Commonwealth Secretary-General is on Trinidad and Tobago for the Commonwealth Youth Games

August 3, 2023:

With days to go before the seventh Commonwealth Youth Games, Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, praised Trinidad and Tobago for the work that has been done in preparation for the Games. The Secretary-General will attend the opening ceremony on Friday, 4 August 2023, and will stay on to cheer on all the athletes as they compete in this global festival of sport. 

Organised by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, local partners and the Commonwealth Games Federation, the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games will take place in Trinidad and Tobago from 4-11 August. The events will see over 1,000 athletes and para-athletes, aged between 14 and 18, competing in seven sporting disciplines over six days of competition. A para-athletics programme will debut at these Youth Games, with para-athletes competing in six medal events. 

This year’s Youth Games takes place during the Commonwealth Year of Youth, as 2023 was designated by leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2022. The third of August 2023 marks 50 years of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, which was established to deliver support for young people under the age of 30 to reach their full potential and galvanise youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development.  

The Commonwealth Secretary-General said:  

“Sport is one of the things that brings us together and it can be a catalyst to transform people and society. I look forward to seeing the next generation of sporting stars that will no doubt shine this week in Trinidad and Tobago. 

“I know the tremendous amount of work and resources goes into events of this nature, and I thank all those who have contributed for making the investment in the Commonwealth Youth Games. From the President of the Republic, the Ministers involved, the steering committee, the volunteers, the policemen directing traffic, to the man selling doubles, we are tremendously grateful to you all for hosting the Commonwealth. 

“I am pleased to hear that flights have been full, hotel rooms are booked, and I hear that people are already enjoying the food and culture that these twin islands have to offer as well as the sport. 

“I also congratulate the Commonwealth Games Federation, its President Dame Louise Martin and her team, who have been working collaboratively with their amazing local partners.” 

While at the Youth Games, the Commonwealth Secretariat is hosting eight workshop sessions, called Athlete Impact Labs, with the teams attending the Youth Games. Partners for this project include the Commonwealth Games Federation, UNICEF UK, Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Network, Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee, First Citizens Sports Foundation and the Commonwealth Youth Games Organising Committee.  

These intensive clinics are being held to ensure athletes are aware of their rights, can identify breaches and are equipped to manage any unethical challenges that they may experience or may happen to someone else. This initiative will be complemented by the coverage from young journalists who will gather content from the young athletes during the workshops and supply coverage throughout the Games.