FCB pledge continued support for local sports

First Citizens Bank Limited who have taken over the sponsorship of the Sports Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago will focus on supporting the growth and development of local sport. Chief executive officer (CEO) Larry Howai made this pledge at a ceremony to officially welcome the sports foundation members at FCB’s Corporate Division, Queen’s Park East on Tuesday. “I know that this dream by the West Indian Tobacco Company, which began in 1964 has taken 40 years of hard work and tremendous effort by all involved to become the esteemed Sports Foundation that it is today. So I am sure that we are all wondering what is the vision First Citizens Bank have in mind that can take the Sports Foundation into the realm of greater prestige,” he said.

“I will now declare that what we intend to do is ensure the continuity of excellence, promote community relationship and support the growth and development of sport in Trinidad and Tobago,” Howai said. FCB have now overtaken the sponsorship of what was called the Witco Sports Foundation and supported by West Indian Tobacco Foundation. The Foundation which was formed 40 years ago has a Hall of Fame —  which recognises the sporting icons of Trinidad and Tobago and an Annual Sports Award which pays tribute and grant honour to successful young athletes of Trinidad and Tobago. Howai added that the new FCB Sports Foundation will intensify the community relationship because they are cognisant of the enormous impact that the Sports Foundation have made on their communities through their donation/sponsorships to various sporting associations. “We want the people of Trinidad and Tobago to know that Sports Foundation is not only for the  annual sports award and the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies but also for their contribution to the communities of which they all are a part,” Howai said.

He went on to thank Witco for instituting the Hall of Fame in 1983, fully computerised archive of sporting heroes of the past in 2000, the launch of their website, the series of sports-psychology seminars for coaches and trainers, awards for the most outstanding sports journalism and most recently the establishment of a permanent sports exhibit at the National Museum. Members of the foundation present at the function included Hayden Newallo, Annette Susan Knott, Terry Young Sing, Edwin Skinner, Catherine Forde, Wayne Isidore Smart, Sedley Joseph, David Andre Lamy, Lystra Lewis, Alexander Chapman, Andy Ganteaume  and David Daniel.