The Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT), through its Elite Athlete Wellbeing Unit (EAWU), recently concluded its inaugural Junior Elite Sport Psychology Foundations Programme with a closing ceremony at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Saturday 23 May 2026.
The six-week programme brought together 20 junior athletes and their parents for workshops focused on mental skills development, resilience, confidence, emotional regulation and overall wellbeing.
The ceremony was attended by the Honourable Phillip Watts, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, who delivered the feature address and assisted in the presentation of certificates and tokens.
Developed and delivered by SporTT’s EAWU, the programme formed part of the Unit’s ongoing commitment to supporting the holistic development of athletes by addressing the psychological and emotional demands of sport. The programme was co-developed by SporTT Supervisor of Sport Psychology Amanda Johnson, Dr. Nadine Sammy and visiting University of Bournemouth scholar Shamica Powell, with oversight from Head of the EAWU, Tobias Ottley.
On each Saturday, throughout the programme, athletes explored topics including identity and wellbeing, self-awareness, coping strategies, resilience, focus and confidence, while parents received guidance to better support their children throughout their sporting journeys.
Providing a programme overview, Mr. Ottley highlighted the people-centred approach employed.
“The truth of this work is far more human. It is about a fifteen-year-old learning to quiet the noise in her head before she steps onto the pitch. It is about a parent learning how to ask the right question after a tough loss.”
Delivering welcome remarks, Chairman of SporTT, Kester Lendor, reaffirmed SporTT’s responsibility to athlete wellbeing and personal development.
“We recognise that excellence in sport goes beyond physical preparation. It is shaped by mindset, resilience, and the ability to navigate both success and challenge with confidence and composure.”
The ceremony also featured reflections from participant and hockey player Camicha Victor as well as parent Andrew Francis, who spoke about the programme’s impact on both athletes and families.
Certificates were presented to athletes representing disciplines including athletics, football, hockey, swimming, gymnastics, badminton, basketball, triathlon and netball.
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