GAMES

The modern Commonwealth is celebrating 70 years of vibrant life. Its rich history includes decisive action to end white minority rule in South Africa; strong support for effective democracy through election observations and peace-building initiatives; relentless advocacy for groups such as women and young people; significant voice for small and vulnerable countries and visionary leadership on emerging issues such as climate change and trade connectivity.

TEN days before the Commonwealth celebrates its 70th anniversary, the British High Commission gathered several non-governmental entities and possible sponsors in an event called A Connected Commonwealth.

The Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association (TTCGA) has promised an "innovative, exciting and inspirational digital strategy" if the country is awarded the hosting rights to the 2021 Commonwealth Youth Games.

Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive David Grevemberg says the organisation is "extremely concerned" after Brunei announced punishments including death by stoning for homosexuality and adultery would be brought in from next week.

Gibraltar or Trinidad and Tobago?

Its hugely significant in the context of Trinidad and Tobago’s sport history. Hosting a multi-sport event can be a positive catalyst. We were entrusted with the responsibility to develop and present the Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Youth Games bid concept and vision and why Trinidad and Tobago. Today we use the Things That Matter column to share our ideas and thoughts.

Why Trinidad and Tobago?

The Commonwealth Youth Games has not as yet taken place in the Commonwealth Games Federation Caribbean region and as the Games looks to complete its journey around the Commonwealth Games Federation regions, Trinidad and Tobago is an ideal destination to host such an event. In 2017, the Games was held in the Bahamas. The Bahamas is in the Americas Region of the Commonwealth Games Federation not the Caribbean region.

Trinidad and Tobago's rich history, amazing culture, beauty and sporting heritage will capture the imagination of the youth of the Commonwealth.

A small island nation with world-class facilities and athletes. Trinbago 2021 will create a welcome like no other. Trinbagonians are sports enthusiasts and will ensure a vibrant atmosphere that will live long in the memories of the Commonwealth Games Family.

Trinbago 2021 will engage, inspire and unite the youth and young people of the Commonwealth.

• will give hope, drive aspiration and demonstrate that the Commonwealth is a glorious place to be proud of and explored.
• will have a local impact in terms of addressing social issues with young people, bringing about community cohesion.
• will embrace the issues that impact our youth and young people as a consequence of the economic and social challenges.
• will bring hope and change for the youth and young people of Trinidad and Tobago.
• act as a catalyst for youth engagement, youth entrepreneurship and empowerment
• the celebration of Emancipation will be part of the fabric of Trinbago 2021
• Strong and committed Government and Public Authorities support

Vision and Concept

Use the Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) to inspire youth engagement, empowerment and entrepreneurship in sport. It will serve as a catalyst to mobilize Trinidad and Tobago’s potential as A Global Hub for Sport Business and Tourism. This aligns with the vision of the Commonwealth Youth Games of inspiring and engaging up to 1000 of the Commonwealth finest youth athletes in a festival of Sport, Development and Global friendship.

Trinbago 2021 will be transformative, holistic and cause people to rethink how the games can be delivered. Trinbago2021 intends to leave a legacy of youth and young people engagement, empowerment and entrepreneurship.

Trinidad and Tobago has a history of hosting cultural, entertainment and sport events with support from both the private and public industries. It will be the first ever multi-sport event hosted by the twin Island Republic and the key for the success of the Games will be the relationship developed with the public and private sectors.

The decision is now in the hands of the Commonwealth Games Federation Executive Board. Who will host the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2021? The wait for the decision begins.

Written by Chanelle Young, Rheeza Grant and Kwanieze John.