Page 14 - TRINBAGO2023 MAGAZINE

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This historic achievement for Trinidad and Tobago, the CGF on June 20, 2019, was a collaborative effort.
therefore, may present some valuable lessons. Maybe He thanked TTCGA’s Secretary General, Annette
this win is a win for all Caribbean nations of the Knott, and the bid team of Rheeza Grant, Kwanieze
Commonwealth. Perhaps, it can be a catalyst for change John and Chanelle Young for their contributions.
towards more equitable distribution of the hosting duties
among the Commonwealth countries and will finally level “I feel really excited to see the Games come to fruition,” said
the playing field by ushering in greater opportunities for Young, a former TTOC Project Officer, Marketing and
countries outside the confines of the Commonwealth Communications.
‘powerhouses’.
“It’s the first multi-sport Games to be held on our twin island
CGF lead for Trinbago 2023 CYG Annie Hairsine has said and I believe that it would be a memorable experience for all
the CGF looks to give smaller, non-traditional countries involved”.
an opportunity to host the CYG in the hope of fostering
the development of legacy infrastructure for the host Lewis, who had told local media that the country had taken
country. “an innovative approach” to the bid, had also been in high
praise of Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Shamfa
But a rear-view examination of Trinidad and Tobago’s Cudjoe, who had led the charge from the Governmental
journey to CYG VII paints a picture of perseverance and side. With the belief in the country’s ability and capacity to
resilience. host a multi-sports event, she petitioned the Cabinet to

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This country was awarded hosting rights in June 2019 re-examine its position to host this edition of the CYG and all
after Northern Ireland was stripped of the event. One related expenditures regarding the Games, which she
year later, when the Covid-19 pandemic forced the expected to boost the local sports tourism sector.
world to stand still, the Executive Board of the CGF
made the decision to reschedule the Games to 2023 to “The Government and the people of Trinidad and Tobago
avoid clashing with the Birmingham 2022 are delighted by the opportunity to host the
Commonwealth Games and promised that Trinidad and Commonwealth family after our historic bid to host our
Tobago would have the first option to host. first major international multi-sports event…We are now
eager to showcase our country and our people to the rest
Confirmation of that promise was announced to the of the world while doing our part to maximise the full
nation in July, 2022, and preparations for Games VII potential of sport to unite people and build bridges of
commenced, almost immediately. hope, love, inclusion and peace across the modern
Commonwealth”, said Minister Cudjoe, who had signed
Brian Lewis, Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth the Host Country Contract, alongside CGF President
Games Association (TTCGA) and Trinidad and Dame Louise Martin and current TTCGA and TTOC
Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) immediate past President Diane Henderson, at the National Aquatic
president said Trinbago’s bid proposal presented to Centre in Balmain, Couva on August 26, 2022.

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