Hislop, Yorke for World University Games

SPRINTER Akanni Hislop and swimmer Kael Yorke will head a talented team to represent the Tertiary Sport Association of TT (TSATT) team at the International University Sport Federation-sanctioned (FISU) 30th World University Games (WGU), which will run from July 3-14 in Napoli, Italy.

This will be the fourth time TT is featured at the games, having also competed in South Korea (2013), Russia (2015) and Taiwan (2017).

Along with Hislop, a 100-metre specialist, and Yorke, the reigning TT Olympic Committee junior sportsman of the year, there are several other young and promising athletes set to contend for silverware, including another sprinter in Zakiya Denoon, quarter-miler Dwight St Hillaire and shot putter, Portious Warren, who is set for her second consecutive appearance.

"TSATT will continue to do all in its power to provide local, regional and international opportunities for athletes attending tertiary institutions, thereby bridging the gap between secondary school and professional competitions," said TSATT president Ian Pritchard.

TT had its best outing at the World University Games at the last edition in Taiwan, with three out of 10 travelling athletes reaching the finals in their events. Those were Dan-Neil Telesford in the men's 200m; Darren Alfred in the men's 400m; and Warren in the shot put.

"These games are second in magnitude only to the Olympics with thousands of athletes geared to represent their country; many using the opportunity to fine tune for worlds later this year and to make qualifying standards for next year’s Olympic games."

Pritchard believes this is TT's best ever opportunity to secure one or more medals.

The trip was made possible through government's funding of all airfare. Sport Minister Shamfa Cudjoe presented TSATT with a cheque for $339,500 in March during a brief ceremony at the Ministry of Sport's office in St Clair.

We will continue to work hand-in-hand with other NGBs to solidify partnerships that can only redound to the benefit of sport in Trinidad and Tobago," Pritchard said, adding, "TSATT is forever grateful to the Government of TT and the Minister of Sport Shamfa Cudjoe for this assistance towards TTs representation."

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"Hislop, Yorke for World University Games"

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