Incumbent president of the National Association of Athletic Administration of T&T (NAAATT) George Comissiong was given a resounding show of support to lead track and field into the future on Saturday, as his slate obliterated the opposing slate being led by Dr Ian Hypolite at the annual general meeting (AGM) and election of officers in a Hybrid at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Balmain, Couva.

His theme of ‘Youth Meet Experience- Passing the Baton’ which is set to include the ideas and experiences of a number of former track stars such as hurdler Jehue Gordon, was more than convincing to an electorate of more than 100 persons from 59 clubs.

The hotly contested election followed a build-up of months of criticisms of each slate and when it was over yesterday, Comissiong who took over the leadership of the embattled administration following the resignation of long-serving president Ephraim Serrette last year, had sealed his return to the office with a more-than-convincing 63-37 triumph over Hypolite.

Paul Voisin was even more convincing for the position of first vice-president as he prevailed 71 to 32 over Sherwin Joseph, and Durly Lucas triumphing comfortably over Michelle Pennie for the second vice president post, 58-44.

Meanwhile, Michelle Stoute recorded the largest margin of victory over Damian Gopee at 80 to 25 for the position of assistant general secretary, and Dexter Voisin retained the post of general secretary following his 78- 28 win over Bevon Lord. Marlene Roopchansingh was also a clear-cut winner over Aisha Martin 66-37 for the Comissiong slate for the position of treasurer.

Later, Gordon, who led T&T to the World Championships 400-metre hurdles crown in 2013 was overwhelmingly selected as one of five directors of the ruling slate with 63 votes, despite being coached by Hypolite in his hey days.

He was joined as directors by Zwede Hewitt, the 2010 400m national champion (57 votes), Jamaal James – the man who dominated at 800m for many years (56 votes), Cuquie Melville (49 votes) and long-serving administrator Allan Baboolal (51 votes) who is considered to have played a tremendous role in the growth and development of the sport over the years.

Contacted by Guardian Media Sports after the AGM, Comissiong said he was not surprised by the victory as the writing was already on the wall. He said they sought to walk-the-walk by actually putting former athletes with the required skill-sets up to take the sport forward.

He said, “I think the people on the ground were listening to the clubs and what we offered resonated with the people. I see it as an endorsement of the candidates as well as an endorsement of the five pillars we articulated, which is focusing on overall athlete development, enhancing support systems, building on past successes, taking athletics back to the community, creating new products and opportunities.”

The athletic boss said his first order of business will be to reconstitute the many sub-committees that have not functioned according to their mandates.

He noted also that they seek restructuring to ensure that the administration exceeds just the personal records of athletes, but also includes the expiration of their passports, their shoes and clothing sizes, tracking performances of athletes abroad etc.

The administration will also work on creating a calendar of events for 2022.

Election results

President: George Comissiong – 63; Dr Ian Hypolite – 37

First vice president: Paul Voisin – 71; Sherwin Joseph – 32

Second vice president: Durly Lucas – 58; Michelle Pennie -44

General secretary: Dexter Voisin – 78; Bevon Lord – 28

Assistant general secretary: Michelle Stoute – 80; Damian Gopee – 25

Treasurer: Marlene Roopchansingh 66 – Aisha Martin -37

Directors: Jehue Gordon (63 votes), Zwede Hewitt (57 votes), Jamaal James (56 votes), Allan Baboolal (51 votes), Cuquie Melville (49 votes).