分类： sports

In a significant ceremony held on November 12 at the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs headquarters in St Clair, Trinidad and Tobago, cricket icons Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard were officially appointed as national sports ambassadors. The event was presided over by Minister Sean Sobers, who emphasized the government’s dedication to recognizing exceptional national athletes whose accomplishments inspire citizens and elevate the country’s global profile. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to honor outstanding sports figures, as previously announced by Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts on September 4. Bravo, who recently led the Trinbago Knight Riders to victory in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on September 21, has been instrumental in promoting Trinidad and Tobago’s sporting excellence. The team’s triumph over the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final match in Providence, Guyana, was celebrated by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who hosted the champions at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann’s on September 23. During the event, Persad-Bissessar also named TKR captain Nicholas Pooran, Pollard, and javelin star Keshorn Walcott as sports ambassadors. While the exact dates for Pooran and Walcott’s official appointments remain undisclosed, the ministry expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Bravo and Pollard to champion values of excellence, teamwork, and national pride, both domestically and internationally, while enhancing Trinidad and Tobago’s global reputation.

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) invested over $2 million in hosting the Døds Diving World Championships in Charlotteville on August 9, a decision that has sparked discussions about the allocation of resources for sports tourism. Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation Tashia Burris revealed the financial details during a plenary session in the Assembly Legislature on November 12, responding to inquiries from Minority councillor Petal Daniel-Benoit. The event, a collaboration between Døds Federation International, the THA, and the Eco-Industrial Development Company of Tobago, attracted 50 divers from across the globe, who showcased their skills from a 10-meter platform. Burris emphasized the event’s potential for financial sustainability, noting that the THA will receive 50% of local advertising revenue for the 2026 edition, with four major advertisers already expressing interest. She contrasted this with the Tobago International Cycling Classic, which relies heavily on THA sponsorship and has struggled to attract international participants. Burris highlighted the Døds Diving event’s global exposure, with online viewership reaching 50 million and international broadcast deals secured for 2025-2027. In contrast, the Cycling Classic, which lacks UCI sanctioning and offers low prize money, has seen limited participation and international appeal. Burris concluded that the Døds Diving model represents a sustainable partnership for high-level sports tourism, while the Cycling Classic requires significant reforms to remain viable.

The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) men’s football team is gearing up for a pivotal FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier against Jamaica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on November 13. With TT currently third in Group B of the Concacaf final round with five points, a victory over group leaders Jamaica (nine points) is essential to keep their qualifying hopes alive. Curacao, sitting second with eight points, also poses a threat as they face Bermuda in a simultaneous match. Only the group winners will secure automatic qualification, with the two best second-placed teams advancing to the intercontinental playoff. TT’s head coach, Dwight Yorke, emphasized the must-win nature of the game, stating, ‘We’re fighting for our lives to keep our dreams alive.’ Yorke acknowledged Jamaica’s strength but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion. The previous encounter in September saw Jamaica secure a 2-0 victory, but Yorke remains optimistic about TT’s improved performance. Meanwhile, Jamaica’s coach, Steve McClaren, highlighted the significance of qualifying for the World Cup as a way to bring joy to a nation recovering from Hurricane Melissa. Both teams are under immense pressure as they vie for a spot in the prestigious tournament.

Dow Village Government Primary School has once again demonstrated its supremacy in district football by securing a clean sweep at the Caroni District Football tournament on November 7. The school’s Under-15 boys’ team clinched the championship with a commanding 5-1 victory over Enterprise Government Primary School in the finals. This triumph adds to their earlier successes, as they had already claimed the Under-12 boys’ and Under-15 girls’ titles just a week prior. This remarkable achievement marks the second time in three years that Dow Village has swept the tournament, a feat first accomplished in 2023. Leading the charge was Elijah Austin, the tournament’s standout player and prolific striker, who scored over 20 goals throughout the competition. His exceptional performance was pivotal in securing the school’s triple crown. Coach Edna St Louis, owner of the Golden Tigers Football Club, has been a key figure in the school’s continued success since joining the coaching team in 2024. She was supported by Kim Jordan (teacher), and parents Akeem Billy and Crystal Nicholas. Under their guidance, Dow Village also captured the 2024 Under-12 boys’ title against Chaguanas RC School. Principal Gopaul Rajcoomar expressed immense pride in his students’ achievements, praising their teamwork, discipline, and dedication. He highlighted that the school’s consistent performance is a testament to the strong partnership between teachers, coaches, and parents. With this victory, Dow Village Government Primary School has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in Caroni District school football.