media_artricles :: 2016

Borel raring to compete at TT Grand Games

Trinidad and Tobago shot put queen, Cleopatra Borel, and specially invited female field athlete, Michelle Carter (USA), are gearing up for the inaugural and star-studded hosting of the Trinidad and Tobago Grand Games which launches off at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, on Saturday.

While they may be fierce rivals on the international circuit, the pair united in their promotion of women in sport. The two athletes have built a global reputation on the field and are expected to secure Olympic spots for the 2016 edition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Borel won gold at the 2014 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games and also at the Pan American Games last year in Toronto. And while Borel missed out on medalling at the World Indoor Championships in Portland - placing fourth, the Mayaro native is banking on her home support to ensure she secures a podium place at the Grand Games.

Carter is a bronze medallist at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing and was victorious in the 2016 World Indoor Championships.

"It's difficult to explain how important it is to compete in front of your home crowd," said Borel. "The reason why it's difficult to explain, is that in all my 14 years in athletics, I have never competed in a full international track and field event of this magnitude in Trinidad and Tobago." The Trinidad and Tobago Grand Games will be the first fully sanctioned international event to be held here for 32 years.

"I have received so much support from my family, the citizens of TT, from the government and from corporate sponsors, yet they have never seen me compete at this level. Being here for the Grand Games is my chance to say thank you for all my support in the past," Borel added.

Carter, the US record holder, stated that competing in front of one's home crowd draws great inspiration. "It's no coincidence that I won my World Indoor Championship in Portland.

There's just an extra buzz, a little more adrenaline, more pride.

There's no way that you want to hear another country's national anthem played in your back yard." Grand Games chief executive officer, Regina John said, "While we, the taxpayers, happily watch the Ministry of Sport fund our elite athletes to train and compete overseas, we never have the opportunity to see our star athletes compete live at the highest level. International athletics events sell out across the world.

It is a totally unique experience knowing that you, as a spectator, can influence our home athletes just by cheering them on." Altogether, 117 athletes from over 25 countries will compete in 16 events. Some of the nations being represented include Canada, Great Britain, Kenya, Nigeria, Mexico and Turkey. The day before the event will see a free mentorship conference for school children. The event, also held at Hasely Crawford Stadium, will see children have the chance to meet the athletes and watch them train.

Some of the top names competing are TT's Michelle Lee Ahye and Jamaican Olympic 200m bronze medallist Warren Weir to name a few.

Tickets for the Grand Games are $200 for the uncovered section and $350 for covered and are available at Francis Fashions/ Shoe Locker stores, Phat's International, Fan Zone and SixtySix (Woodbrook).

Tickets also provide free entry to the after party at Jean Pierre Complex. Admission to the Mentorship Conference on May 20 is free

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