NATIONAL ATHLETES from various sporting disciplines turned out in force to support the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee’s Olympic Day celebrations at Lord Harris Square, Port of Spain, yesterday.
And scores of children from several primary schools and kindergartens also descended on the Square where various national sporting organisations (including the National Association of Athletic Administrators (NAAA), Trinidad and Tobago Volleyball Federation (TT VF), Trinidad and Tobago Hockey Board (TT HB), Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union (TTR FU) among others) set up booths, gave demonstrations and exhibited skills, drills and exercises to the young kids.
The children hailed from Rosary Boys, St Rose’s Girls, Belmont Boys RC, SERVOL, Gail Cabral, La Seiva RC and Movant Police Youth.
Among the high profile guests at the event were 1976 Olympic gold medallist Hasely Crawford, and Olympians Michelle-Lee Ahye, Keston Bledman, Renny Quow, Lalonde Gordon, Janeil Belille, Sparkle Mc Knight (athletics), sailor Andrew Lewis and boxer Nigel Paul.
Paralympic athletes Nyoshia Cain and Shanntol Ince were also in attendance as were top national athletes, boxer Michael Alexander and Daneil Williams.
Olympic Day is commemorated annually by over 200 National Olympic Committees worldwide. The aim is to educate children on the role of sport in society and the values espoused by the Olympic Movement.
In keeping with these objectives, the activities strive to encourage the nation’s youth to Strive for Excellence, to celebrate Friendship and to demonstrate Respect.