Officials have indicated that the lengthy to-do list is gradually shrinking, five months ahead of the Carifta Games to be staged next April at the National Sports Centre.
Bermuda Track & Field Association president Donna Watson said things were slowly, but surely falling into place for the region’s marquee junior meet scheduled for April 7 to 9 next year.
“There are so many small things we have to keep an eye on for this event to be successful,” she said in the Royal Gazette newspaper yesterday.
“We’re on course though, and have put several things in place already, finalising several contracts towards the event.”
She said: “One of the biggest challenges is securing transportation (for athletes and officials): the greatest nightmare for any international event.
“For these Games to be successful, the most important thing is accommodation, which we have secured and transportation, which we’re securing. We also have to make sure we stay on budget.”
The Games were held at the last minute in Jamaica last year after several Caribbean countries passed on the challenge of hosting.
high standard
Bermuda has had at least two years to prepare and Watson said Bermuda wanted to maintain the high standard of organisation for which the Games had become renowned over the years.
“The Carifta Games has always been very well organised; I have never been to one that has not been,” she said.
“Even last year’s Games were well organised when Jamaica took on the Games at the last minute. No country ever wants to be the country with the reputation for having a bad Carifta.”
She added: “We have already been in conversation with several of the Caribbean countries which will be bringing spectators to Bermuda for the Games. I’ve also had calls from American coaches who will be coming here looking to recruit athletes.
“The tourist numbers will be highly boosted by this event; it’s one of the top youth athletics events, so people will follow it regardless of where it’s held.”
The Carifta Games have been running since 1972 and are considered by many as one of the top youth meets in the world.
CMC
