Report by Joy Blessing Nabwile
More than 1,000 athletes from around 70 Commonwealth Nations and Territories were welcomed in style to the first Youth Games since 2017 at the Hesely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad.
The 7th Commonwealth Youth Games and the first in the Caribbean kicked off in a carnival style at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Christine Kangaloo declared the games open in a colorful display.
In a ceremony bursting with colour and energy, more than 1,000 athletes from around 70 Commonwealth Nations and Territories were welcomed to the first Youth Games since 2017.
Famous for their appearance at Carnival time, the Carnival Kings and Queens performed alongside a youth steel pan side, while spectators enjoyed tassa and tamboo bamboo stands within the stadium.
Each sport was represented by an incredible Moko Jumbie, designed to not only glisten in the sunlight, but also show movement similar to the sport.
Athletes will participate in Aquatics, Athletics Cycling and Triathlon, as well as Rugby Sevens and Beach Volleyball. Netball’s shorter, faster, abridged version makes its debut at the Youth Games with eight women’s teams competing for a medal.
The opening ceremony was also attended by National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) president Paul Tergat and Chef de Mission Winnie Kamau.The Kenyan contigent is being managed by general team manager Janeth Jekosgei.
Kenya’s medal hunt in the games began Saturday with the duo of Billy Graham and Daniel Kiptala taking part in Cycling while Kenya’s beach volleyball girls team also faced Bermuda in their opening match.
The Youth Games are an established pathway towards the Commonwealth Games, and other major senior sporting events, providing an opportunity to showcase the stars of the future.
