Lara to feature at Tarouba Stadium opening

Smith reiterated the Government’s and his personal commitment to Trinidad and Tobago’s elite athletes and announced the staging of two major sporting events in the twin-island republic later this year.

Smith said work on the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba is continuing apace and Lara has been, “very, very happy with the work so far.” As someone who has played in some of the world’s greatest cricket arenas, Smith said Lara has been “bringing new ideas” for the Stadium which was conceptualised over a decade ago.

He said there is an opening date for the Stadium and Lara is interested in having certain persons, including his “international icons from around the world” attending the opening. Smith said this would have to be approved by Cabinet.

Indicating that the outfield at the Stadium is “beautiful” and work is taking place on the pitch, Smith said in the coming weeks, “Brian and a couple other high schools and UWI” will be testing the pitch. He added everyone is excited that TT will soon have “a world class cricket facility.” Indicating the Elite Athlete Programme is a key part of the National Sporting Policy which is being fleshed out, Smith said the Ministry recently issued a statement in which it spoke about $24 million being allocated to this programme.

“NAAA (National Association of Athletics Administrations of TT) athletes got over 70 percent of that money,” he stated. Smith said he has an open door policy and works closely with all athletes.

He reiterated that he and the Government are, “all about the athletes first and the young people of TT.” He added, “What we have been doing is tightening up as regards to the loopholes that occurred in the last four five years.” Smith announced that on March 26, the TT Hockey Federation will host the International Hockey Federation World League Round Two. He said this tournament will bring between 500 and 700 athletes and fans to this country. Smith listed Chile, Japan, Switzerland, Russia, USA and Barbados as some of the countries that will be competing alongside hosts TT.

He said the astro turf at the National Hockey Centre in Tacarigua will be upgraded for the tournament. Smith also said the existing turf, which has about two years life left in it, will be given to the Petrotrin Sports Club in Pointe-a-Pierre. Smith announced that in June and July, this country will host the Central American and Caribbean Swimming Championships (CCCAN) for the first time.

Indicating this tournament will involve approximately 1,000 athletes, Smith said for the first time there will be swimming, diving, water polo and synchronised swimming taking place in one competition in TT.