The Commonwealth Youth Games kicked off yesterday in Trinidad with a colourful and musical opening ceremony at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
This year, which marks the seventh edition of the Games, saw the young athletes from the 71 nations and territories inclusive of Guyana introduced in a spectacular, carnival-style celebration.
The Golden Arrowhead, bore by track standout, Tianna Springer and swimmer, Elliott Gonsalves, stood out in the traditional parade of nations.
During the ceremony, there were demonstrations of the seven disciplines to be contested during the week-long event, steel pan performances and the official remarks by Trinidad and Tobago’s President, Christine Kangaloo and Commonwealth Games Federation President, Dame Louise Martin.
The disciplines that will be contested are Track and Field, Swimming, Rugby, Cycling, Fast5 Netball, Triathlon and Beach Volleyball. Team Guyana’s eight athletes will compete for medals in the first two sports.
Guyana’s team members are (Track and Field) Springer, Javon Roberts, Attoya Harvey, Malachi Austin, and Narissa McPherson with Julian Edmonds as coach. Swimming: Gonsalves, Ariel Rodrigues and Shareefah Lewis. Shyka Gonsalves is the coach on the sojourn.
Beach Volleyball and Cycling kicks off competition today while Swimming will be contested from tomorrow at the National Aquatic Centre in Couva. Athletes are set to get into the blocks from Monday at the stadium in Port-of-Spain.
