First Citizens Sports Foundation 2019 youth awardees, Devin Augustine and Shaniqua Bascombe are among the athletes benefiting from technology in the face of Covid-19 training challenges.

National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAATT) president Ephraim Serrette told the Express that through his organisation’s partnership with the Texas-based Micheal Johnson Performance (MJP) training centre, participants in the NGC-sponsored Youth Elite Programme are being guided through this period of global uncertainty.

“The available technology is being used to create programmes with MJP. The programmes are being forwarded to coaches for the athletes. The coaches are in constant contact with MJP so the athletes can be monitored. The BridgeAthletic strength and conditioning software is being effectively used.”

Augustine, Bascombe, Natasha Fox, Kelsey Daniel, Shakeem McKay, Rae-Anne Serville, Avindale Smith, Savion Joseph, Jaydon Scott and Antonia Sealy are all enlisted in NGC/NAAATT Youth Elite Programme, and enjoying the benefits of the MJP expertise.

Serrette said that NGC and NAAATT have also teamed up to assist athletes who are struggling to meet their basic needs in wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Three weeks ago, the NGC/NAAATT Youth Elite Programme athletes got the disappointing news that the 2020 Carifta Games had been cancelled. There is little else for the emerging stars to look forward to this year.

“World Athletics has a window in August for National Championships to be held,” said Serrette. “However, holding any Championships this year could endanger athletes. We might end up having to deal with more injuries. But we’ll wait until the Government’s announcement after their May 10 deadline before finalising anything.”

Serrette is keen to utilise technology to improve the efficiency of the NAAATT’s operations.

“Covid-19, in a sense, is a blessing in disguise. Virtual meetings using applications like Zoom make a lot of sense. In the past, we have had officials flying from Tobago to Trinidad for meetings, and others having to face traffic driving to meetings in Couva. Moving forward, we’re looking at virtual meetings. This could certainly make things more efficient.

“Among the things we need to discuss,” the NAAATT president continued, “would be our championships this year; Junior, Senior, all our championships. In terms of next season, we are looking at an earlier start to preparationsÑprobably November instead of January.”

Serrette is a former national sprint champion and currently serves as a T&T Olympic Committee (TTOC) vice president. He lamented the passing of former TTOC president Alexander Chapman, sharing fond memories of the veteran sports administrator.

“I worked with him at the Auditor General’s office. I also remember being on tours with Chappie in my days as an athlete.”