Willemstad – Hot, humid and ideal for the development of Caribbean athletes. That’s the assessment of conditions at the Ergilio Hato Stadion as more than 600 athletes and officials prepare for three days of exciting competition at the 2017 Flow CARIFTA Games in the Dutch isle of Curacao.
“It’s very humid and dry but everyone will have to compete in the same conditions, so it will be interesting to see how the athletes adapt,” said Ralston ‘Grandfather’ Henry, head coach of the British Virgin Islands.
Henry was busy overseeing the final tune-up for his 26-member national team ahead of Saturday’s opening ceremony.
“The CARIFTA Games were originally created as a developmental meet and this is exactly what we will get here in Curacao. I’m sure all of the athletes are very excited but they will have to adapt quickly and this experience will stand them in good stead as they seek future glory for themselves and their countries.”
Three-time Olympic sprinter and long jumper Kareem Streete-Thompson of the Cayman Islands, who is anchoring live coverage on Flow Sports along with noted sports journalist Terry Finisterre, Nadine Liverpool and Dalton Myers, said he was also excited to see what new talent emerges at the traditional Easter Weekend meet.
“I’m always thrilled to be at the CARIFTA Games. It’s one of the greatest junior meets in the world and I’m always excited to see what happens here. I’m really looking forward to witnessing some fabulous performances this weekend,” said Streete-Thompson, himself a two-time winner of the Austin Sealy Trophy for the most outstanding individual athlete at the CARIFTA Games.
He is still the CARIFTA Games record-holder in the Under-17 and Under-20 long jump.
“We have some very experienced competitors here who have competed at the world level and they are very keen to give of their best. They have come here prepared and they are ready to perform I’m pleased to be able to share their stories around the Caribbean and the globe via Flow Sports.”
Minister of Sports Stephen Lashley greets members of the Barbados Team at the FLOW CARIFTA Games.
Bron: NationNews