Minister of Youth, Culture, and Sport Dr. Ernest met with members of the CARIFTA Bermuda Triathlon team at the Bermuda Olympic Association, saying “Bermuda has a long and impressive history in triathlon and it is fitting that our island will host these Championships just a year after Dame Flora Duffy achieved Olympic success in the sport and bought home the island’s first Gold Medal.”
Minister Peets continued, “Having met members of the Bermuda national team, I am hugely impressed by their dedication, determination, and drive and I am confident that Flora’s achievements will be mirrored by these young people in the years to come.
However, the success of these games will not only be measured in terms of the number of medals or trophies won but by the young people who are inspired by their experiences here. The CARIFTA games are an occasion for regional collaboration and friendship. Our athletes will meet and compete against the best young triathletes and aquathletes from across the Caribbean but it is my hope that they also forge bonds with young people who share similar passions and goals. Through sport, our children can learn teamwork, perseverance, responsibility, commitment, and leadership.
These are valuable lessons as they enter the workforce and beyond. We all know that an event of this scale requires months of planning and organization and I would like to extend my thanks to all the stakeholders who have worked together to ensure that the CARIFTA Championships could go ahead in a safe and enjoyable manner. I would like to congratulate the Bermuda Triathlon Association once again for hosting this celebration of Caribbean youth and to all the parents, friends, sponsors, and volunteers for their immense contribution.
Finally, I would like to extend the very best of luck to all of our athletes competing in these Championships and l look forward to watching the Bermuda team in action at Clearwater next weekend.”
Also present were Sharon Hammond, President of the Bermuda Triathlon Association, Neil de ste Croix, Head Coach, Hazel Clark, Bermuda Tourism Authority as well as athletes, Nick Pilgrim, Fenella Wightman, Jackson Langley, Kelise Wade, and Sanchez Smith.
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