In just 100 days, Trinidad and Tobago will host the seventh edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games. From August 4–11, over 1,000 young athletes and para-athletes from across the Commonwealth will gather to showcase their talents in several sports with 99 medal events. The games will provide a platform for young athletes aged between 14 and 18 to develop their skills and gain valuable experience on the international stage.
Athletes from 71 Commonwealth nations and territories will participate in Aquatics (Swimming), Athletics, Cycling (Road Race, Time Trial and Track) and Triathlon, as well as Rugby Sevens and Beach Volleyball. Netball’s shorter, faster format, FAST5, will also make its debut at the Youth Games with eight women’s teams competing for a medal. A fully integrated Para-Athletics programme will also make its first appearance at the Games with athletes competing in six medal events.
Team Uganda, one of the participating nations, has a rich history in the Commonwealth Youth Games, having won 14 medals in track and field athletics at the last three games in Samoa in 2015, Isle of Man in 2011, and Pune India in 2008. The Games have introduced several young Ugandan athletes to the big stage, most notably Peruth Chemutai, who went on to win a gold medal in the women’s 3000 meters steeplechase at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and Halimah Nakaayi, who also went on to win gold in the 800m at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha.
The Commonwealth Youth Games have played an important role in providing a stage for young athletes to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience. For many young athletes, it is their first taste of international competition, and it provides them with an opportunity to learn from their peers. The Games also foster a sense of sportsmanship among athletes from different nations and cultures. As we look forward to the Games, we can expect to see some exceptional performances from young athletes who will undoubtedly be the stars of the future.