Dr Ian Hypolite made the decision to seek the leadership of the National Association of Athletics Administrations of T&T (NAAATT) at the virus-delayed Tokyo Olympics in Japan, mid-year.

Then, he was serving as a coach of the national track and field team which for the first since the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in Spain, did not bring home a medal.

I made a decision to offer myself for position while at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. I felt that there would be a need for someone with in-depth knowledge of the sport of track and field to help to deliver the sport which has been in dire straits for some time now given our waning performances at all levels of regional and international competition, said the national coach, who has also held the position at the junior level also, instructing teams at several Games including Carifta, Pan American, Central American and Caribbean (CAC) and at World Championships – Junior and Senior.

Having served for 16 years on previous Boards of the NAAA, I felt I had enough working knowledge of the functioning of the NAAA to make an impact with the right people around me. I then committed to running for office.

A total of 22 persons will be bidding for 11 positions, including six on the executive and five directors at the annual general meeting and election of officers, which will be conducted in a Hybrid at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva from 2 pm for fully vaccinated and virtually for unvaccinated. He will be opposed by a slate led by incumbent George Comissiong.

Dr Hypolite, who is the only T&T coach to have coached medallists/finalists at every age group at every regional and international championship, listed several goals if elected president of the NAAATT.

The 2013 North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) “Coach of the Year” wants: “To improve the state of governance of the sport, more particularly, increased transparency of dealings on the Board providing all Board members with information so as to enhance decision making; improved communication with the general membership. This is currently lacking.”

He also aims to have: “A clear conflict of interest policy and a clear disciplinary policy. To lead an athlete-centered Board that focuses on Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD), to establish meaningful relationships with all stakeholders and to improve the quality of our product, that is, athlete throughput to regain our position as the most successful sporting body in T&T.”

When asked by Guardian Media Sports about his plans for track and field in T&T, particularly its development, he said: “To focus on ‘return to play’ through cogent arguments and representation to the respective authorities ensuring safety in this time of COVID-19.

To take measures to re-invigorate the sport given the possible attrition of athletes, coaches and officials because of the sequelae of COVID-19 e.g. re-focus talent identification, community outreach, and to simultaneously identify potential, immediate opportunities for success at regional and international levels and support these.

Dr Hypolite hopes to advance the sport with the support of a highly experienced team which includes Sherwin Joseph, who will contest the first vice-president post, Michelle Alleyne-Pennie for second vice-president, current assistant general secretary Bevon Lorde general secretary; Damian Gopee for the assistant secretary post and Aisha Martin for the treasurer post. Seeking the positions as directors on his slate are Anna Lee Walcott, Soren Bishop, Peter Campbell, Arlon Morrison and Kairon Serrette.

Dr Hypolite has a rich background in track and field as a coach and an administrator.

He is an IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations), now called Wolrd Athletics Chief Coach, IAAF Academy Coach and IAAF Elite Sprint and Hurdle Coach.

He has a Masters in Sport Administration and is a former vice president at the T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) for years and was a former executive member TTOC for four years as well.

He has also served as Chef de Mission at the Olympic Games, CAC Games, Pan American Games and Commonwealth Games.

Dr Hypolite’s team profile:

First vice-president: Sherwin Joseph – one of youngest meet promoters in country (MAP Games), entrepreneurial in spirit, creative thinker. Qualified in Sport Administration.

Second vice-president: Michelle Alleyne-Pennie – IAAF Academy Coach, Trainer of Trainers, Development Program Co-ordinator. Qualified in Sport Administration.

General secretary: Bevon Lorde – current assistant general secretary, Educator with strong communication skills. Qualified in Sport Administration.

Assistant secretary: Damian Gopee- – Educator with strong communication skills, Sport Administrator with development focus, project manager, coach.

Treasurer: Aisha Martin – ACCA certified accountant, entrepreneur, business analyst, project manager.

Directors:

Anna Lee Walcott – Educator, Level 2 IAAF Coach, national coach, former national athlete

Soren Bishop – Educator, Development Coach, Sport Administrator

Peter Campbell – Information and Communication Technology (ICT) specialist, IAAF Academy Coach, Entrepreneur, Project Manager.

Arlon Morrison – Current Treasurer of NAAATT, Accountant, Educator, USATF Level 2 Coach, Project Manager

Kairon Serrette – ACCA Certified Financial Manager, Masters in Sports Law, Project Manager, Master’s in Business Administration, long-standing sport administrator.