 |
| Photo caption: Destiny Nkemakonam Agbo of Nigeria competes in the Women’s Discus Throw – F42-44 / F61-64 at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago. Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images for Commonwealth Sport |
| The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) will commence the formal host selection process for the eighth Commonwealth Youth Games in early 2024, following the highly successful Trinbago 2023 event. The announcement, made ahead of the CGF’s General Assembly in Singapore, follows hosting interest from a number of Commonwealth Games Associations and is testament to the overwhelming support the Commonwealth Youth Games has garnered since its inaugural event in 2000. The Commonwealth Youth Games is an invaluable springboard for the stars and leaders of tomorrow, contributing to the further development of youth sport throughout the Commonwealth. Athletes who have competed at a Youth Games and gone on to be successful on the global stage include Jessica Ennis-Hill (Athletics), Chad Le Clos (Swimming) and Pusarla Venkata Sindhu (Badminton). Trinbago 2023, the seventh edition of the Youth Games, took place on the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago in August. The Games brought together diverse cultures, celebrated the spirit of friendly competition, and provided a platform for the next generation of Commonwealth athletes to shine on the international stage. At the heart of the Games were the achievements and triumphs of the 14-18 year-old participants, with 99 medal events across seven sports, resulting in over 20 existing Commonwealth Youth Games records being shattered by the outstanding young athletes. Notable achievements included the historic victory of Destiny Agbo of Nigeria, a GAPS(1) athlete, who won the first ever Para gold medal in the Women’s Discus Throw – F42-44 / F61-64. Dame Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, and the driving force behind the Youth Games, said: “As my tenure with the CGF comes to an end, one of my proudest achievements is the establishment of the Commonwealth Youth Games and the role it plays in uniting young athletes from around the world. These Games go beyond the glory; they empower athletes, give many their first taste of multi-sport events, and create lifelong friendships.” Katie Sadleir, Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Games Federation, commented: “The Commonwealth Youth Games has become such an important part of the Commonwealth Sport Movement and, following the enormous success of Trinbago 2023, it is exciting to see hosting interest across the Commonwealth ahead of the formal selection process beginning in the new year.” As well as Trinidad and Tobago, the Youth Games has been hosted by The Bahamas, Samoa, Isle of Man, Pune, Bendigo, and Edinburgh. |
ADVERTISEMENT
Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.
Discussion about this post