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The Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation (TTGF) vowed to put on a fantastic National Championship tomorrow despite receiving no funding from the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT). The TTGF is also facing a boycott from seven clubs and over 60 percent of the local gymnasts, including all of its top level athletes.
(Courtesy Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs)
The National Championship starts at 9am tomorrow at the Woodbrook Youth Facility. However, the TTGF will have just 72 local participants while another 27 gymnasts will fly in from Curaçao.
By contrast, the breakaway Friends of Gymnastics competition announced over 200 gymnasts for its meet at the same Woodbrook venue on 19 and 20 June.
The TTGF’s failure to attract a significant number of its own members was one of the reasons given by SPORTT CEO Adrian Raymond for the rejection of its application for TT$118,000 funding.
Raymond and SPORTT executive manager Anthony Creed also pointed to the TTGF’s supposed failure to present audited accounts for 2012, 2013 and 2014 and their late application for funding, which came two weeks before the tournament rather than the mandatory six weeks.
However, TTGF general secretary Elicia Peters-Charles said the local gymnastics body will stage the tournament anyway.
(Copyright TT Sportslink)
“It will come off and it will be fantastic,” Peters-Charles told Wired868:
The funding [for it] came from all the board members. We all contributed and we got some sponsorship money at the last minute.
We couldn’t turn back the 27 athletes and 13 parents from Curaçao who spent about TT$3,000 [each] to come here. So we had to do the responsible thing and continue.
Peters-Charles was less charitable to the Friends of Gymnastics group, whose own competition will have the participation of almost twice as many clubs and almost three times as many local gymnasts.
The latter meet, predictably, was not sanctioned by the TTGF and the gymnastics body went as far as to warn international judges against attending. Peter-Charles called it “lawless.”
“For any group to have a meet, you must be sanctioned by the governing body,” said Peters-Charles, “and FIG and PAGU will not recognise any meet that is not recognised by the national federation. And we are certainly not going to be supporting such lawless behaviour.
(Courtesy Annette Telfer)
“I know that there were some Costa Rican officials who were coming but they did not know the bacchanal that was involved. And, when they found out, they pulled out.
“So I do not know what kind of watered-down competition they will be having. To have a proper, reputable competition, you must have foreign judges.”
Incidentally, the TTGF Championship will comprise of athletes who are rated up to Level Six whereas the competitors at Friends of Gymnastics competition go all the way up to Level Eight, with gymnasts like Gabrielle Doopan, Rhenece Andrew (both Tots and Tumblers) and Rae-Ann Bristol (Olympia).
“It is not watered down, it is just not sanctioned,” said Tonya Ayow, who is an organiser and committee member for the Friends of Gymnastics. “Clubs have unsanctioned meets all the time, which is just a way of checking to see where your children have reached and to compare your kids to those from other clubs…
“And we do have certified, international judges who are coming in for our competition.”
Peters-Charles hinted that the Friends of Gymnastics might face bigger problems than sourcing international judges. She suggested that athletes who snub the National Championship could potentially be ignored when the TTGF selects gymnasts to represent Trinidad and Tobago, even though—by her own admission—the country’s highest ranked gymnasts will be at the rebel competition.
“There are [rules] and policies in every federation,” said the TTGF general secretary, “And, in every federation, Nationals are what you use to decide who will go on to represent their country. If you don’t come to Nationals, how can you expect to represent your country?”
The TTGF has the political power but the clubs that comprise the Friends of Gymnastics have developed and retained the country’s top gymnasts. Potentially, the rift between the two parties can have a disastrous effect on the sport, if it has not done so already.
Twenty year old Trinidad and Tobago and Tots and Tumblers gymnast Thema Williams served pre-action protocol letters last month to TTGF president David Marquez, first vice-president Akil Wattley, second vice-president Ricardo Lue Shue and assistant treasurer Donna Lue Shue, over their role in her controversial deselection from the Rio 2016 Olympic Test Event, which paved the way for her Canada-born and nurtured rival, Marisa Dick, to grab the country’s sole berth at the upcoming Olympics.
(Copyright AFP 2016/Andy Buchanan)
Although much has been made of the TTGF’s supposed bias towards Dick, there were also less reported allegations that the board’s motivation might have been to deny a rival faction the prestige of creating an Olympic athlete.
Ayow explained that gymnastics in-fighting pre-dates Williams.
