It was an evening of celebration on Wednesday, 13 April, as the Ministry of Sports hosted a reception for the 2016 CARIFTA athletes.

Under the setting sun close to 70 attendees, including the Minister of Sports Hon. Osbourne Bodden, Director of Sports Collin Anglin, the President of the Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association Michael Lockwood, coaches, parents, and athletes, mixed and mingled enjoying food, drinks and live music.

Coach Kendrick Williams introduced the 2016 track and field team which brought in a total of seven medals; two golds, three silvers and two bronzes. Lacee Barnes came home with two medals, a gold in shot put, and a silver in discus. Daneliz Thomas is responsible for bringing home the Cayman Island’s second gold in track and field, for her performance in the javelin throw. Jamal Walton came in second for the 400m. Dominic Dyer took home the silver for the U18 3000m, as well as a bronze in the 15000m. Rasheem Brown leaped his way to a bronze medal in the 110m hurdles. 

Swimming Technical Director Bailey Weathers also took to the podium to introduce the swim team which had a 15 medal haul, placing the Cayman Islands seventh overall in the pool, and second in open water events. The most decorated swimmer was Sabine Ellison. She took home four gold medals and one silver. Other gold medallists include Lauren Hew and Catriona MacRea. Holly Stradling and Corey Frederick Westerborg also proved their skill in the pool winning a silver and bronze medal respectively. Ria Plunkett and John Bodden performed well both in the pool and in open water. Plunkett earned two bronzes, while Bodden earned a gold and bronze award. Cole Morgan, Edward Weber, Jonathan Key, and John Bodden worked together to take home the silver medal in the 4x200m relay.

Minister Bodden expressed his pride in the athletes, noting how well they had performed and represented the country. “The Government makes a significant amount of investment in our young people through sports, and it is extremely gratifying to see athletes seize the opportunities for development with both hands and represent the Cayman Islands in this way as these athletes did this year. It is most certainly a motivator for them and for others.” Mr. Bodden also gave special praise to the supporting personnel and families who make tremendous sacrifices in helping these young athletes succeed.  He concluded by saying “As Minister I will always be in your corner.”

The Cayman Islands won a total of 22 medals at the CARIFTA games.

(GIS) Photo caption: Photo by Edlyn Ruiz, GIS

1. Minister Bodden flanked by 2016 CARIFTA athletes and coaches
2. Members of the CARIFTA track team enjoy the reception
3. Director of Sports Collin Anglin and Minister Bodden share a moment 
4. Members of the CARIFTA swim team mix and mingle
5. Ministry of Sports Assistant Chief Officer Joel Francis serves as Master of Ceremonies
6. Members of the swim team recognised for their achievements
7. CIASA President Michael Lockwood praises the athletes
8. Minster Bodden addresses the crowd