In a formal ceremony held on November 12, Trinidad and Tobago’s cricket icons Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard were officially appointed as National Sports Ambassadors.
The instruments of appointment were presented by Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, Dr Sean Sobers, at the ministry’s headquarters in St. Clair.
The appointments fulfil a government commitment to honour the nation’s most distinguished athletes, whose accomplishments on the global stage serve as an inspiration to citizens and elevate Trinidad and Tobago’s international profile.
“These appointments reflect the Government’s commitment to honouring outstanding national performers, whose achievements inspire our citizens and advance TT’s presence worldwide,” a ministry statement confirmed.
The path to this honour began in early September when Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Phillip Watts, first announced plans to appoint Bravo following a post-cabinet meeting.
That decision was swiftly validated on the field, as the Trinbago Knight Riders, coached by Bravo, clinched the Caribbean Premier League title on September 21, defeating the Guyana Amazon Warriors in a thrilling final in Providence.
The championship victory sparked a wave of national celebration. Just two days later, on September 23, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar hosted the triumphant TKR squad, along with World Athletics Championships medallists Keshorn Walcott and Jereem Richards, at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s.
During that event, the Prime Minister not only announced that the TKR team would receive the prestigious Chaconia Gold medal but also named TKR captain Nicholas Pooran, star all-rounder Pollard, and javelin champion Walcott as Sports Ambassadors.
While the official appointment dates for Nicholas Pooran and Keshorn Walcott remain to be finalised, the government has expressed great anticipation for its new collaboration with Bravo and Pollard.
The ministry’s statement concluded, “The ministry looks forward to working with Mr Bravo and Mr Pollard as they champion the values of excellence, teamwork and national pride at home and abroad as well as promote TT’s brand internationally.” (CMC)
