No country has yet stepped forward to host the next CARIFTA Games, according to North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) president, Mike Sands.
Speaking during a media conference in St George’s, Grenada, today where the 53rd edition is being held, Sands said discussions were ongoing with several member federations, but a final decision had not been reached.
“We don’t have a host yet, but there are some good prospects… I’m confident that you’ll know real soon,” he said, adding that he expected a country to come forward as the event continued its long-standing run.
Sands noted that hosting the Games remained a significant undertaking, while commending Grenada for stepping in on relatively short notice to stage this year’s edition.
He also highlighted the importance of continued investment in youth development programmes, pointing to initiatives such as kids’ athletics and age-group competitions as critical to strengthening the pathway from junior to elite levels.
World Athletics president Lord Sebastian Coe said the organisation would continue to support regional bodies like NACAC in developing young talent.
He pointed to increased investment in CARIFTA in recent years and the expansion of global access to the Games through live streaming.
“This is the first time that these events have been live streamed outside of the rights holding broadcasters… the more people that have access to absorbing this young talent, the better it will be,” Coe said.
He added that greater visibility could help attract sponsorship and further strengthen development pathways across the region. (AM)
