Dear Editor,
We cheer and celebrate the champions, yet it is the preparation and striving of all participants that make athletics an opportunity to grow and develop as an individual through the arena of sports. The Carifta Games was born in 1972 out of the associated countries which were a part of the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA). The games were first held in 1972 and consist of track and field events including sprint races, hurdles, middle distance track events, jumping and throwing events, and relays. The Games have two age categories: under 17 and under 20 and only those countries associated with CARIFTA may compete in the competition.
The Bahamas has hosted the Carifta Games several times with the latest being the successful hosting in 2018. Now five years later we are once again the host of the latest anniversary of the Carifta Games for 2023.
With the 50th Anniversary of the Carifta Games on the horizon, this year’s Carifta Games is special as it aligns with the 50th Anniversary Jubilee of The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations. As our Independence is a symbol of growth, prosperity, and unity for us as a nation, the Carifta Games is an opportunity for the young athletes of our region to take their first steps onto the path of becoming professional athletes.
With just a little over 90 days remaining, this Carifta Games will be held from April 7th to April 10th. To celebrate, encourage and inspire our young athletes, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 50th Carifta Games 2023, will be leading the charge every Thursday with a weekly event called “Come Gold With Us Thursdays.”
It will be an opportunity for the community, athletes, and corporate Bahamas to support and celebrate the upcoming team for the Carifta Games. It is an occasion the LOC Carifta Games hopes the entire region will replicate to support and encourage their own athletes leading up to these games.
The excitement is building for the latest rendition of the games. Beginning January 12th, individuals and groups can begin purchasing tickets to participate in the wonderful celebration of sports and athletics this year’s Carifta Games is developing to be.
Tickets will be available to be purchased on the Carifta Games 2023 website, www.carifta50.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium box office. For more information, persons can subscribe to the carifta50.com website, email info@carifta50.com or call 808-Gold (4683) or follow the LOC Carifta Games on its social media platforms @carifta2023.
