Page 10 - TRINBAGO2023 MAGAZINE
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Diane Henderson
President
Trinidad and Tobago
Commonwealth Games Association (TTCGA)
THE JOURNEY
One man’s dream can become another’s reality. The switch to the Hasely Crawford Stadium - one of our
The Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games several world-class facilities on display - for the athletics
(CYG) - whose vision was developed in 2019 by four programme occurred early enough in the project
people all connected to the Trinidad and Tobago timeline, to facilitate implementation of necessary
Commonwealth Games Association (TTCGA) at the renovations there to host that sport and the
time: Mr. Brian Lewis, Chanelle Young, Rheeza Grant Carnival-styled Opening Ceremony, which would
and Kwanieze John - is set to spectacularly unfold showcase the creativity and richness of our culture, and
before the eyes of this country and the estimated 1000 the warmth of our people. Many more positives shone
athletes from 71 nations from August 4th-11th. throughout the journey.
Under the theme of ‘Changing Lives for the Better’, The legacy of the Trinbago 2023 CYG CARAVAN, a
Trinbago 2023 CYG will welcome the youthful scheduled plan of visits to schools all over the
ebullience of member nations while looking to inspire twin-island Republic, facilitatedknowledge-sharing
those athletes by the work of volunteerism, and to about the Commonwealth as well as awareness of
empower them to embark on the business of sports. sports and the benefits to students. Collaboration with
the Commonwealth Secretariat to execute the Youth
The Games would also incorporate a digital Voice Conference in April was yet another initiative for
transformation drive as part of an overall sports youth by the youth. The demonstration of national pride
tourism thrust to place Trinidad and Tobago as the manifested by an estimated 2000 volunteers, who
sports mecca and hub of the Caribbean. signed up to support the Games; the introduction of
The August 2022 signing of the host city contract safeguarding policies and education for the Games; as
confirmed the reality of Trinbago 2023 CYG. Besides well as the Anti-Doping education focus for the athletes
the contract-signing, Dame Louise Martin, President of and officials proved to be game-changers.
the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)
accompanied by Katie Sadleir, CEO of CGF and Annie Trinbago2023 CYG’s legacy continued with the first
Hairsine, Project Manager for CYG visited to view theme song (‘Stay Ready”) associated with a CYG -
facilities and to make assessments one year out the now in its seventh edition. Also making its debut at a
Honourable Minister Shamfa Cudjoe and myself, CYG is the integration of the para-athletics within the
President of the TTCGA. programme, as the Games also embraces the diversity
of athletes and officials participating in the seven
Soon after, a LOC was appointed that collaborated sporting disciplines across the two islands.
with the private business sector, governmental
agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the ‘Cocoyea’, the leatherback turtle and Trinbago2023
appropriate utilisation of resources - human, financial CYG mascot, and the entire Trinbago2023 LOC team
and otherwise - already inherent in the TTCGA wish to welcome all visitors from the Commonwealth
community. But 11 months to deliver a multi-sports and beyond to our shores. Enjoy the best of what
Games in a relatively small country would not be bereft Trinidad and Tobago has on offer and join our public as
of its challenges. all appreciate the efforts of our young people in sport.
