The Eyes of the Caribbean was on Bermuda as the Opening Ceremony of the 41st Carifta Games took place. The Ceremony mark the beginning of what many describe as the Biggest Caribbean Sporting event held every year for Junior Athletes.
The Opening Ceremony provided an opportunity for not only Bermuda, but the rest of the Caribbean to view the artistic expression of Donna Watson and her team, and the culture of our Bermuda.
Bermuda Track and Field Association President Donna Watson led the Governor Sir Richard Gozney, Premier Paula Cox, Minister of Youth, Families and Sports Glenn Blakeney and North American, Central American and Central Athletic Association President Teddy McCook to the middle of the Field to greet the Athletes.
There was a special moment at the beginning of the Opening Ceremony, when one of two Bermuda Carifta Record Holders, Sonya Smith was introduced to the thousands on hand at the Sports Center.
A tearful Smith who followed the Bermuda Regiment Band onto the Track received a standing ovation as she walked around the track.
The Parade of Athletes then followed into the Stadium, nation by nation to thunderous applause. Teams enter in alphabetical order, with Bermuda the Host Country marching in last.
Once all the nations arrived into the Stadium, the opening prayer by Cannon Francis was followed by the President of the BFTA Donna Watson. The Governor then had some opening remarks and he was followed by the Premier who welcomed the Heads of Caribbean Governments that have come to Bermuda, who was followed by Blakeney, with McCook deliving his opening remarks. The Town Crier then declared the 41st Carifta Games Open.
Kijuan Minors sang the National Anthem, while Bermuda’s Taylor Ashley Bean read the Athletes Oath, while Calvin Dill a Carifta Gold Medallist in both the 100m and the 200m read the Officials and Judges Oath.
The Games will get underway on Saturday April 7th at the National Sports Center beginning at 9am.
