Trinidad and Tobago will get a second chance to host the Commonwealth Youth Games after an agreement was signed between the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association, and Government of Trinidad and Tobago.
Originally due to take place in 2021, the rescheduled youth multi-sport event will now take place in 2023. The agreement, signed during the CGF General Assembly in Birmingham, U.K. ended a period of uncertainty following the indefinite postponement of the event as a consequence of the Co-19 pandemic.
Organizers will be hoping to see the event to fruition, though they may need more than just effective organization on their side. Trinidad and Tobago has twice organized multi-sport competitions in the last decade only to have them postponed or cancelled due to viral outbreaks.
Plans to hold the 2009 Caribbean Games were derailed by an outbreak of the H1N1 virus just weeks before the opening ceremony, while an attempt to host the 2021 Commonwealth Youth Games was complicated by the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games.
Locals will be hoping to manifest the phrase, “third time’s a charm,” as preparations begin once again for the youth multi-sport event.
Diane Henderson, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association, admitted, “it was a difficult moment for everyone when the 2021 edition of the event was postponed.” She added, “we are absolutely delighted to be hosting the event next year.”
Her sentiments were shared by Trinidad and Tobago Sports Minister Shamfa Cudjoe, who stated, “we are delighted and committed that we are able to stage the Commonwealth Youth Games next year.”
She labeled the event a “fantastic boost” for Trinidad and Tobago, arguing it would provide “amazing opportunities” for youth athletes.
“We are proud to be staging such a prestigious sporting competition,” said Cudjoe.
CGF President Dame Louise Martin DBE, underscored her organization’s commitment to seeing the Games through, commenting, “it was heart-breaking for us when we needed to postpone the 2021 event due to the pandemic. However, we never gave up on our commitment of bringing the event to Trinidad and Tobago.”
It’s been a bumpy road for the Commonwealth Youth Games since the last edition in the Bahamas. Northern Ireland was originally awarded the right to host the 2021 edition of the event before the CGF was forced to remove Belfast as host due to the absence of funding guarantees.
Trinidad and Tobago were subsequently awarded the right to host the Games in 2021. Now, the Caribbean nation will prepare for a second attempt at hosting the Games.
Martin set her expectations high, declaring, “it will be an amazing event in the twin island country that will showcase the very best of the Caribbean and Commonwealth Sport.”
Dates for rescheduled event have yet to be finalized. Likewise, discussions surrounding the sports program are still ongoing. Nonetheless, hope remains high amongst the three parties that the long delayed event will finally take place in 2023.
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