The news on Monday, the final day of the 50th CARIFTA Games being staged in The Bahamas, was that Grenada successfully secured the staging of the next edition of the regional track and field championships, beating out Trinidad and Tobago 16-4 in the votes.
This will be the third time that Grenada will be staging the CARIFTA Games, following successful championships in 2000 and 2016.
The CARIFTA Games is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the Caribbean and provides a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent and compete against their peers from other countries.
Hosting the CARIFTA Games in Grenada in 2024 would be a significant achievement for the country, also observing its 50th anniversary of Independence. It should provide an opportunity to showcase Grenada’s sporting facilities, hospitality, and culture to the rest of the Caribbean region and the world. The event is expected to attract thousands of visitors, including athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators, which would boost the country’s tourism industry.
It can also provide opportunities for Grenadian athletes to showcase their talents on a regional stage and potentially attract the attention of international scouts and recruiters.
The CARIFTA Games in 2024 is also a valuable opportunity to promote Grenada’s sports, tourism, and cultural offerings while generating economic benefits and promoting sports development.
The Grenada Athletic Association (GAA) should seize the opportunity to involve the various stakeholders including public and private sectors and start working on an action plan for the successful staging of the 51st CARIFTA Games at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium from March 30 to April 1, 2024.
Source: Michael Bascombe