分类： sports

In a landmark announcement during the 2025/26 national budget presentation at the Red House on October 13, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo revealed the government’s comprehensive plan to bolster sports infrastructure and tourism through strategic investments. Central to this initiative is the establishment of ten new fully accessible community centres slated for completion in fiscal 2026. These centres aim to foster unity and national pride by providing state-of-the-art facilities for athletes and communities alike.

Tancoo emphasized the government’s commitment to revitalizing existing sports infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of pools in Biche, Maloney, Morvant, Rio Claro, and Tunapuna, alongside upgrades to national stadia. While specific stadia were not named, the minister highlighted the broader goal of enhancing sports tourism, a sector he described as ‘hybrid’ and ripe for development. Plans include the creation of new products in medical, sport, and cultural tourism, as well as the completion of hotel projects to support this growth.

Tobago is also set to benefit from these initiatives, with the Tobago House of Assembly establishing a dedicated sport tourism unit. The island will focus on skilled development, vocational training, and creating pathways from amateur to professional sports, alongside youth internship programmes. These efforts aim to monetize sports and outdoor recreation while catalyzing investment in sports infrastructure.

Tancoo also addressed the challenges facing the Sport and Culture Fund, which has suffered due to the unprofitability of the instant lottery system. To address this, the minister announced that deposits into the fund would no longer rely solely on lottery surpluses but would be set and approved by the finance minister. This change, coupled with stricter financial management, aims to ensure the fund’s sustainability.

In addition, Tancoo pledged a crackdown on illegal lotteries, which reportedly generate $9 billion annually, significantly impacting the National Lotteries Control Board’s $3 billion annual earnings. Harsher penalties for illegal gaming houses were promised as part of this effort.

The minister also took a moment to extend his best wishes to Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s football team ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Curacao on October 14, underscoring the government’s support for national sports.

Further details on the sports budget allocation and specific plans under the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs are expected to be revealed during the budget debate on October 17.

The Trinidad and Tobago (TT) senior men’s football team is gearing up for a pivotal World Cup qualifier against Curacao on October 14 at the Ergilio Hato Stadium. With the match set to kick off at 7 pm, TT head coach Dwight Yorke emphasized the importance of securing victories in challenging away conditions to keep their World Cup dreams alive. Currently third in Group B with four points, TT trails Curacao, who lead the group with seven points following their recent upset against Jamaica. Jamaica sits in second place with six points.

Endurance swimmer John Procope embarked on a monumental challenge on October 13, aiming to swim around the island of Tobago within 48 hours. The grueling endeavor began at Pigeon Point, where Procope was met by a group of supporters, including Wane Clarke, the Secretary of Community Development for the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). A support vessel equipped with essential supplies like food and water will accompany him throughout the journey. Additionally, two fellow swimmers, Jacob Cox and William Carr, will join Procope for portions of the swim to provide moral and physical support. Procope’s ambitious goal is to complete the circumnavigation by 9 a.m. on October 15. This is not the first time Procope has taken on such a daunting task. In October 2024, he successfully swam from Tobago to Trinidad in approximately 25 hours, showcasing his exceptional endurance and determination. This latest challenge further cements his reputation as a pioneer in the world of extreme swimming.

Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) President Azim Bassarath has emphasized the critical role of cricket clubs in revitalizing the national team’s performance. Speaking at the TTCB premiership awards ceremony, Bassarath highlighted that the future success of Trinidad and Tobago cricket hinges on the ability of clubs to become well-organized, accountable, and sustainable. He stressed that strong clubs foster competitive environments, which in turn build robust national teams. However, achieving this vision is no simple task, requiring meticulous planning and structural reforms. Bassarath acknowledged the challenges, particularly financial constraints, that have hindered clubs from reaching their full potential. He also took accountability for the national team’s prolonged underperformance, noting that Trinidad and Tobago has not won the regional first-class competition since 2006. With six West Indies territories competing annually, Bassarath argued that Trinidad and Tobago should, at minimum, secure victory once every six years. He called for a renewed commitment from club administrators and board members to implement effective strategies and ensure the national team’s success. The upcoming TTCB meeting on October 25 is expected to address these pressing issues and chart a path forward for Trinidad and Tobago cricket.

Trinidad and Tobago’s cycling sensation, Teniel Campbell, showcased her exceptional talent at the Caribbean Elite Road Cycling Championships in Belize, securing a remarkable double victory. On October 12, Campbell triumphed in the grueling 112.5-kilometer women’s road race, adding to her earlier gold in the individual time trial on October 11. The race, which tested the endurance of 17 elite cyclists, saw Campbell cross the finish line in 3 hours, 6 minutes, and 20 seconds, a commanding 31 seconds ahead of Bermuda’s Gabriella Arnold, who claimed second place. Cuban cyclist Evelyn Diaz Matos rounded out the podium in third. Seven participants were unable to complete the demanding course. Campbell’s dominance was further highlighted in the time trial, where she clocked an impressive 28 minutes and 39.4 seconds, leaving her competitors trailing by over three minutes. In the men’s events, Trinidad and Tobago’s Jadian Neaves secured third place in the Under-23 category, while Akil Campbell, Teniel’s brother, finished 11th in the senior division. The championships underscored the rising prominence of Caribbean cycling talent, with Campbell’s performances cementing her status as a regional powerhouse.