ST GEORGE’S, Grenada — The heartbeat of Caribbean athletics is about to pulse as soon as extra in Grenada, because the island prepares to host the 53rd version of the Carifta Video games in 2026.
The announcement, made Thursday by Minister of Youth, Sports activities, and Tradition Delma Thomas, positions the Spice Isle for a outstanding close to back-to-back staging of the area’s most prestigious youth athletics championship.
If confirmed, the occasion will happen from April 4–6, 2026, on the Kirani James Athletic Stadium, named in honor of the island’s Olympic hero.
This can mark Grenada’s fourth time internet hosting the Video games, having beforehand welcomed the Caribbean’s elite junior athletes in 2000, 2016, and most just lately in 2024.
“A proud second for our nation”
In an exuberant social media submit, Minister Thomas underscored the nationwide significance of the announcement.
– Commercial –
“I’m happy to formally announce that Grenada will host the Carifta Video games in 2026, bringing the area’s premier athletics championship again to our shores virtually back-to-back, following our profitable internet hosting in 2024,” Thomas acknowledged.
“It is a proud second for our nation as we as soon as once more take centre stage in showcasing the Caribbean’s greatest, younger, athletic expertise.”
Thomas emphasised that the occasion not solely displays Grenada’s rising stature in regional sport, but in addition its broader imaginative and prescient for youth improvement and cultural unity.
“Internet hosting Carifta 2026 reaffirms Grenada’s dedication to youth improvement, sports activities excellence, and regional unity,” she added.
“The Authorities of Grenada, by means of the Ministry of Youth and Sports activities, will work intently with the GAA and all related stakeholders to make sure the occasion is delivered on the highest commonplace.”
Awaiting official inexperienced mild
Whereas the announcement has ignited nationwide pleasure, the internet hosting of the Video games nonetheless awaits ultimate approval from the Authorities of Grenada. Nevertheless, the momentum is unmistakable, significantly after Guyana formally declined curiosity in staging the 2026 version, clearing the trail for Grenada to step ahead.
Grenada’s latest success in organizing the 2024 Video games bolstered confidence in its capability to ship world-class sporting occasions. From crowd vitality to athlete performances, the island showcased not simply infrastructure however a palpable Caribbean spirit—one which the 2026 Video games goal to construct upon.
Because the countdown begins, eyes throughout the area will as soon as once more flip to the stadium named after considered one of its most celebrated athletes—able to encourage the subsequent era of champions.