Sports Buzz
Archived: A Country Relieved. Williams Gets The All Clear.
Trinidad and Tobago is tonight breathing a sigh of relief as the Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastic Federation has given the all clear for Thema Williams- the young woman whose Olympic 2016 fate became embroiled in a lengthy disciplinary committee conversation a few weeks ago, after she posted what the committee felt was an inappropriate photo of herself on social media.
Tonight, after news broke earlier, that Williams would not be allowed to represent Trinidad and Tobago at a warm up meet in the United States, came the revelation that her name would be submitted for representation at the games in Rio de Janeiro next month. Williams’ well angled, side shot of her nude upper body, hands well placed as to ensure nothing could be seen, was captioned, “Being a black woman is an honour… always.”
The Asylum Vikings lend support.
On the heels of the TTGF’s late evening announcement, the support from several notables came. The Asylum Vikings were short and to the point, posting, “Go get ’em”.
Godmother to the young gymnast, comedian and entertainer, Nikki Crosby also made it known that she was satisfied with the end result. “Finally we can move on. One more test to qualify for Rio! I’m sure this period in your life has made you stronger. Proud of you. Use that strength to reach for the stars!” she posted.
Former Miss World Trinidad and Tobago representative, Athaliah Samuel took to Instagram after the decision came, saying, “AND SHE IS GOING TO RIO TO REPRESENT T&T. Good things come to those who believe, better things come to those who are patient and the best things come to those who don’t give up.”
The media statement issued by the TTGF indicated that Williams is the FIG Elite Gymnast to participate and represent Trinidad and Tobago at the Aquece Final Gymnastics Qualifier, which takes place from April 13th to 18th. The TTGF notes that at the World Gymnastics Championships held in Glasgow in October 2015, Williams, along with fellow T&T gymnast Marisa Dick, qualified for the single Trinidad and Tobago country spot, however Thema attained the highest score and the opportunity to represent Trinidad & Tobago at the test event in Rio. The release further states that in accordance with the athlete agreement, both gymnasts must submit a medical report/clearance to compete in the weeks leading up to the test event, to ensure their continued fitness.
Sports Buzz
Dwayne Bravo Officially Retires From the Game of Cricket.
It’s official. The champion of cricket, Trinidad and Tobago’s Dwayne Bravo, has officially retired from the game. He has been on the field for the past 21 years, having built a solid reputation for himself on and off the cricket pitch, over the years. The sportsman, who hails from Santa Cruz, Trinidad, wrote a letter this afternoon, thanking fans for their undying support over the years. “To all my fans across the Caribbean, worldwide, and especially in Trinidad & Tobago – thank you for standing by me, especially in these recent weeks,” he wrote.
Bravo’s sportsmanship has been admired by millions around the world. Beyond that, as a humanitarian, his philanthropic persuasions have helped many. Just recently, Bravo and his team hosted his 7th All White charity affair at the Zen nightclub in Trinidad. The event attracted many, and at $600 a ticket, the sportsman’s effort would prove a success for the charity of choice this year – the Living Water Community – Our Lady of the Wayside.
Now, as the curtains drop on the sporting career of Dwayne Bravo – international cricketing hero, he is celebrated for the champion that he has proven to be. “Though this ending is bittersweet, I have no regrets about my career or this decision. Now, I look forward to my next chapter,” he wrote and you know what, we certainly believe there’s so much more to come.
Sports Buzz
The Scorch Pumpalympics Is On, This Coming Sunday. Here’s How to Enter Free.
Sport, team spirit and charitable love take centre stage this month as the Greek Games return to the Nelson Mandela Park in Trinidad. Dubbed the Scorch Pumpalympics, some 13 teams representing various committees, will vie for a grand prize of $10,000, which will be donated to the charity of that team’s choice.
Already, interest in the event is high as many remember the excitement that these games once generated. From relay races to exciting new twists on traditional Greek sports, the Pumpalympics promises to be one that the entire family can, and will enjoy. Organizing entity, Scorch has been hard at work, alongside facilitating company, Buzz Concepts designing a broad spectrum of sport activities that will see participants show off their fitness ability, dexterity and certainly, coordination.
Sport, believed to be an integral discipline that can unite people, is at the heart of the Pumpalympics, and comes on the heels of the culmination of the 2024 Paris Olympics. “We see this as a necessary part of human existence,” said Asha Greene, one of the event’s coordinators. She explained the need for bridging the gap between social and economic classes, in safe spaces that afford for fun and keen competition, all with the aim of giving to those most in need.
With a start time of 10am, the August 18th event will deliver on live entertainment, food and drinks and an all-out festive atmosphere that can be enjoyed by both team supporters and rivaling teams. “There can only be one winner in the end, but what we envision is an opportunity for us all to unite and share in the camaraderie that Trinbagonians are exceptionally good at displaying. We prove it annually, during carnival and there’s no reason we can’t showcase this same spirt, outside of that season and year-round,” said Greene.
The Pumpalympics is admission free with passes available online at www.islandetickets.com. For the teams, incentives such as a custom branded tent, drinks and a team cooler, lunch, and custom t-shirts, are guaranteed upon registration. Already, The Air Committee has registered for the games. They will challenge other teams for the opportunity to help The Heroes Foundation, which is a specialist organization, inspiring young people to find the hero within themselves, overcome life’s challenges and become self-sustaining contributors to society. Other committees registered include, Tribe, Clubhouse, Illusions and Caesar’s Army.