Trinidad and Tobago’s athletic future faces unprecedented challenges as the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAATT) confronts a devastating $4.15 million sponsorship reduction from the National Gas Company (NGC). This substantial funding withdrawal has compelled the nation’s premier athletic organization to dramatically scale back critical development programs and completely restructure its operational framework for the upcoming competitive season.
The comprehensive financial cuts, formally disclosed in a December 27th report, impact virtually every tier of Trinidad and Tobago’s athletic ecosystem. The most significant reductions include a $1.5 million decrease for track and field development and youth elite programs, followed by a $750,000 cut from CARIFTA Games support, and a $600,000 reduction for district and Moruga zonal primary school competitions.
Additional program cuts reveal the sweeping nature of the financial crisis: $500,000 eliminated from the Right on Track initiative, $350,000 withdrawn from Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships, $300,000 removed from Primary School Championships, and $150,000 cut from the Youth Elite Program that provides vital university scholarships through partnership with the University of Trinidad and Tobago.
NAAATT President Ephraim Serrette expressed profound disappointment at the development, emphasizing that athletics has historically delivered 15 of the nation’s 19 Olympic medals. “It is very unfortunate,” Serrette stated, “and I keep saying track and field athletics is the most successful sport in TT.”
The association has immediately implemented contingency measures, including scaling down event scope and operational capacity while aggressively pursuing alternative funding sources. Serrette confirmed that numerous proposals have been distributed to potential sponsors, though responses remain pending. The president declined to specify exact impacts on early 2026 competitions, citing sensitivity regarding current negotiations.
This athletic funding crisis parallels similar cuts to other sports organizations, with the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association experiencing approximately $3 million in reduced sponsorship, including $300,000 for community football and $250,000 for Secondary Schools Football League.
Despite the severe financial blow, Serrette maintains determined optimism regarding the association’s ability to adapt and eventually recover. “We just pivoted and tried to move in the right direction,” he affirmed, while acknowledging the challenging road ahead for Trinidad and Tobago’s athletic development.