United Kingdom (Commonwealth Union)_ The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, lauded Trinidad and Tobago for their commendable efforts in preparing for the seventh Commonwealth Youth Games. The Secretary-General also graced the opening ceremony on Friday, August 4, 2023, and will remain present to cheer on the athletes as they participate in this global celebration of sportsmanship. Organized by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, in association with local partners and the Commonwealth Games Federation, the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games are currently being held in Trinidad and Tobago from August 4 to August 11.
This exciting event has already gathered more than 1,000 athletes and para-athletes, between the ages of 14 and 18, participating in seven sporting disciplines over a span of six days. The Games will also debut a para-athletics program, featuring para-athletes competing in six medal events. Notably, this year’s Youth Games coincide with the Commonwealth Year of Youth, which was designated by leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2022. Furthermore, August 3, 2023, also marks the 50th anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, which was established to provide support for young individuals below the age of 30, foster their potential, and encourage youth-led action towards sustainable and inclusive development.
Expressing her anticipation, the Commonwealth Secretary-General stated that sport has the power to unite and transform individuals and societies. She expressed her eagerness to witness the emergence of the next generation of sporting stars, who will undoubtedly shine during the Games in Trinidad and Tobago. She also lauded the tremendous effort and resources devoted to organizing such events and extended her gratitude to all those who have contributed to hosting the Commonwealth Youth Games, from the President of the Republic and the Ministers involved to the steering committee, volunteers, policemen directing traffic, and even the man selling doubles. The Secretary-General said, “I know the tremendous amount of work and resources that go into events of this nature, and I thank all those who have contributed for making the investment in the Commonwealth Youth Games. From the President of the Republic, the Ministers involved, the steering committee, the volunteers, the policemen directing traffic, to the man selling doubles, we are tremendously grateful to you all for hosting the Commonwealth”.
The Secretary-General further expressed pleasure at hearing about full flights, booked hotel rooms, and people already relishing the food, culture, and sports offered by the twin islands. The Secretary-General also congratulated the Commonwealth Games Federation, led by President Dame Louise Martin and her team, for their collaborative work with remarkable local partners. She said, “I am pleased to hear that flights have been full, hotel rooms are booked, and I hear that people are already enjoying the food and culture that these twin islands have to offer as well as the sport”. She added, “I also congratulate the Commonwealth Games Federation, its President Dame Louise Martin and her team, who have been working collaboratively with their amazing local partners.”
In conjunction with the Youth Games, the Commonwealth Secretariat is also organizing eight other workshop sessions known as Athlete Impact Labs, attended by the participating teams. This initiative involves partnerships with organizations such as the Commonwealth Games Federation, UNICEF UK, the Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Network, the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, the First Citizens Sports Foundation, and the Commonwealth Youth Games Organizing Committee. These intensive clinics aim to ensure that athletes are well-informed about their rights, capable of identifying breaches, and equipped to manage any unethical challenges they or others may encounter. Further, young journalists covering the workshops will also contribute to the event’s media coverage, providing valuable insights from the young athletes throughout the Games.
