分类： sports

Trinidad and Tobago’s top gymnasts are gearing up for a high-stakes competition as the TT Gymnastics Federation organizes the Carifta 2025 TT team trials. Scheduled for October 11 and 12 at the National Cycling Centre in Couva, the event will serve as a critical selection process for the national team. Action kicks off at 9 am on October 11 and resumes at 10 am on October 12. The trials are particularly significant as they will be held at the same venue that will host the 2025 Carifta Gymnastics Championships in December, providing athletes with a valuable rehearsal opportunity. The championships will see regional competitors vying for supremacy against TT’s finest. The TT team is looking to replicate their stellar performance from the inaugural Carifta Gymnastics Championships in 2024, where they dominated with an impressive haul of 80 gold, 57 silver, and 26 bronze medals, securing the overall title. The first edition of the games was held in Kingston, Jamaica, last year. Prominent clubs such as Tots and Tumblers, Thema Williams Athletic Academy, Olympia Gymnastics Club, and Lee’s Gymnastics Club are expected to field athletes in the trials, showcasing the depth of talent in the nation’s gymnastics community.

The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division is witnessing intense competition as reigning champions Fatima College (19 points) prepare to defend their narrow one-point lead at the top of the 2025 table. On October 11, they will face Queen’s Royal College (QRC), their north zone rivals, in a highly anticipated match at Mucurapo Road. This clash is a rematch of last season’s north zone intercol final, where Fatima emerged victorious in a penalty shootout. All eight premier division matches are scheduled to kick off at 3:30 pm.

Kieron Edwards, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), has been appointed to FIFA’s Development Committee for the 2025-2029 term. This significant appointment was confirmed during a FIFA Council meeting on October 2, with the TTFA officially announcing the news on October 9. The FIFA Development Committee plays a crucial role in advising and supporting the FIFA Council on global football development strategies, including infrastructure projects, grassroots initiatives, and capacity-building efforts across member associations. Edwards’ appointment marks a notable achievement for Trinidad and Tobago’s football leadership on the international stage. Additionally, Roxanne Herbert, another Trinidadian official, was appointed to the FIFA Beach Soccer Committee. These appointments were part of a broader selection process involving FIFA’s 211 member associations and six confederations. Edwards, who was elected TTFA President in April 2024, expressed his honor at the appointment, emphasizing its significance for both his personal career and Trinidad and Tobago’s football development. He pledged to contribute meaningfully to global football discussions while ensuring that Trinidad and Tobago benefits from FIFA’s policies and programs. The TTFA congratulated Edwards on his prestigious appointment and expressed optimism about strengthening ties with FIFA and its member associations.

The Trinidad and Tobago Powerlifting Federation (TTPF) has unveiled a formidable ten-member squad to compete at the North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) Regional Bench Press Championships in Panama City, Panama, from October 22-25. The team, announced via an Instagram post on October 7, features a mix of seasoned athletes and rising stars, all poised to make their mark on the international stage. Among the standout competitors are Deresay Alleyne and Kezia Hunte, both of whom have already proven their mettle at the NAPF/Pan Am Regional Championships held in the Cayman Islands earlier this year. Hunte clinched gold in the 76kg open category, while Alleyne secured silver in the 84kg open division. Alleyne further cemented her reputation by claiming the overall female title at the National Bench Press Championships in June. The team also includes Rondel Hunte, the overall male winner at the national championships, alongside a diverse group of athletes such as Sabir Abdul-Malick, Shay Grant, and Shaquille Nelson. Rounding out the squad are masters competitors Dale Hosten and Orion Williams, as well as junior athlete Keshav Maharaj. Leading the team as coach is Marlon Belfon, a veteran of the masters category, with Gabre McTair joining as a referee. The team’s participation follows a recent triumph by national champion Joseph McDonald, who set a new world junior record in the bench press category at the International Powerlifting Federation World Classic Junior Powerlifting Championships in September.

India continued their formidable performance in the second Test against the West Indies, establishing a commanding 378-run lead by the end of the second day at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Resuming their innings at 318 for two, India faced an early setback as opener Yashavi Jaiswal (175) was run out after adding just two runs to his overnight score. However, captain Shubman Gill (129 not out) anchored the innings with crucial partnerships, first with Nitish Reddy (43) and then with wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel (44 not out). Gill’s innings, adorned with 16 boundaries and two sixes, propelled India to a formidable total of 518 for five before declaring. The West Indies struggled to counter India’s dominance, ending the day at 140 for four. Ravindra Jadeja (three for 37) was instrumental in dismantling the visitors’ top order, while Shai Hope (31 not out) and Tevin Imlach (14 not out) provided some resistance. The Windies face an uphill battle to avoid the follow-on and stay competitive in the match. Day three begins on October 12, with India firmly in control.

