Outstanding elegant evening dresses, alongside well-tailored, crisp suits were the dress code as the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee hosted their 25th annual awards ceremony.The illustrious Hyatt Regency ballroom was the location that welcomed all attendees on Sunday evening.
Patrons were blessed to be in the presence of the president of Trinidad and Tobago her excellency Paula Mae- Weeks.
The event was hosted by entertainer Hans Des Vignes and Olympic national shot putter Cleopatra Borel.
The first award of the night went to Junior sportswoman of the year, Shanique Bascombe.
Bascombe won gold at the North American, Central American and Caribbean Championships under 18 200 meters in Queretaro, Mexico.
The Cougar track club athlete received an illustrious applause from the crowd.
Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, president Brian Lewis, stressed the importance of the award ceremony.
“From the perspective of celebrating athletes’ achievements, it’s an opportunity to meet, greet and bond. An opportunity for all the stakeholders, athletes, coaches, everyone to dress up and mingle in a more relaxed atmosphere.”
The junior sportsman of the year was Tyriq Horsford. The Tobago born javelin thrower earned bronze at the Under 20 Pan American Game, and also won gold at the CARIFTA games.
Sports Personality of the year went to cycling technical director Erin Hartwell.
The first speaker of the night was Brian Lewis, who delivered an infiltrative speech.
“We must support the youth and young people, we must commit in this generation of youth to impact them, to ensure that the next generation to come have a better opportunity, sports can make a powerful impact,” said Mr. Lewis.
The awards continued and patrons and those watching at home eagerly awaited to learn who would be the senior sportswoman and man of the year.
Cycling would be the talk of the night, as Teneil Campbell would take it home for the ladies, while Nicholas Paul would defeat other male athletes.
Teneil Campbell mother, Euphenia Huggins was there to collect the award on her behalf.
The former Trinidad and Tobago long jumper showed where Teneil got her tall stature from. Ms. Huggins expressed the confidence she had in her daughter all year long.
“I wasn’t really surprised looking back at her performance, I think she did well and really did deserve this award. I think what really stood out is the Pan Am road race, where she got dropped, then reconnected and won bronze.”
The sportsman of the year was next, and the crowd cheered in relief when cyclist Nicholas Paul’s name was called.
This was a major upset to the awards, having both winners being cyclists. Paul could not be more elated.
“This is a big deal for cycling, and I am just happy for me and Teneil and knowing that she is a good friend of mine I am just happy to share it with her,” said Paul.
Paul won gold at the men’s sprint final at the Pan American games in Lima, Peru this past July.
He impressively set a new world record in the men’s flying 200m, at the Pan America track cycling championships in Bolivia.
The former Naparima boy’s student felt honored to end the season off with the TTOC sportsman of the year award.
“I will just like to thank God; it feels great to end of the year with this award knowing that all my hard work has paid off. Expect an even better Nicholas Paul in 2020."
The evening feature address was given by Kwanieze John, that inspired the audience to look forward to 2020.
“It is my hope that the sports leaders as well as athletes and administrators alike can reflect on their performances, use the upcoming decade as a canvas to create a new vision modernize a method and create success points,” said Ms. John.
She also summoned change from those in attendance.
“I challenge you to renew your minds reframe your perspective and rethink your approaches to sport as we collectively pursue excellence.”
The people’s choice award winner was no surprise and was given to Nicholas Paul. The winner was chosen by the public who was given an opportunity to vote.
The future is female award was awarded to Gabriella Wood.
The award represents the leadership of an individual that demonstrates outstanding commitments to the encouragement, development and motivation of women in sports.
The final award of the night was the Alexander B. Chapman award. It is presented for outstanding contribution to sport and Olympicsm particularly in the promotion of Olympic ideals.
Her excellency the president of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Paula Mae- weeks presented the award to winner Gunness Persad.
Mr. Persad was not present and Ephraim Serrette, president of the National association of athletics administration of Trinidad and Tobago collected on his behalf.
The evening concluded with a reception where attendees mingled with the awardees while being serenaded to live music by the national instrument.