MINISTER of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis said the foundation must be laid at the school level to produce world-class athletes who will represent TT on the Olympic stage.

Cudjoe-Lewis was speaking at the National Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships Recognition Ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, Lady Young Road, Port of Spain on Tuesday.

'We really need to check ourselves,' Cudjoe said. 'We say we want to have Olympic medals and we look forward to hearing our (national) anthem playing...keeping your child home from sport and not participating at all, yet expect to see star athletes.'

She congratulated all the student-athletes. 'As I look around the audience today I see promise; I see potential; I see passion; and I see results of hard work and unwavering dedication.'

Cudjoe thanked the supportive parents, coaches, teachers and guardians for encouraging the young athletes.

Awards were given for various age groups including the Under-15, Under-17 and 17+ categories.

Also, the top-performing athletes were given Victor and Victrix Ludorum awards.

President of the Secondary Schools Track and Field Association Joseph Brewster thanked all those who competed during the season.

'This morning, we celebrate the achievements. We recognise the champions, those who secured victory through sheer grit and determination. We also celebrate the countless athletes who did not make it to the podium, but poured out their hearts on the track and on the field.'

HONOUR ROLL

Regional Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships Age Group Winners

SOUTH CENTRAL

Under-15

Julissa Hamilton - Cowen Hamilton Secondary; Akeida Bernard - San Fernando East Secondary; Leah Archibald - Holy Faith Convent, Penal; Danae Villafana - Penal Secondary; Zayne Martin - Naparima Boys College; Kerwin Joseph - Chaguanas South Secondary; Chasiri Charles - San Fernando Central Secondary.

Under-17

Laquesha Robley - San Fernando East Secondary; JeNiece Alleyne - Mayaro Secondary; Tianna Richardson - Holy Faith Convent, Penal; Kyla Hospedales - Holy Faith Convent, Penal; Kadeem Chinapoo - St Benedict's College; Timothy Hamilton - Naparima Boys College.

17+

Diamond Paul - Point Fortin East Secondary; Akila Wharewood - Siparia East Secondary; Kewes Gomes - Holy Faith Convent, Couva; Mc Kale Mohammed - St Benedict's College; Ethan Adonis - Cunupia Secondary; Hakeem Chinapoo - St Benedict's College; Mahkaya Mahon - Presentation College, San Fernando.

NORTH

Under-15

Karissa Williams - Bishop Anstey High School East; Reyanna Graham - Tunapuna Secondary; Jayden Goodridge - St Joseph College; Mikael Serrette - Arima Central Secondary.

Under-17

Luke Williams - Queen's Royal College; Malana Patrick - Holy Name Convent.

17+

Nichelle Lyons - Toco Secondary; Janae De Gannes - Bishop Anstey High; Kayleigh Forde - St Joseph Convent, POS; Jenae-Marie Price - Providence Girls Catholic; Isis Gaskin - Bishop Anstey High School East; Kyrell Thomas - St Francis Boys College;