While many individuals approaching their 70th birthday might choose to celebrate with a family gathering, an international trip, or an elaborate dinner, Dennise Demming has opted for a unique and inspiring way to mark this milestone. An enthusiastic runner for several decades, Demming will host a 7K race on November 16 at 6 am, starting at The Harvard Club near Nelson Mandela Park in St Clair. The route will encompass the Queen’s Park Savannah and Ariapita Avenue in Woodbrook before returning to the starting point. Demming, a dedicated member of the TT Road Runners for over 20 years, has garnered significant support for the event, including from her son, Dr. Keita Demming, who is traveling from Canada to participate. The primary objective of the race is to encourage individuals to prioritize their health. Demming highlighted the concerning prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Trinidad, emphasizing the societal impact of poor physical fitness. She expressed her concern over the rising number of illnesses and deaths linked to lifestyle choices, which motivated her to organize this event. Demming also stressed that people often delay taking their health seriously, and she hopes to inspire at least 200 participants to join the race. The event is open to everyone, not just her family and friends. Reflecting on her own journey, Demming shared that at age 40, she realized her health was deteriorating and decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle, which led her to complete ten marathons over the years. She has also participated in marathons in Cuba and Canada. To make the event inclusive, Demming has arranged virtual races for friends in England, Canada, and Barbados, allowing them to participate simultaneously in their respective countries. Those interested in supporting Demming’s initiative can register at www.raceroster.com.

Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s football team secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Bermuda in their Concacaf World Cup qualifying match on October 10, marking their first win in the final round of qualifiers. The triumph, achieved at the Bermuda National Stadium, propelled TT to third place in Group B with four points. Coach Dwight Yorke lauded his team’s mentality and attitude, emphasizing the need to maintain the same focus in their upcoming clash against group leaders Curacao on October 14. Curacao, fresh off a 2-0 win over Jamaica, currently tops the group with seven points, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter in Willemstad. A victory for TT would intensify the race for the group’s automatic World Cup qualification spot. Yorke highlighted the importance of consistency, stating, ‘Our mindset and goal remain the same. We need to be at our best.’ The match against Bermuda saw standout performances from Dante Sealy and Tyrese Spicer, who scored in the first half, while Kobi Henry sealed the win with his first international goal in the 49th minute. Yorke praised Henry’s leadership and composure, noting his seamless integration into the team. Despite the win, Yorke identified areas for improvement, particularly in finishing. He also commended debutants Molik Khan and Deron Payne for their contributions, stressing the importance of building a competitive squad. With the Curacao match looming, Yorke urged his team to refocus and continue their quest for World Cup qualification.

In a significant legal ruling, Central FC has been mandated to compensate former head coach Terry Fenwick for the bonus he earned by leading the club to victory in the 2015 TT Pro League. The High Court, presided over by Justice Robin Mohammed, issued a consent order on September 22, resolving the long-standing dispute between Fenwick, the club, and former director Brent Sancho. The case, initiated in 2020 by Fenwick’s legal team, sought the release of his contractual bonus, which was contingent on the club’s league triumph. Despite Central FC securing the $870,000 prize money in October 2016, Fenwick’s share remained unpaid. Represented by attorney Peter Carter, Fenwick argued that the club had failed to honor its obligations. Carter noted that the consent order signifies Central FC’s acknowledgment of liability, with payments commencing on October 1 and set to continue monthly until the full amount is settled. Fenwick, who previously coached Central FC during the 2013-2014 season, briefly managed Belgian club CS Vise before returning to lead Central FC to Pro League glory in 2015. While the club was not represented by an attorney during the hearing, a director was present and willing to reach a compromise.

In a commanding performance, Trinidad and Tobago secured a 3-0 victory against Bermuda in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Bermuda National Stadium on October 10. The match marked a significant milestone for two of Trinidad and Tobago’s rising stars, Tyrese Spicer and Kobi Henry, who both scored their first international goals. Spicer, a dynamic winger, netted the second goal in the 30th minute after dispossessing Bermuda’s Justin Donawa, while Henry, a central defender, sealed the win with a goal in the 49th minute. Dante Sealy had earlier opened the scoring, with his free-kick saved but leading to Henry’s decisive strike. Both Spicer and Henry have quickly become integral to the team since their debuts earlier this year. Spicer, 24, has been a consistent threat on the left flank, while Henry, 21, has impressed with his defensive prowess and composure. The victory lifted Trinidad and Tobago to four points in Group B of the Concacaf final round, trailing behind leaders Curacao, who defeated Jamaica 2-0 on the same day. Looking ahead, Spicer emphasized the importance of their upcoming match against Curacao on October 14, describing it as a ‘massive game’ that will test their resolve. Henry echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to handle high-pressure situations. The win not only bolstered Trinidad and Tobago’s World Cup qualifying campaign but also showcased the emergence of a new generation of talent ready to make their mark on the international stage.