Young aspiring athletes between the ages of 10-15 years of age, yesterday saw their "Dream" come true, when they interfaced with Jereem "The Dream" Richards at the Republic Bank Sports Club in Barataria on Monday morning.
The youngsters through their clubs were invited to participate in this activity which was sponsored by Republic Bank in conjunction with the National Association of Athletics Administration (NAAA), where the reigning "Sportsman of The Year", and member of the World Championships 4x400 metres relay gold medal-winning relay team, was able to share his dreams and aspiration with them.
Shedley Branche, Regional Sales Manager, Commercial and Retail Banking of Republic Bank, stated that Richards was one of their best Brand Ambassador as he possessed what Republic Bank wished for their company's image.
"He is focussed, he is committed, motivated and he is humble and sets his goal for which he does not back off," said Branche.
These words were also expressed by the general manager of Group Marketing and Corporate Communication, Michelle Palmer -Keizer, who spoke highly of the Commonwealth Games 200 metres champion.
Richards told the gathering of his humble beginnings and that it took him some 17 years before he won his first major medal.
"That medal came in my final year of Under-20 (category) at the Carifta Games,” said the Point Fortin-born athlete, who told his aspiring audience that it is only with hard work and disciple that one will achieve and reach the pinnacle of success in the sport.
"Once you work diligently, your time will come just as mine did. Many of you have the ability and the talent but there are things which you must do to be successful and one of the most important is having discipline.
"You have to have a vision, you must have a goal and you must remain focussed on your task or mission. I did this consistently at the University of Alabama. Once I achieved my goal, I set myself another until I am where I now stand. But be mindful, I have already set myself goals for the 2019 season and beyond."
Richards went on, elaborating on what it takes to make one successful as an athlete at the university level.
He said, "I went to a Junior College before going to the University of Alabama and I was fortunate that my coach also moved to the University. The important thing for all of you here to understand is that you must work hard with your education. You must find that mix between academia and sport. You will be an athlete for 12-15 years in the big league but there is life after sport.
"I tried cricket but I was an all-rounder, I could not bat, bowl or catch. I tried football but the sport did not like me. One must remember that everyone has their time to shine."
When quizzed by an athlete about his 4 x400m team, Richards said, "I am proud of my national team-mates. I can relax and rely on them, that is the confidence that I have for my fellow athletes. We trust each other and if one does not do his best in any way, we will make up for it. I am confident that we can retain our Pan Am Games title.
"For me, my goal is to win the 200m in Doha. That is my primary objective before I set my sight on the Olympics of 2020."
Richards then went through an hour-long session with the 40 athletes from 13 clubs, who participated in the event.
Jeniece Burton of Cougars gave the vote of thanks to Richards on behalf of the participants. She thanked him for dedicating his time and energy to helping the youth of T&T and for having the 'Power to make a difference'. Burton added that she hoped she could be golden in every meet for the remainder of the year.