“I don’t like the word ‘boycott’, I would say that the first non-participation was in 2014,” said Ayow, who criticised the TTGF for a lack of developmental programmes for the sport:
Last year, we had the mediation with Elton Prescott SC, so we tried to meet the Federation halfway. And both Olympia and Tots and Tumblers participated [in the National Championships] last year.
This year, with everything that is going on, the Federation has done nothing to improve its governance or to prove that they are not in breach of the constitution. So the clubs have decided that they are not participating…
If the TTGF decides to take action against athletes because of this, then we will see who is really concerned about the athletes.
Will the TTGF reach out to its aggrieved clubs for the benefit of the sport?
Peters-Charles said it was possible and claimed the TTGF did just that last year by allowing athletes who snubbed the 2014 National Championship to represent Trinidad and Tobago.
The gymnastics official attempted to claim the moral high ground on the issue for the local sporting body:
We made concessions last year and extended an olive branch [to athletes from boycotting clubs]. I cannot say that [president David Marquez] will or will not do that again but it can still be on the table.
I am just one person, so I cannot make a unilateral statement and say yes or no on [ending the rift with the rebel clubs]. But we didn’t do anything. They boycotted us and they just sent resignations [from our committees] and went their way.
We are about peace.
It was, arguably, a selective view of the TTGF’s behaviour over the last nine months. And Williams, as well as her attorneys Keith Scotland, Dr Emir Crowne and Martin Daly SC, would disagree.
(Courtesy Wired868)
Peters-Charles softened her tone towards the Sports Company too, as she conceded that Creed almost certainly did not intentionally and maliciously copy John Geddert, Williams’ American coach, in yesterday’s email, which revealed that the TTGF would not get State funding for the National Championships.
“Mr Creed said it was an error and errors take place,” said the TTGF general secretary. “I cannot believe that Mr Creed will deliberately do that. I did write him about it and he did apologise.
“We want to move forward in a collaborative way with all our stakeholders.”
However, Peters-Charles said the TTGF’s failure to attend a SPORTT procurement workshop last month—and it was the only National Governing Body (NGB) which failed to show—should also be seen as an honest mistake.
“It wasn’t deliberate, it was just unfortunate,” said Peters-Charles. “I was in Canada and the president had a court matter with work [at COPoS] and one of the Lue Shues was out of the country.
“There was miscommunication in terms of who was going to the meeting and somebody said ‘yes’ and forgot to go… Remember we are all volunteers.”
(Courtesy Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs)
Peters-Charles noted too that it was at the SPORTT meeting, two weeks ago, when NGBs were advised to submit financial requests with six weeks notice.
“The meeting was two weeks ago to tell us to submit applications six weeks before your event,” said Peters-Charles. “Even if we had gone to the meeting, we still would not have had the six weeks. And remember it is since January that we submitted our projections for the year; and the only meet they fund for us for the year is the Nationals.
“So it is not to say they didn’t know the Nationals was coming.”
The local gymnastics body met widespread condemnation for its treatment of Williams, earlier this year. But, as the TTGF’s executive members dipped into their own pockets to fund the National Championships, they urged the public to remember what is really important: the children.
“It is sad that we didn’t get the funding because, at the end of the day, it is about the children,” said Peters-Charles. “When the Ministry of Sport said they are not going to fund 72 little boys and girls, it doesn’t affect you and me. It affects the children.
“Gymnastics is bigger than Thema Williams. So why punish the children who have nothing to do with that?
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
“Dr [Keith] Rowley said he is about the children and sport; and then they turn around, 42 hours before a sporting event, and say they will blank them? That is not good. The children will have felt it if we didn’t put our own money.”
The TTGF general secretary insisted that she has thick skin and will continue to do her best for the sport despite the critisicm.
“Jesus Christ walked the earth and did only good and yet people said: Nail Him to the cross and give us Barabbas,” said Peters-Charles. “So who am I to say that I expect not to be nailed to the cross?”
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Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.
Why I read this shit?! But hear this entitled prick Elicia nuh!!! What shit?!!! She brought the kids into this?!! Doh use the children as a human shield! But what shit!
*roll eyes*
You never fail to deliver ?
Ent?!
And you were also outstanding my darling! They know not who they wrong. #focused #everybodyhome
Lol!!! Thank you….
Yes handled like a boss Tonya Ayow
Bless y’all. But I cannot take the lies and dishonesty. They seem to have it perfected and have it down to a science
You can now add threatening clubs or else to that list!!!
