On Monday, March 13, Cayman Athletics (formerly the Cayman Islands Athletic Association) formally presented the 18-member 2023 CARIFTA track and field team that will be representing the Cayman Islands at the 50th CARIFTA Games in Nassau, Bahamas between April 7 and April 10.
The athletes were introduced at the official gathering of CARIFTA athletes, parents and Cayman Athletics officials at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex, which was hosted by long-time sponsors of Cayman Athletics and track and field, Caribbean Utilities Company, Ltd. (CUC).
Representing the Cayman Islands at this year’s event will be:
Under 17 Girls: Mikayla Brown – Shot Put
Gabriella Smith – Discus
Under 20 Girls: YaNelli Dawkins – Discus and Shot Put
Breanna Smith – Discus and Shot Put
Renia Smith – Long Jump
Aaliyannah Anderson – 100m
Rachel Pascal - Javelin
Under 17 Boys: Anthony Chin Jr. – Long Jump
Michail Michelin – 200m
Under 20 Boys: Andrew Stone – Long Jump
Josh Gardner – High Jump
Jamar Ellis – 100m, 200m and 4x100m Relay
Jaiden Reid – 4x100m Relay
Ty Goddard – 4x100m Relay
Jerel Maize – 4x100m Relay
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Davonte Howell – 4x100m Relay
Alex Gordon – 4x100m Relay
Open Boys: Arion Wright – Octathlon
Staff: Jerry Holness – Head Coach
Paula Dawkins Archbold – Team Manager
Simone Savage – Assistant Team Manager
Cayman Athletics President Delroy Murray presented the team to the media and parents and commended the athletes for their dedication and hard work in achieving the qualifying times and distances. He anticipated a good showing from the Cayman contingent as in previous years, and expressed the association’s appreciation to the coaches, parents and many volunteers who worked tirelessly to prepare the athletes for this important regional competition.
President and CEO of CUC, Richard Hew congratulated the athletes on their achievements and urged them to always perform at their best. He expressed CUC’s pleasure in being able to assist with the development of track and field and the Islands’ outstanding athletes over the years.
2023 marks 44 years that CUC has been involved with track and field in the Cayman Islands. This year also marks 37 years that the Company has been the main corporate sponsor of Cayman Athletics and its endeavours, particularly the CARIFTA Games.
The 18-member team and three officials will depart for the Bahamas on Wednesday, April 5.
For further information on the Cayman Islands CARIFTA team, please contact Paula Dawkins Archbold at 917-8428 or via e-mail at asstgensec@athletics.org.ky.