Tuesday 29th July, 2025 – The Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (UTC), in a strategic collaboration with the Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT), today hosted an essential Financial Well-Being session designed to equip national athletes with financial literacy skills. The engagement, held at the National Cycling Velodrome, Couva on Tuesday 29th July, brought together athletes aged 16 to 35, emphasising the critical role financial health plays in their overall success and long-term well-being.
The session featured remarks from The Honourable Phillip Watts, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, who highlighted the government’s commitment to the holistic development of national athletes.
“Our vision for sport goes beyond trophies and tournaments. We are building a system that supports the whole athlete — on the field and beyond it.” Minister Watts stated. “Through financial education, life skills, mentorship, and real opportunities, we are here to help you not only succeed today, but thrive long into tomorrow.”
“Our message is simple: as a government, and as corporate Trinidad and Tobago, we owe it to you to invest in your full journey — from grassroots all the way through retirement. But you must meet us halfway by focusing on the lessons and implementing them into your lives.”
Bringing welcome remarks, SporTT CEO Mr. Jason Williams, expressed his pride in being a part of an initiative that brings key aspects of sport and finance together to benefit athletes and sport organisations.
Mr. Williams said: “We know the [average] athlete’s career goes maybe up to (ages) 35-40… but life goes beyond that and everybody needs that sort of boost. So today is important, we thank everyone from UTC and SporTT, thank you very much to my staff for bringing this forward, and as we continue with all the programmes that we have, finance is always going to be key.”
Mr. Nigel Edwards, Executive Director of the UTC, delivered opening remarks, stressing the unique financial journeys of athletes. “At the Unit Trust Corporation, we recognize that true success encompasses comprehensive well-being, and financial health is a non-negotiable component of that,” Mr. Edwards affirmed. “While financial education is vital for all, it is particularly imperative for our sporting men and women, whose careers involve distinct financial considerations and transitions. We are proud to partner with SporTT to provide this foundational knowledge.”
The workshop included insightful presentations from UTC Investment Centre Managers and financial experts, Dexter Sandy and Janice Jackman. Their presentations covered a comprehensive range of personal finance topics, including the fundamental aspects of budgeting, saving, insurance, investment, debt management, and retirement planning. Athletes gained practical knowledge on understanding different asset types such as cash, stocks, bonds, and physical assets, as well as the powerful concept of compounding. The session also addressed common fears associated with investing, providing clear explanations on mutual funds as an accessible investment vehicle.
The UTC reiterated its commitment to fostering smart saving and investment, with the goal of helping individuals build lasting legacies. The session also opened up discussions on how financial literacy can help athletes overcome common “financial dragons” such as education funding, critical illness, and retirement planning.
This collaborative initiative between UTC and SporTT signifies a shared vision for empowering national athletes beyond the field, ensuring they are well-prepared for enduring financial stability.
About UTC:
The Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) is a Systemically Important Financial Institution (SIFI) established in 1982. It manages over TT$24.2 billion in funds for over 560,000 unitholders across 9 funds. With a market share of 37.2% and a mission to empower individuals through smart saving and investment, the UTC is a leading financial institution dedicated to building lasting legacies.
About SporTT:
The Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago is the implementation arm of the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs. The company is responsible for four key areas of sport: construction and maintenance of national sporting facilities and community level grounds; national oversight and support of 15 National Governing Bodies (NGBs) for sport; support for elite athletes and the promotion of sport for all.
