National gymnast Marissa Dick was among 11 T&T athletes receiving Elite Athlete Funding from the Minister of Sport and Youth and Affairs Darryl Smith at the Ministry's head office on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain, on Tuesday.
Dick, along with fellow national gymnast Thema Williams, were unfortunately under negative scrutiny from the T&T public after semi-nude pictures of the pair were circulated on social media in February.
The Ministry distributed a total of $1,229,302 to Canada based Dick along with swimmers George Bovell and Shanntol Ince, pistol shooter Roger Daniel, track and field athletes Lalonde Gordon, Deon Lendore, Sparkle McKnight, Josanne Lucas, Jovon Toppin and Ayodele Taffe, and cyclist Kwesi Browne.
Thus far, the total amount of funds disbursed by the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs is $2, 629, 302, after $1.4 million was presented to athletes earlier this year at a function held at the VIP Lounge of the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Para Olympics swimmer Ince, expressed her gratitude to the Ministry for her funding. She indicated that funding is necessary to assist her with swimming and gym fees and nutrition to name a few of her commitments. She credits the Ministry with its quick action to support athletes and their needs. Ince indicated her excitement for the opening of the National Aquatic Centre in Couva and for the new initiative of the Ministry to open public swimming pools on weekends. She said the Rio Test qualifiers are next on her agenda. Minister Smith expressed that Ince is an inspiration to all young people and T&T is proud of her for representing her country well.
In early April more elite athletes are expected to receive funding for their preparations toward the Rio Olympics 2016.
Minister Smith congratulated all the athletes, and looks forward to a successful Olympic Games.
The Elite Athlete Assistance Programme (EAAP) was established in 2006. The aim of the EAAP is to provide financial assistance to outstanding T&T athletes in Olympic sports, in support of their preparation for and participation in international competitions.