Eh heh? Screenshot and inbox.
WOWWWWW!! Minds lost
Minds lost? More like playing de ass.
Hell, the threat is right there in the article. You can’t represent the nation if you don’t compete in nationals. Because all of a sudden there are regulations and they intend to follow them.
Like I said. Bullies and abusive behavior. Let her keep giving more evidence to justify exactly how unfit they are for leadership.
Yup she is such a gift!!!
It is my hope that Sportt keeps this stance, not only with the cretins of TTGF but any other NGB that playing the damn fool!
I imagine they’ll need a nudge here and there.
Volunteers as tribute to be a nudger.
*volunteers as backup*
Preach it, Sister Abeo. ⛪ ? #TheGospelAccordingToAbeo
I like Elicia yes. The gift that keeps on giving. The girl have belly like a calabash. They want to play games. Ok. Let’s do this. She may have belly, but I have patience and an internet data plan.
#OutnumberedAndUnderPrepared
#word #ikeeptellingthem
Abeo, bless you my sister!
I gots yall girl.
She’s so reckless. But she is a great reflection of how the TTGF run their affairs. RECKLESSLY.
Amen – loose cannon at it again.! Unfortunately these are the people who are “in charge ” can you imagine the nightmare we find ourselves in? Hell would be an apt description.
This is unconscionable. They all are.
Amen! Amen! Amen! Hallelujah!!!!
Daz when yuh intestines locked in reverse. I don’t know this woman and i hate her. I hate all of them. I can’t understand how they exist knowing they’ve allllllllllllll done heaps of wrong!!
But they don’t know that. From their perspective, we’re persecuting – nay, CRUCIFYING them.
This, BTW, is why they can’t help but embarrass themselves over and over. They’re wrong but they think they’re right. So they’ll continue to spew the nonsense that makes sense to them and outright lie about the things that even they can’t ignore.
TTOC need to listen to this cry for help from TTGF , it is the most humane and reasonable thing to do ! These volunteers are wrecking themselves now , help them! Clause 13 to the rescue ! Geez hasn’t this meltdown gone on long enough ?
And as they are clearly unable to find the door, it would only be charitable of the TTOC to assist.
Indeed
And we love her for it. Fresh fodder. She is “helpful” that way.
Girl when I read that I was awestruck, dumbstruck, all kindsa struck
I told you it was just a matter of time. They can’t help themselves.
Lord hear us!
Lord graciously hear us.
Whatever the issues are with the TTGF, this is not the group to take them forward. If anyone told me anything about the government, it is that it is difficult to get money from them in any reasonable time. This would tell me that I have to put in my request really early. Two weeks before is not sufficient and I do not think that I could reasonably say that they knew I needed the money because it was on some paper I submitted at the beginning of the year stating my plans for the year. Unless SPORTT is really efficient, the TTGF statments have holes all over.
And I feel like the more they try to explain themselves the more incompetent they demonstrate themselves to be.
Nicole, they must go, they must all go. There is nothing conciliatory abt her if she is threatening athletes now!
I share your view..
Jesus buss out one steupps
“We are about peace.” Hard to believe. Feels like it should be followed by “as long as we get our way”.
The mindset of “everything could be peaceful you know… if you would only obey” – sounds awfully similar to the mindset of a bully eh.
Her tone is different now, but from all accounts there was nothing peaceful about her radio appearance this week.
Looking forward to some actions demonstrating peace – willingness to meet with stakeholders, uphold transparency, encourage collaboration, negotiate compromise.
It wasn’t,from the little snippets I heard, she was also properly put in her place.
The TTGF is nothing but a jokey organization. As for her final statement if she manages to turn water into wine i have my wine glass ready but i would do with it is better left unsaid.
so she says that the foreign judges pulled out, did she say that she and Frances Dow wrote threatening letters to them about the “fiasco” of which they were the main instigator? She says that SporTT should know they have Nationals coming up, what did she expect? that they would say oh yes I remember and put aside 100K in an envelope for them? Who the heck applies for GOVERNMENT funding 2 weeks before an event, knowing fully well how long it takes with our red tape system? This woman is made of TEFLON, NOTHING sticks to her! the insanity continues.
This bitch did not actually compare her self with Jesus???
