President of the T&T Sambo and Combat Sambo Federation, Jason Fraser, has made a desperate appeal to the government and potential corporate sponsors to help in supporting a national team for the Sambo World Championship which will be held in Japan, next month.The World Sambo Championship will run from November 18-24 and will be challenged by T&T for the third straight year.
It will mark the fourth sambo event for T&T in under two months.
In recognition of successes over the past two years, T&T was assigned the task of hosting the Pan American Sambo Federation earlier this month, where this country claimed ten gold, six silver and two bronze medals.Just weeks prior, the national team participated at the President Cup and the Commonwealth Sambo Championship, both in London, and gained further recognition from the more established nations including Russia, Belarus and Great Britain, after placing fourth and second, respectively, overall.
In total, T&T's national sambo team claimed 30 medals after the three tournaments.Thus far, according to Fraser, the association has raised $130,000 for the trip to Japan but remains short of $518,760, if it is to carry a full team. The entire budget includes visa expenses, airfare, ground transport, insurance, meals and winter clothing. Fias will pay for the team's accommodation.He is now urging potential sponsors to partner with the team as they continue to boost this country's sporting brand."I would like to thank the Ministry of Sport and our sponsors (Long Circular Heath and Wellness and Toyota) for their support of the team. However, we are pleading for more support so we can get full representation," said Fraser.
One of the highest rated national team members Martin Joseph has been ruled out of action with a broken shoulder but will be present as coach for the Japan trip.Joash Walkins (62kg) and Keron Bourne are expected to be among the first names listed when the federation names its final team next month.
Squad (Unofficial)
Combat: Keron Bourne (57kg), Joash Walkins (62kg), Seon Adhar (52nd), Terron Diaz (68kg), Domingo Bickharry (74kg), Jason Bell (100kg+).
Sport: Hakeem Dewer (62kg), Keron Bourne (57kg), Kerwyn Carrabon (100kg+).
Officials: Jason Fraser (head of delegation), Martin Joseph (coach), Elezar Noel (manager), Roger Evelyn (physiotherapist), Kelvin Guy (manager), Kerry Grant (coach) Tamika Reyes-Guy (physiotherapist), Naidu Powdhar (ministry official), Lawrence Wilson, Samuel Sankar.