Another sports casualty

What was supposed to be the fourth edition of the CARIFTA Triathlon and Aquathlon was officially cancelled yesterday by the Bermuda Triathlon Association and the Local Organising Committee because of the Coronavirus (COVID 19).

President of the Bermuda Triathlon Association (BTA) Sharon Hammond expressed in a press release the regret of not being able to host the CARIFTA Triathlon and Aquathlon. She explained that the decision was not made lightly and that several factors were taken into consideration.

Hammond said the BTA has put forward a proposition to host the 2022 CARIFTA Triathlon and Aquathlon since the Bahamas are already in line to stage the 2021 edition.

“While it may seem that this decision is somewhat premature, it has not been made lightly… The fact we need to be raising significant funds now in order to host a successful event, and bearing in mind the effects on the local economy, we do not feel it is appropriate to approach either the public or private sectors for funding for a junior sporting event when all available sponsorship and charitable dollars are going to be required for humanitarian causes during these very difficult times,” Hammond said.

Also, Hammond noted that she foresees a reduction in participation due to insufficient funding. “We also understand that due to similar constraints in the other CARIFTA countries, should we host the event, very few young athletes would be able to make the trip due to a lack of funding,” she said.

At the last CARIFTA Triathlon held in Jamaica last year, Barbados finished second with 51 points, Trinidad and Tobago were third with 37 points while Guadeloupe were crowned champions with 64 points.

Hammond stated that she hoped everyone would understand why this decision was taken and thanked those that contributed to Bermuda’s bid to host the CARIFTA Triathlon. She added that the BTA will be reaching out for assistance in 2022 when they take on the role of hosting the event in two years.

This is just another event that has been dealt a major blow because of COVID-19. Earlier this month North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) officially decided to cancel the 49th CARIFTA Games which was also supposed to be held in Bermuda.

morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb