Grenadians are celebrating their athletes’ performance and being chosen as the host nation for the 2024 Junior CARIFTA Games. The Spice Isle won seven medals at the just-ended games in the Bahamas. They include four silver and three bronze. On arrival at the MBIA, the athletes and officials were warmly welcomed
GBSS student Ethan Sam celebrates being a triple medal winner at the CARIFTA Games.
His impressive achievements include silver in the U17 200M in a time of (21.96), and bronze in the boys U17 100M (10.71)
Sam’s third CARIFTA medal, a silver, was in the U17 4X100M relay. He teamed up with Mikael Redhead, Aidan McIntosh, and Nathan Hillaire and produced a spirited and competitive challenge for their rivals.
Another exciting Grenada performance was in the mixed 4X400 relay. The team of Cheffonia Houston, Jayden Phillip, Taigon Peterkin, and Jamara Patterson placed second to earn the SILVER medal.
Ejay George kept his composure to win the silver in the boys’ U17 3000M.
Grenada’s first medal in the games was captured by Cameron Thomas placing third, throwing the javelin at a distance of 60.12M. The Bahamas won the gold with a throw of 64.07M, while Trinidad and Tobago took the silver with 61.58m.
Talented Cheffonia Houston placed sixth in the U17 girls’ 400 meters; her time was 57.06 seconds. The gold medalist was Tianna Springer of Guyana who edged ahead of Jody-Ann Daley of Jamaica (54.81) for the gold in 54.32.
De’Cheynelle Thomas of Saint Kitts and Nevis was third on 55.46.
During the Congress of the Representatives of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) participating nations chose Grenada to host next year’s games, defeating neighbours Trinidad and Tobago 16-4.
The hosting of the games coincides with Grenada’s celebration of its 50th Anniversary of Independence in 2024. Trinidad and Tobago will host the 2025 CARIFTA Games.
It’s the third time Grenada will host the CARIFTA Games following 2000 and 2016.
Leading the Grenada delegation to bid for the games was President of the Grenada Athletic Association Conrad Francis. He was supported by Grenada World Javelin Champion Anderson Peters, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports Alva Brown, and General Secretary of the Grenada Olympic Committee Veda Victor Bruno.
