position TT as a premier destination for winter training. The contact was initiated through Canadian operator, Magik Tours, whose representatives visited the country earlier in December to scout the location and make the necessary arrangements.

CAMO coach Claude St Jean stated that he is excited to begin the training camp and fondly recalled that TT Olympian George Bovell was a former member of CAMO.

Smith, speaking to Newsday yesterday, said the multi-million dollar facility has to be fully utilised and CAMO coming to TT is the start of the process. Smith said, “we are very pleased about that (the Canadian team coming to TT ); this is what this Government has promised, to push sport tourism.

Those facilities have to be utilised not just by ASATT (Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago) and the locals for it to make revenue and really work in maximum potential.

We have to go out there and get foreign clubs, teams, national teams to come and also utilise it.” Smith explained that seeking advice from CAMO will help TT host more successful camps.

“We are going to ask them for any advice on anything that they see we could improve or enhance while they are here. The Cycling Velodrome as well, we are also talking to some other international teams to come down and use it (Cycling Velodrome), it is in the peak of winter now. It is a good start and a good example.” He added, “I hope TT shows hospitality to them (CAMO) and show them respect so that they could spread the word in the swimming fraternity that TT is the place to be and other teams from North America, South America, Europe and so on could come here.” The National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua held a conference earlier this year with coaches from across the region which helped sport tourism also. The long awaited opening of the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, which is expected to open early in 2017, will also be part of the sport tourism drive.

Smith explained that many local sporting organisations are using the office space at the National Aquatic Centre, National Racquet Centre and National Cycling Velodrome which is allowing these same organisations to save money they would have otherwise spent paying rent and invest in the young athletes.