Optimist Sailors have 5-year plan

And the Ministry of Sport, through Sport Minister Roger Boynes is expected to make significant contributions towards this dream.

Speaking at a launch at the Ministry of Sports office, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain yesterday, president of the Sailing Association David Lewis told a small gathering he has been encouraged by the accomplishment of the young optimist sailors who earned a silver medal at the recent World Championship. He noted that the plan includes spreading and teaching the sport to the mass of the population around the coastal areas and getting them involved.

He made it clear that they have already secured a significant number of boats for the venture, apart from which they have also gotten some 80 sailors thus far.

Lewis added that the training of these and other young budding sailors could only enhance the development of the sport, and by extension increase our chances of winning more medals at international games.

He expressed the view however that in order to achieve their objectives, they will need significant support and contribution from corporate Trinidad and Tobago.

Lewis also pointed out that getting top level coaching has been a major setback in local sailing and therefore his proposal to the Sports Ministry includes the introduction of top level coaching courses and seminars.

He said it will improve the level of the sport as well as improve the level of coaching in Trinidad and Tobago.

He said it was through a proper level of coaching that helped this country earn the medal at the championship.

Lewis said his association em-ployed Peruvian coach Fernando Allegre at the helm of the team two and a half years ago to improve their chances at the games, and he has done just that.

He told the small gathering that the sailors which comprise Wesley Scott, Matthew Scott and Anthony Alkins had defied all odds, enduring different weather conditions in a country and waters unknown to them, to cop the silver. He pointed out that all were surprised at the silver-medal performance at the games, since no one knew anything about the tiny twin-island state of Trinidad and Tobago.

He commended government for putting over $1 million into the recent regatta in the sister isle Tobago a few months ago, which saw 19 countries competing.