On Monday, March 25, the Cayman Islands Athletic Association (CIAA) formally presented the 17- member 2013 CARIFTA track and field team that will be representing the Cayman Islands at the 42nd CARIFTA Games in Nassau, Bahamas between March 29 and April 1.

The athletes were introduced at the official gathering of CARIFTA athletes, parents and CIAA officials at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex, 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.

Representing the Cayman Islands at this year’s event will be: Under 17 Girls:            Lacee Barnes – Shot Put, Discus

Daneliz Thomas – Javelin

Under 17 Boys:         Tahj Lewis – 800m, 4x400m

Jamal Walton – 200m, 400m, 4x400m

Duval Gregory – 4x400m Jeavhon Jackson – 4x400m Rashaun Connolly – 4x400m Daviel Foster – Javelin Javdon Nelson – 100m

Under 20 Girls:          Ashleigh Nalty – High Jump

Tiffany Cole – 800m

Ameilia Gillespie – Pentathlon

Pearl Morgan – 100m

Under 20 Boys:         Brandon Johnson – 200m

Troy Long – 200m

Jorel Bellafonte – 800m, 1500m

Alex Pascal – Javelin

Following opening remarks by CIAA President Dalton Watler, who emphasized the importance of Cayman’s youth participating in sporting activities, which he believes builds good character, Vice President of the CIAA Bernie Bush, presented the team to the media 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, said “Our long relationship with the CIAA has produced regional and international champion athletes of whom we are extremely proud. The greater pleasure, however, is knowing that for every champion produced there are hundreds of Caymanians who are better citizens today because they participated in the CIAA programme that built character in their developing years. For this we congratulate and thank the CIAA Executive, its coaching staff and numerous volunteers and we look forward to continuing our relationship for many years to come.”

Mr. Hew congratulated the athletes on their achievements and urged them to always perform at their best. 2013 marks 34 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 CIAA and the Islands’ outstanding athletes over the years.

The 17-member team leave for the Bahamas on Wednesday (27).