Cyclist Teneil Campbell was the beneficiary of much deserved financial reward for her outstanding performances on the road and on the tracks for T&T.
During a courtesy call at the Parliament Building on Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain earlier this week, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Shamfa Cudjoe handed the lanky cyclist a cheque for an unknown amount in recognition of her contribution at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in July at which she copped four medals, inclusive of three bronze and a gold medal in the Scratch, the Omnium, the individual pursuit and the road races respectively.
At just 21 years old, Campbell became the first T&T female double Caribbean Women’s Road Champion, the first female CAC Gold Medallist, and the first female cyclist to receive the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) for her achievements in the sport.
In addition, Campbell also successfully competed at several meets across Belgium, France, Norway, Thailand and the Netherlands.
She is now stationed at the cycling centre of the International Cycling Union (UCI) headquarters in Switzerland where she is being presented with an opportunity to become a professional rider.
A release by the sports ministry said: " This cheque forms part of the Rewards and Incentives Framework of the recently launched National Policy on Sport, which will see many of our athletes who medalled at international competitions, being rewarded for their accomplishment and for bringing international recognition to T&T."
According to Minister Cudjoe, “This is the ideal time to showcase what an outstanding athlete and inspirational young woman Teneil is, given the TTOC’s ongoing ‘Future is Female’ campaign.”
She sees Campbell as an inspiration to many young women and girls, to become more involved in sport while making T&T proud.
The presentation was attended by Patrice Charles, Director of Physical Education and Sports at the ministry of sports and Alexander Smith, Operations Manager at Perfection Services Limited (PSL) Cycling Club, who is also Campbell's manager.