Atlantic/ Ministry of Sport Leadership Symposium

DAYS 3 and 4

Four fantastic days of absolute inspiration! Secretary General of the T&T Olympic Committee, Brian Lewis, kicked of day three with his presentation of the importance of cohesive team work and one’s social responsibility. “There is no ‘I’ in team” he echoed throughout his presentation. He stressed that one’s ego can always cause one to fight for power, control and dominance but convinced students to look beyond that and work towards team building. Lewis left students echoing this important and valuable maxim - “we make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give.” Nicole Hendrickson took the spotlight after Lewis, with her interesting presentation on the importance of cleanliness for athletes as well as on HIV/AIDS and its prevention. This was a different and unique presentation from the others as she shared some important information that students were not even aware of. The information was particularly important for all those athletes present at the ballroom as it will, in the future, assist them in preventing themselves from contracting certain illnesses. National Athletic Trainer, Asha De Freitas Moseley, was particularly impressive as she opened the eyes of those students who are not so physically inclined to jobs they can still occupy in the sporting fraternity. This was particularly interesting because it sought to give students some sort of career guidance. It also aided the athletes who were present as it opened options for them in life after sport.

 

On Wednesday came the big bang! The man everyone waited for, Neal Shaka Hislop live and direct and not as he is usually seen on ESPN Press Pass. Shaka was welcomed with a lusty round of applause indicating the excitement and eagerness to listen to his story. Shaka is a perfect example of one actually being able to have a successful marriage of sport and academics as he is also a Mechanical Engineer. The young athletes present were indeed inspired to work a lot harder at both aspects and excel simultaneously. Sport Minister Anil Roberts opened Day four stressing the importance of one’s mother in one’s life. Minister Roberts openly told all present about his early years with his mother and also about her last days on the earth. He reiterated how important it is to appreciate the efforts of one’s mother. His Malaysian mother was intricately involved in the education of himself and siblings. Beauty queen Valene Maharaj was the final speaker for day four. She gave the audience some insight on the beauty industry. Thick skin and confidence are only two of the attributes one needs to survive in the demanding beauty industry she indicated. Valene left with giving the audience this bit of advice - “Sometimes a winner is a dreamer who never gave up.” The 13th edition of the Thinking sports symposium was indeed a success as it touched the heart of many individuals. A special thank you goes out to coordinator, Valentino Singh, the sports desk, all the sponsors and organisers. Thank you on behalf of the 300 participants. It is certain that we all left with a lifetime of memories.