Trinidad and Tobago government yesterday rewarded the Soca Warriors with million dollar gifts and the nation's second highest award, the Chaconia Medal (Gold), during a special celebration at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain.
By Darren BahawIn making the announcement to a boisterous crowd, Prime Minister Patrick Manning urged the footballers to save and the Governor of the Central Bank Ewart Williams has been mandated to arrange a workshop to assist the players on how to manage their latest investments.
Manning said the National Football Team had filled the hearts of the nation with pride during their performances at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and had united the country over all boundaries.
He singled out FIFA vice-president and political adversary Jack Warner for special praise, saying that were it not for Warner's contribution to the country's football the Warriors might not have reached Germany.
Manning extended an invitation to Warner, Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker and captain Dwight Yorke to join in discussions to help take the new National Team to the World Cup campaign in South Africa in 2010 and not only move on to the second qualifying round but bring home the trophy.
Acting President Dr Linda Baboolal bestowed the national award to 23 of the players as English-based Chris Birchall was absent.
Each of the 24 members of the Soca Warriors Squad will receive $1 million, made up of $750,000 in units from the Unit Trust Corporation and $250,000 in cash. The 16 national players who did not make the Germany team will receive $250,000, made up of $200,000 in units and $50,000 cash. Each of the three assistant coaches, Michael Maurice, Wim Rijsbergen and former under-20 coach Anton Corneal, to receive $250,000.
Beenhakker, who was absent from yesterday's celebrations, was also awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold) and will receive $1 million and Yorke, who came out of retirement to lead the team was rewarded with $1, 250,000, made up of $1 million in units and $250,000 in cash.
Manning announced that Yorke will also be made a Sports Ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago, joining the ranks of his close friend West Indies cricket captain Brian Charles Lara.
Apart from identifying Trinidad and Tobago to the rest of the world, the Soca Warriors demonstrated that the "smallness of a country was not an impediment to human endeavour," Manning said.
Adding that while some athletes had achieved greatness on an individual basis "our Warriors showed we are capable of being among the best."
Manning said they were an inspiration and had shown character and demonstrated class during their outstanding performance. He added that the cultural contingent which went to Germany was supported by the team and their performances threatened to overshadow the football games.
He said the Government was committed to all sports in the country and announced that the Ato Boldon Stadium, in Couva, will now become the new home of the National Football Squad, the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, in Marabella, will be used to develop track and field athletes and the much-criticised Toruba Stadium will be the new training facility for cricket.
Here is what they get:
- The 24 players to receive $1 million, made up of $750,000 in units from the Unit Trust Corporation and $250,000 cash.
- Chaconia Medal (Gold), the nation's highest award, bestowed during a special ceremony at Hasely Crawford Stadium yesterday.
- Captain Dwight Yorke, who came out of retirement to lead the team, to receive an additional $1,250,000, made up of $1 million in units from the Unit Trust Corporation and $250,000 cash, and be made Sports Ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago.
- The 16 players who were part of the squad, but who were not selected for Germany, shall receive an award of $250,000 consisting of $200,000 in units from the Unit Trust Corporation and $50,000 in cash.
- Three assistants to coach Leo Beenhakker to receive $250,000.
- Beenhakker to also receive the Chaconia Medal (Gold) and $1 million cash.
