Wednesday April 27th marked 100 days to the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) observed the occasion at the Olympic House where they received the Guardian Group’s sponsorship cheque during an official handing over ceremony. The Guardian Group has been a longstanding partner of the TTOC – a relationship that spans 16 years. The cheque amounted to $250,000 and will be used to assist our athletes in preparation for the Games.
Dr. Ian Hypolite, TTOC’s Chef de Mission, in his opening address, stated, “The TTOC is ready to do what needs to be done to make it a successful campaign in Rio 2016.” He was reflecting on the pride and joy the T&T athletes brought home following their success at the 2012 London Olympics.
Dr. Hypolite also shared that, as part of the preparation and planning that has and is taking place to ensure that our athletes are fully prepared for the games, the TTOC will be hosting a ten-day pre-Olympic training camp for all qualifying athletes in Brazil, just before the start of the Games. Next week, a delegation will be travelling to Brazil to finalise arrangements for the camp.
“One hundred days to go is a significant milestone, especially when you have athletes aspiring (to represent their country) for 8, 12, 14 years.” These were the words of TTOC President, Brian Lewis, who expressed his thanks to the organisation’s partners, The Guardian Group, BPTT, Scotiabank, Flow, Toyota, NLCB, Adidas and Press Play Juke Box, not only for their monetary support but also their advice and commitment to Team TTO.
He shared TTOC’s plan over the next 100 days in the lead up to the Games, which includes amped up social media marketing support for the upcoming National Association of Athletics Administrators Olympic Trials, Olympic Youth Camp, Olympic Day, Pre-Olympic Camp, publication of a Commemorative Brochure and the first-ever launch of Olympic Wear.
Mr. Lewis also disclosed that plans are in the works to launch an initiative that will help raise funds for the TTOC on an ongoing basis. Also in attendance at the handing over ceremony were Olympic competitors, Andrew Lewis (Sailing) and Nigel Paul (Boxing).
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