Hundreds of outdoor hockey players, men and women, did not get the opportunity to play in the T&T Hockey Board’s (TTHB) annual league season this year, and they are likely to have a barren season again, come next year as they await the purchase of an Astro Turf mat to replace the existing one at the National Hockey Centre in Tacarigua.
Patrice Charles, new Director of Sport at the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, revealed yesterday that the Ministry through the Sports Company of T&T (SporTT), is in the process of sourcing additional funds to complete the purchase of the turf. It is costing government $1,356,000 for the mat from German supplier Polytan, as well as to have it relaid.
Charles confirmed that more than half that amount was paid but is unsure when the remaining amount will be received to complete payment, owing to the current economic climate.
“Once we’ve receive releases, we will make payment on the turf which was part of our arrangement with the company. We are still awaiting the rest of the funds to complete the payment. The Sport company has been dealing with it,” Charles said.
In the meantime all activities at the 10-year old turf facility at Tacarigua have grinded to a halt. In addition to a reluctance to use the facility as the TTHB awaits the new surface, Guardian Media Sports has learned that the mat has been overgrown by moss which can be particularly harmful to players.
According to a source at the TTHB, an electrical problem has also left the entire Eastern Regional Indoor Sports Arena, which includes the nearby basketball, netball and indoor facility, without an electricity supply for the past three weeks.
According to the TTHB member, it was considered to be more financially prudent to await the new surface and not clean the turf because of the huge cost involved.
Charles said during a check of the facility, they discovered an electrical concern that could lead to mass damages if left undone.
He said, “We decided to shutdown the electricity supply at the entire facility for work to be done soon. It had nothing to do with the contractor who did the work but rather decay that may have happened over time. The good thing is that we have received assistance from the Ministry of Works so the problem should be rectified soon.”
More than 40 teams from some 20 clubs, featuring approximately 200 players were affected by the recent development.
The current hockey format comprises of over 20 teams in the Open Men and Women divisions, all fielding teams in the other divisions such as the Under-19s, Trinity or Second division and the Veteran division.
The TTHB official said her members have been urging government to expedite the process to prevent another season of no outdoor hockey.
Brian Garcia, former national player and coach said he has never experienced a shutdown of outdoor hockey in his time playing and coaching the sport but has confirmed that a lot of players were affected by it.
WALTER ALIBEY
