On Tuesday, March 13, the Cayman Islands Athletic Association (CIAA) formally presented the 30-member 2018 CARIFTA track and field team that will be representing the Cayman Islands at the 47th CARIFTA Games in the Bahamas between March 30 and April 2.

The athletes were introduced at the official gathering of the CARIFTA athletes, parents and supporters, which was hosted by long-time sponsors of the CIAA and track and field, Caribbbean Utilties Company, Ltd. (CUC), prior to the team’s departure.

In attendance were Mr. David Wight, Councillor for the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, Agriculture and Lands and Ministry of District Administration, Tourism and Transport; Mr. Lance Barnes, CIAA’s President and Mr. Richard Hew, CUC’s President and CEO.

The team representing the Cayman Islands at this year’s event will be:
Under 17 Girls: Tori-Ann Gonez – 200m and 4x100m Relay Jaden Francis – 200m and 4x100m Relay Ava Hilder – 1500m and 3000m Ashantae Graham – Long Jump and 4x100m Relay Daneika Lyn – 4x100m Relay Monique Gordon – 4x100m Relay

Under 17 Boys: Levi Superville – 1500m and 3000m Jahiem Morgan – Shot Put and Discus Derrick Francis – 4x100m Relay Neil Brown – 4x100m Relay
Silver Hurlston – 4x100m Relay Errol Smith – 4x100m Relay Jouri Ebanks – 4x100m Relay

Under 20 Girls: Lacee Barnes – Shot Put and Discus Daneliz Thomas – Javelin
Shalysa Wray – 400m Aijah Lewis – Long Jump

Under 20 Boys: Michael Smikle – 800m and 4x400m Relay Victor Magalhaes – 800m
Rasheem Brown – 110m Hurdles and 4x100m Relay Karim Murray – 200m and 4x100m Relay Lamar Reid – Long Jump Louis Gordon – HighJump
Brandon Moore – 4x100m Relay Najae Gordon – 4x100m Relay Gary Rankin – 4x400m Relay Malik Copeland – 4x100m Relay Daujaughn Murray – 4x400m Relay Kashief Dawkins – 4x400m Relay

Officials: Kenrick Willams – Head Coach Derek Larner – Assistant Coach
Maxine Anglin – Team Manager Paula Dawkins – Assistant Manager Al Bartice-Smith – Team Physiotherapist

Head Coach Kenrick Williams 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 anticipates a good showing from the Cayman contingent as in previous years, and expressed appreciation to the sponsors, the Governement and 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 added that CUC is proud to lend its assistance to sports because it focusses a lot on youth as the Company believed strongly in youth development. 2018 marks 39 years that CUC, the main corporate sponsors of the CIAA, has been involved with the Association and its endeavours, particularly the CARIFTA Games. Mr. Hew expressed CUC’s pleasure in being able to assist with the development of the Islands’ outstanding athletes and athletics over the years.

The 30-member team and five officials will depart for the Bahamas on Thursday, March 29.

IMAGE: Members of the Cayman Islands 2018 Cayman Islands CARIFTA Track and Field Team