Visit our Photo Gallery to view more pictures of Dominique's visit Dominique Dawes visits Trinidad & Tobago March 25th to 29th 2009  We have had the great privilege of hosting Dominique Dawes in March 2009, one of the greatest achievers in the sport of gymnastics. Winning Olympic gold medals has made Miss Dawes an international icon and she has since developed into an incredible motivational speaker. Her story of rising to the highest levels through perseverance and hard work continues to inspire young people everywhere.
Dominique is the most decorated gymnast to visit to Trinidad & Tobago, and while she was here, she spent time with our aspiring athletes and coaches, providing training tips and reminding them about the importance of mastering the basics. Other talented youth also had the opportunity to hear her share her experiences and ultimately gained some valuable life lessons. Through these interactive sessions and motivational speeches, Dominique Dawes has raised the profile of Gymnastics in Trinidad & Tobago on a national level and support for the sport has grown as a result.  Dominique Dawes and the media in Trinidad & Tobago
Miss Dawes was officially introduced to the media at a press conference soon after she arrived in Trinidad. Since then, she was warmly received and her subsequent public appearances and on-air interviews demonstrated her phenomenal popularity among the people of Trinidad & Tobago. She has become the nation’s “darling”. Coaches Clinic Miss Dawes conducted a gymnastic clinic, “The Fundamentals of Gymnastics” for local coaches and PE instructors. This was a training session designed to teach the fundamentals of gymnastics, as well as to educate and motivate coaches so that they in turn may guide their gymnasts to achieve their full potential.  Motivational Speeches
Dominique is an accomplished motivational speaker and she captured the attention of her audience with ease and grace. She conducted 2 Motivational Talks in Trinidad, one aimed at sports men and women of all disciplines and the other was attended by 427 students from 26 schools across the country. Dominique completely mesmerized her young audience with her story and facilitated lively question-and-answer sessions. 
Gymnastic Clinics
Two gymnastic clinics were held for Levels 5 – 10 gymnasts. They were a huge success. Miss Dawes imparted her knowledge to our young gymnasts, emphasizing the importance of the basic skills and techniques. Once these are in place, then the gymnasts can progress and achieve their potential. Dominique observed and spoke with each gymnast and all the attending coaches. Approximately 50 gymnasts from local clubs and our visitors from Barbados attended the first session, while the second was held specifically for our “Optional” gymnasts, with particular emphasis was placed on Thema Williams, our nation’s only level 10 gymnast at present. This was an invaluable session where Dominique was able to do be more “hands on”.
Tots & Tumblers 13th Annual Invitational Meet
At the Opening Ceremony of the Meet, Miss Dawes met the Honourable Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Mr. Gary Hunt, the President of the Trinidad & Tobago Olympic Committee Mr. Larry Romany and the President of Trinidad & Tobago Amateur Gymnastic Association Mr. Ricardo Lue Shue. Dominique also addressed the audience at that time and later presented awards and conducted autograph sessions with competitors and the general public.  Thank you dinner
After a successful visit and meet, Tots & Tumblers hosted the organising committee, foreign judges and Dominique herself at an intimate barbeque dinner down the islands. This was a fitting end to a hectic schedule and allowed Miss Dawes to soak in some true Trini hospitality.
| 
