NASSAU, The Bahamas - Thousands flocked to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium where the 50th CARIFTA Games not only showcased the spirit of competition among regional athletes but also the friendly shouting matches between countries, and, of course, a taste of Caribbean culinary delights.

Colours played an important role in these settings – not only in the flags of the participating states flown at and around the vicinity of the stadium, but in the colours of T-shirts: Spectators were encouraged to “Let’s Get Dressed” and “Wear Your Colours” of black on Friday, white on Saturday, blue (aquamarine) on Sunday, and gold on Monday.

A CARIFTA Caribbean Cultural Village formed a 360-degree wrap around the stadium, where more than 50 vendors offered for sale all manner of cuisine, arts and craft, and soft drinks. The National Independence Secretariat also had a booth where Bahamas 50th Independence paraphernalia, were given away.

Project Manager of the CARIFTA Games, Janeen McCartney put the transformation of the stadium into perspective.

“The ambiance of the stadium was graced with pots of greenery for patrons to feel a sense of calm as they entered the premises,” she said.

The Legends Walk at the road entrance was restored reigniting the history of sports in The Bahamas, the pond was beautified, and the historic bunker -- the CARIFTA Museum Bunker near the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gym was refurbished and reopened for tours.

Further explaining the concept of the cultural village, Mrs. McCartney said the goal was to provide patrons with as many options as possible.

She thanked the hundreds of individuals who made up the entire team involved in staging the games.  

The Bahamas first hosted the CARIFTA Games in 1976; and 2023 is the ninth time held in the country, attracting an estimated 600 athletes.

The CARIFTA Games is an annual athletics competition founded by the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA). The games were first held in 1972 and consisted of track and field events including sprint, races, hurdles, middle distance track events, jumping and throwing events, and relays. It comprises two age categories: under-17and under-10.  Only countries associated with CARIFTA may compete in the competition.

In 1972, Austin Sealy, then president of the Amateur Athletic Association of Barbados, inaugurated the CARIFTA Games to mark the transition from the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The meet normally runs over three days during the Easter period and includes over 150 separate events.