The following is a joint press statement from the Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT) and the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT), following a Trinidad Express exclusive that swimmers were being charged TT$3,000 to attend the Carifta Championship although SporTT met all the athletes’ costs:
The Amateur Swimming Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT) met this week with officials of the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT) to discuss matters pertaining to the management of state funds allocated for this country’s participation at the Carifta Swimming Championships in Martinique from 22-26 March 2016.
ASATT had requested a TT$3,000 contribution from athletes selected for the Carifta team, citing a need to supplement its funding for future tournaments.
As one of the National Governing Bodies (NGBs) under SporTT’s purview, the state company raised a concern regarding the ASATT’s request to the Carifta athletes, given that all the costs associated with the team’s participation were being met by SporTT.
It was agreed that the TT$3,000 contribution requirement be withdrawn and that athletes who had already made the payment would be fully reimbursed.
Looking ahead to the next tournament—CISC Swimming Championships—in Bahamas from 16-19 June, it was agreed that SporTT would cover the cost of athletes who have achieved the ‘A’ qualifying standard (podium/final time) in light of ASATT’s limited remaining state allocation for the financial year.
Athletes who have attained the ‘B’ qualifying standard (minimum qualification time) could choose to attend at their own expense.
However, should the ‘B’ standard athletes medal in their events, their expenses would be reimbursed.
It was also agreed that ASATT would review and determine the optimal use of their subvention balance in relation to contingent sizes for the rest of the financial year.
Further, to mitigate against future shortfalls, SporTT’s Business Development Unit intends to work alongside the swimming body to attract private sector funding and sponsorship deals to supplement the annual subvention.
Athletes selected for Carifta have to pay $4K for “future” tournaments. SPORT Co. covered the Carifta Games. So prior to the intervention if you didn’t pay the $4K for “future” tournaments would you have been barred from competing at Carifta?
I would love to know eh Tonya. But I’m afraid to ask them. My chupidness quota full for the day! Lol
Lasana given the Ministry of Sport’s release yesterday, what made this situation different where the NGB was called to account?
Atleast SPORTT Is Showing Intervention…#UnderVeryGreatLeadership✔❤??????!!!
Sweet