The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) have launched their "#10golds24" programme, with the aim of achieving 10 gold medals by the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The TTOC will work closely with the business community to further the prospects of its athletes, providing internship, mentorship and work opportunities, they have claimed.

TTOC President Brian Lewis is determined to improve the success of the nation's athletes but that one of the priorities for the "#10golds24" campaign is to prepare its elite level competitors for life after they retire from sport.

"Many of our Olympians would have obtained scholarships and degrees from universities in the US and we need to stop the brain drain where due to a lack of opportunity they have to seek employment in the US and other foreign countries," he said.

"As part of the #10golds24 athlete welfare and preparation programme the National Olympic Committee will be proactive in engaging the local business community and private sector in discussions to urge them to adopt athletes who are part of the #10golds24 programme."

Another aim of #10golds24 is to ensure Trinidad and Tobago's athletes have the opportunity to realise their dream by competing at the Olympic or Paralympic Games.

The campaign will provide financial assistance to athletes to enable them to train, recover and compete.

Trinidad and Tobago tasted success at London 2012 as Keshorn Walcott claimed gold in the men's javelin throw, while they also claimed three bronze medals.

The team of Marc Burns, Keston Bledman, Emmanuel Callender and Richard Thompson took bronze in the men's 4x100 metres relay, while the quartet of Lalonde Gordon, Jarrin Solomon, Deon Lendore and Ade Aleyne-Forte were third in the 4x400m.

Gordon also won a bronze medal in the men's individual 400m event.

Source