Caribbean Athletes Hear More Unites Than Divides Them

#Bahamas, April 4, 2018 – Nassau – From beginning to end of Flow CARIFTA Games Bahamas 2018, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Michael Pintard echoed the same ideal to young athletes who competed in track and field March 30 to April 2 in Nassau – ‘we are a family of Caribbean nations, and more unites than divides us.’   And, “Although the competition was fierce,” he said on closing night, “we have a greater appreciation for the strength of this region.”

From the opening, when the Bahamas All-Stars Marching Band and National Youth Choir, Rik Carey and D Mac ramped up excitement and got the athletes pumped up and ready to compete –- all the way through friendly athletic combat that yielded second place overall for Team Bahamas (Jamaica won first place), the games were declared a success.

Minister Pintard extended thanks to volunteers, parents, guardians, team doctors for pouring into the lives of the young people who participated, before he officially brought the thrilling 2018 CARIFTA games to a close.

The crowd got one last chance to cheer for their respective countries during the athletes’ closing parade where participating countries were showcased in alphabetical order; all followed by the host country, The Bahamas.  Defence Force Rangers made an appearance during the gun salute.  The night ended with declaration that the games next year will be held in the Cayman Islands, followed by a Junkanoo “rush-out” by the CARIFTA Congos.

Photos show moments of opening and closing ceremony fanfare.

(BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)