Guyana gears up for first CARIFTA Championships

Preparations are advancing for Guyana to host the CARIFTA Athletics Championships for the first time, with more than 600 athletes and coaches from over 20 countries expected for the Easter 2027 event.

Government ministers and executive leaders of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) inspected the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora earlier this week as planning for the championships continues.

Expressing confidence in the local organising efforts and government support, NACAC President Mike Sands said working alongside Guyanese officials had “reduced his blood pressure by 20 per cent”.

Guyana is preparing to field a delegation of more than 60 athletes, with structured national team training set to begin in late September.

To maximise athlete readiness, the 2027 National Schools Championships will also be held earlier in the season.

Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs said preparations for the regional championships had already started.

“Hosting this event shows the vision of our country and the vision of His Excellency. Happy to say we have already started preparation for the CARIFTA Games.

“We as a government will ensure everything will be in place. Guyana is officially a sporting destination while we host a number of regional and international tournaments and events,” he said.

Jacobs said hosting international delegations over Easter would also benefit hotels, transportation providers, catering services and local vendors.

Organisers are finalising the venue’s logistical layout, while minor infrastructure work, including the installation of additional bucket seating in the stands, is expected to begin shortly.

Minister of Education Sonia Parag also highlighted the potential benefits for youth development.

“Over the last six years, the infrastructure that has been built out across the country is allowing athletes and students to discover their talent and ability . . . [CARIFTA is] a gateway giving students the ability to go further and have upward mobility just by having the facilities to do so,” she said.

Organisers also plan to expand the championships’ live broadcast reach across North America, South America, Europe and Africa, with the aim of surpassing last year’s audience of more than one million viewers.

(KH/Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Guyana)