The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago hosted the country's Olympic team at his residence following their return from the Rio 2016 Games.
The Honourable Dr. Keith Rowley used the opportunity to thank the athletes who represented the Caribbean country in Rio, as well as at other events on the world stage.
He spoke about Trinidad and Tobago's "tremendous" record in sport, which he said dates back to the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
In addition, the Prime Minister expressed "disappointment" about certain "untoward" comments directed towards athletes and commended them for making sacrifices to perform on the world stage.
He urged them to "always do their best" and to"marry talent with attitude".
Sporting talent would be nurtured from Primary School level upwards, Dr Rowley said, with "proper coaching and competitions" up to university level with a view to promoting careers in sport.
Trinidad and Tobago won one medal in Rio, a bronze courtesy of men's javelin thrower Keshorn Walcott.
The London 2012 gold medallist had to settle for the third step of the podium this time around after his effort of 85.38 metres inside the Olympic Stadium.
Thomas Röhler of Germany was the gold medallist with an effort of 90.30m.
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) has launched a campaign to win 10 or more Olympic gold medals by 2024.