Ramnarine speaks at Central FC camp

The camp, which catered to girls between the ages of eight and 18, was held at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo and at Presentation College in Chaguanas. Ramnarine was one of several influential female guest speakers including Gatorade Brand Manager Charlene De Freitas, Jacqueline Francois from Oscar Francois Limited and Elsa Lara-Joseph of Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited who were the camp’s main sponsors. The young footballers were also treated to a meet-and-greet session with the Venezuela women’s squad.

Ramnarine told the girls that they should never let anything deter them from achieving their dreams and goals.

“Whenever there is a problem, there is always a solution,” she said. “Sometimes you have to look for it, and other times it is right there in front of you. The solution is not always something big and complicated so be mindful of overthinking.”

The boxer-turned-coach told the girls that despite obstacles faced, they actually had better opportunities than they thought. She pointed out an example.

“While we sit here in TT and look at illusions of how much easier it might be in the US or Europe or Canada, think of how many girls compete for that spot on the national team. They outnumber you by far. Your chances are much better here in being able to represent the red, black and white. However it also means that you have to train harder and really put your heart into it, because what they do come with is a wealth of experience. Nevertheless, once you have the tenacity for success, the belief in yourself and you put in your time, there is nothing that will stop you.”

Central FC’s Director of Women Football and Youth Development, George Romano, made a point to the girls that Ramnarine always proudly represented Trinidad and Tobago. “Look at her even now. Wearing all red, black and white. She is wearing a tee-shirt with the Olympic Committee’s logo. This lady is truly an example of patriotism, perseverance, humility and excellence. We are fortunate to have her here today.”

Although she was an athlete in an “individual” sport and not a team sport, Ramnarine stressed on the importance of having every member of the team working in tandem and working towards the same goals. “Though I stepped into the ring alone, I always needed a team.

My coach, spar mates, family, promoter, sponsors, supporters and even critics. They were my team that got me prepared. But you girls play on the field together, you need to understand and know each other. But before you can do that, you must first understand yourself. Know what you want, know what your expectations are. Only then can you truly understand and gel with each other as a unit.”

Keeping the session quite interactive, Ramnarine accommodated questions and gave the girls the opportunity to voice their opinions. The young footballers seemed rather happy to have the boxing icon in their midst and asked several questions.

Kevin Harrison, Central FC’s Operations Director said, “ It’s wonderful to be able to provide the young girls at our camp with access to role models such as Ria. Ria epitomises many of the core messages that we are trying to instil into the girls such as dedication, self-belief and respect for others. It was interesting to see the girl’s reactions when Ria spoke about her early life and getting shin splints because she wore her brothers trainers which were three sizes too big.”

Currently enrolled in the Defence Force Physical Training Instructor program, Ramnarine took time off her busy schedule to make it to the camp. “One must never forego the opportunity to spend time with our youths in a forum like this. They need us and if we forsake them, then what examples are we setting?

Thankfully my Staff Instructors understand my responsibility to society and afford me the necessary time to fulfil those obligations. Central FC works tirelessly to make a positive difference to society and particularly for the girls and young women, and I am only too happy to be part of the process.”