Page 5 - Team TTO PARIS 2024

THE PRESIDENT
OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo O.R.T.T.

O nce every four years, over 200 countries and territories around the world send their strongest, swiftest and fittest
athletes to compete on the premier stage of world sport. The modern Olympic Games represent the pinnacle of
athletic achievement, showcasing the talents of elite athletes and bestowing honour and acclaim, not just upon
the victors, but upon the nations for which they compete.

Trinidad and Tobago numbers among the countries which have been fortunate enough to bask in the glory of their athletes.
From our first Olympic showing in 1948 to the present day, our sportsmen and sportswomen have worked diligently to
secure for this nation a vaunted place on the Olympic podium. Many names loom large in the annals of Trinbagonian
Olympic success: our first ever Olympic medallist Rodney Wilkes, who won silver in weightlifting in our 1948 debut; our first
Olympic gold medallist Hasely Crawford for his 1977 100-metre sprint; and our most prolific Olympic medallist Ato Boldon
for his exploits in track and field. Those of a certain generation can easily remember exactly where they were when news
of these victories was transmitted.

These forerunners paved the way for athletes such as George Bovell, Cleopatra Borel, Richard Thompson, and Keshorn
Walcott, among others, whose successes will remain forever etched in the national memory. We must also recognise the
many other Olympians who have represented Trinidad and Tobago on the world stage and come away without a medal, but
who nevertheless, earned the love and respect, not only of their nation, but of the entire world before whom they competed.

Our track record speaks for itself – we have every reason to be confident as we send our athletes to compete in the
Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, or, as these Games are more commonly referred to, the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic
Games. Like most Trinbagonians, I will be zealously cheering on the men and women who train relentlessly, make
tremendous sacrifices, and push their bodies to the limit in order to qualify and compete at this prestigious event.

Their efforts matter now more than ever, as the Olympic Games provide our country with an occasion around which all can
rally and unite. These Games, and sport in general, will break news cycles around the world which traffic in melancholy and
gloom, and replace dispiritedness with global positivity and universal goodwill. For just over two weeks, we will be fed a
thrilling diet of sporting upsets, shock victories and defeats, the breaking of long-held records and the setting of new personal
and national bests. Like the rest of the world, Trinidad and Tobago will witness and savour the magnificent spectacle of the
best in our people.
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee plays a critical role in ensuring that our athletes are up to the mark as the
Olympics approach, and provides them with the best possible launch pad for success. With over six decades of experience,
the TTOC is versed in its role in the selection, training and all-round preparation of our athletes. I am confident that Team
Trinidad and Tobago is in good hands and will receive the finest support and care as they compete at the Games and do
the utmost to make their country proud.
We all earnestly wish that the 2024 Games will add to our overall medal haul. But whether it does or doesn’t, Trinidad and
Tobago remains exceedingly proud of our athletes. As the Olympic Games draw near, it is my hope that our sportsmen and
sportswomen achieve their highest potential. I wish them the greatest success.

May they go faster, higher, stronger – together. And may our country and our spirits soar beside them.

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