Jamaica to host CARIFTA Games 2022

Jamaica is set to host the Junior CARIFTA Track and Field Games from April 16-18 after receiving government backing following the  cancellation of the last two editions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 event was scheduled to be held in Bermuda but was postponed to 2021 before being cancelled as a result of ongoing coronavirus-related concerns on the territory.

President of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), Garth Gayle said the organization had received support to host the 49th edition of the Games at the North American, Central and Caribbean Athletics Association Special Congress.

Jamaica Minister of Sport, Olivia Grange said hosting the event would fit in with government’s plan for a year-long celebration of the country’s diamond jubilee as an independent nation.

Guyana had originally selected to host the 2022 Games but has been awarded hosting rights for 2023 to allow it more time to ensure the country is prepared.

Jamaica is the most successful country at the CARIFTA Games with 770 gold medals since the records began in 1990. It  has hosted the event on seven occasions.