media_artricles :: 2016

Carifta manager wants Ato to inspire team

T&T Carifta team manager Dexter Voisin wants T&T track and field legend Ato Boldon to help prepare the junior athletes for the 45th Carifta Games, which takes place from March 26-28 in Grenada.

A 57-member T&T contingent comprising 42 athletes and 15 officials will aim for more silverware this year, after the 2015 team brought home 22 medals —six gold, eight silver and eight bronze. Speaking to Voisin about the team's chances this year, he said that having Boldon involved with the team is one of his goals.

Voisin stated: "Actually, it is one of my plans (to get Ato Boldon involved), but I have to reach out to him and if it is possible and manageable then, of course.

"We will always welcome anybody like Ato Boldon, who served our country at the highest level, who will be able to impact on the youths, especially in terms of motivation. Once that could be arranged of course I would have him address the team," he added.

Boldon, who represented T&T at numerous Olympic Games, coaches World Youth 100-metre silver medallist Khalifa St Fort, who is part of the T&T Carifta team. Voisin expects St Fort (Girls Under-20 100m, 200m, 4X100m), Tyriq Horsford (Boys Under-18 javelin) and Akanni Hislop (Boys Under-20 200m) to have great performances, but is looking for a solid team effort.

"Overall, we are looking for some good team performances. There are some athletes who will be leading the charge. Khalifa St Fort, Tyriq Horsford and Akanni Hislop will definitely lead the charge, but we look for a good overall performance."

Horsford and Hislop both won gold medals at the 2015 Carifta Games in St Kitts, while St Fort will compete at her first Carifta Games. Voisin did express his disappointment that long jump athlete Andwelle Wright will not be part of the team this year.

"Andwelle is one of our gold medal winners last year and the year before. It is very unfortunate that he is not part of the team this year due to injuries and also because his preparation did not go as expected leading up to the trials. He would have been one of our medal prospects this year."

Voisin, however, is confident that Under-20 long jumper Che Richards has an excellent chance to medal.

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