THE Ministry of Sport and Community Development (MSCD) is reminding National Governing Bodies seeking funding for sporting events to submit requests in a timely manner. The TT Under-16 girls basketball team are now in a rush to get last-minute funding to compete in a tournament in Nicaragua.
The ministry release on Wednesday followed a statement by an opposition MP questioning why the basketball team did not receive funding.
“The Ministry of Sport and Community Development would like to make it clear that no National Governing Body of sport (NGBs) is treated differently, preferentially or with prejudice in the disbursement of funds and allocation of managerial attention for improvement of their operations,” the release said.
Addressing the statement made by an opposition MP, the release said, “Not for the first time this month, we are forced to reply to allegations related to our inability to provide timely funding to sporting organisations which have submitted an application for funding late.
“Unfortunately, the latest untoward public statement comes from an opposition MP, who clearly does not understand the process and who is eager to promote folly for political expediency.”
Sporting bodies are required to request funding at least three months before an event or tournament.
The Under-16 girls' basketball team are hoping to compete at the Centrobasket Under-17 Women's 2023 Qualifiers, set for July 27-31 in Managua, Nicaragua.
The team did not apply for funding in time.
The sport ministry said the National Basketball Federation of TT (NBFTT) on June 10 submitted an incomplete application for funding to participate in the tournament.
“SporTT (Sport Company of TT) immediately made queries and requested the additional information. On June 28, 2022, mere three weeks before the tournament, NBFTT submitted the outstanding information to complete the application.”
The ministry said the NBFTT must be more disciplined in their financial operations.
“It is important to note that at this time, the NBFTT is delinquent in providing to SporTT its audited financial statements for the years 2020 and 2021. Audited financials are key in providing accountability and transparency within an organisation. While these documents remain outstanding the NBFTT will not be fully compliant with the protocols of the SporTT.”
President of the NBFTT Claire Mitchell told Newsday the NGB is working on being fully compliant.
“In the NBFTT strategic plan, compliance is a strategic pillar. Currently, at 88 per cent, work continues with the support of the Sport Company toward achieving 100 per cent compliance,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell is hoping the players will be able to represent TT as they have been training towards that goal.
“The NBFTT board and national team staff have been calling on corporate sponsors individually, asking for support to make these young girls' dream a reality. It would be quite beneficial for women and girls in spo