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
Jesus said that. She should do well to know the scripture…
” ‘Jesus Christ walked the earth and did only good and yet people said: Nail Him to the cross and give us Barabbas,’ said Peters-Charles. ‘So who am I to say that I expect not to be nailed to the cross?’ ”
Tisha-Marie Dayal, yes, yes she did.
Jesus said
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” but nobody remembers that.
Indeed, they seem to subscribe to the “do so eh like so” school of thought…
You do have to give them one thing; they REALLY doh give a flying toss about all of alyuh making noise and bad-talking them. This level of “doh give a f£*#” is at superhero standards.
If only sticking one’s fingers in one’s ears and singing “LA LA LA, I CAN’T HEAR YOU, LA LA LA LA LA” was enough to spare them the consequences of their hubris.
All that talk do the audits they ask for lord JESUS Christ likes honesty don’t push Dr Keith Rowley and the children please give them the audits
Lovin it!
Amazing how selective they are about when Jesus’ name should be invoked.
And actually , according to the Athlete Agreement, there is a requirement for Marisa to be in Trinidad for Nationals. When John asked for confirmation of this requirement (before the whole Rio fiasco), the answer he received was ‘yes’ the gymnasts have to come to Nationals.
Well, let’s see.
Interesting!
Ah waiting
The children are the reason they need to go.
You are so correct. They suddenly saying think about the children when those same children have lost all confidence in husband and wife run organization. They need to step down
Very well said Leslie-Ann and Lorraine…
…..these are the same TTGF ppl who are claiming to care for athletes but refuse to care for one…….double standard I say…..ah bunch as …………
She mentions Jesus in all her crap… Oh my…
These ppl have to be on something…
Board members have spare change to be funding nationals?
They shouldn’t be saving every cent to pay Thema?
The lady says they did nothing wrong! Ppl only start to boycott and resign. They are abt peace.
Lol
Finally – comparisons with Jesus? Really?
Secondly, the issue of submitting funding requests six weeks in advance was stated previously if I am not mistaken. I recall timing of requests being raised as an issue in the last administration.
“We couldn’t turn back the 27 athletes and 13 parents from Curaçao who spent about TT$3,000 [each] to come here. So we had to do the responsible thing and continue.”
They wouldn’t know responsible behaviour if it jumped up and punched them in the face.
I wonder how much more public funding they will get when it’s clear that they don’t even represent the nation’s best gymnasts.
I stand to be corrected, but I feel like this is the second time someone in this organization has likened themselves to Son of God. Good Lord.
Did she really just claim to be like Jesus Christ ?!?
A hot mess !! they still threatening, such audacity..
Did The General Secretary just compare herself to Jesus Christ?
Abeo Jackson Rhoda Bharath Ian Michado Sebastian Royer Nikesha Ali Teocah Arieal Ainka Dove
Nope. I’m outta here. Bye.
https://tenoutahten.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/viola.gif?w=1000
LOL Teocah. I just….
Forgive me sister for I have sinned… does she do water baptism? multiply fish? bread? doubles? ah mean what is her super powers!!!
Hahaha
Does she walk on water ?
She fed 5000
Or maybe she turns water into wine (Teocah tell me if you get through )
Anyone know her address?
I have some water that I would like to turn to wine….
#JesusSabes
These is mad ppl!!! Them serious??
What caught your attention?
Everything this is unbelievable to hear these ppl talk about Jesus and innocent children after what they did to Thelma!! As a child of the 1970 revolution it was painful for me to stay quiet for that whole thing if we was a conscious ppl the members of the gymnastics board would have had to find place to live
Steups.
I don’t think they are well ppl. Where are they getting all this self raised money from?
Gawd doh like ugly.
#allIhavetosay
Mottley crew !!
This woman … is an ass.
Jesus Christ! The woman gives whole new meaning to “Holier than thou”!
after name calling “…I do not know what kind of watered-down competition they will be having..” & fear tactics “If you don’t come to Nationals, how can you expect to represent your country?”… all i heard was https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLDzjSy5DxY
Thema was at nationals… look where she is now… this woman have belly boy…
All their remarks recently makes me believe they really never ever had anyone hold them accountable for anything. Ever!
It must have been fun for them over the past several years.
Marisa isn’t coming to nationals? Lol.
Shouldn’t the country’s first Olympian put in an appearance at the fraternity’s marquee competition? Lol.
Thank you ..
Maybe the TTPS couldn’t meet her security demands this time around. Lol