On Wednesday, March 29, the Cayman Islands Athletic Association (CIAA) formally presented the 15-member 2017 CARIFTA track and field team that will be representing the Cayman Islands at the 46th CARIFTA Games in Curacao between April 14 and April 17.

The athletes were introduced at the official gathering of the CARIFTA athletes, parents and supporters, which was hosted by long-time sponsors of the CIAA and track and field, Caribbbean Utilties Company, Ltd. (CUC), prior to the team’s departure.

In attendance were the Hon. Osbourne Bodden, Minister of Community Affairs, Youth and Sports; Mr. Collin Anglin, Director of the Department of Sports; and Mr. Richard Hew, CUC’s President and CEO.

The team representing the Cayman Islands at this year’s event will be:

Under 18 Girls: Ashantae Graham – Long Jump Aijah Lewis – High Jump and Long Jump

Under 18 Boys: Rasheem Brown – 110m High Hurdles and 4x100m Relay Kashief Dawkins – 200m and 4x100m Relay Louis Gordon – High Jump and 4x100m Relay Daujaughn Murray – 200m, 400m and 4x100m Relay Lemar Reid – Long Jump, Triple Jump and 4x100m Relay Jevon Watler-Christian – High Jump, Long Jump and 4x100m Relay

Under 20 Girls: Lacee Barnes – Shot Put and Discus Daneliz Thomas – Javelin Shalysa Wray – 400m

Under 20 Boys: Dominic Dyer – 1500m and 5000m William Edwards – 1500m and 5000m
Jeavhaun Jackson – 400m High Hurdles Jamal Walton – 200m and 400m

Officials: Kenrick Willams – Coach Tyrone Yen – Assistant Coach
Maxine Anglin – Team Manager Al Bartice-Smith – Team Physio

Assistant Coach Tyrone Yen presented the team to the media and parents and commended the athletes for their dedication and hard work in achieving the qualifying times and distances. He anticipated a good showing from the Cayman contingent as in previous years, and expressed appreciation to all the coaches, parents and many volunteers who worked tirelessly to prepare the athletes for this important regional competition.

President and CEO of CUC, Richard Hew congratulated the athletes on their achievements and urged them to always perform at their best. He added that CUC is proud to lend its assistance to sports because it focusses a lot on youth as the Company believed strongly in youth development. 2017 marks 38 years that CUC, the main corporate sponsors of the CIAA, has been involved with the Association and its endeavours, particularly the CARIFTA Games. Mr. Hew expressed CUC’s pleasure in being able to assist with the development of the Islands’ outstanding athletes over the years.

The 15-member team and four officials will depart for Curacao on Thursday, April 13th.