In a closing ceremony full of carnival colour, music and dancing, more than 1,000 athletes from around 70 Commonwealth Nations and Territories marked the end of the first Commonwealth Youth Games to take place in the Caribbean.

The festivities featured a range of show-stopping traditional dance performances, including the famous stilts walkers, Moko Jumbies.

In her closing address, Dame Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation said: “For me, this has been one of the best Commonwealth Youth Games ever.”

“To every single one of our Commonwealth athletes, thank you and well done. You are all now part of a unique Commonwealth family – and you should be extremely proud of what you have achieved here at Trinbago 2023.”

As Trinbago 2023 ended, the Minister of Sport and Community Development, Shamfa Cudjoe handed over the flag to Dame Louise Martin. 

Diane Henderson, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association, and the local Organising Committee, said: “The dedication, hard work, and passion of our team, volunteers, and athletes have made this event a resounding success.”

“We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our beautiful country and culture to the world, and we look forward to continuing to support and develop youth and Para sports in Trinidad and Tobago.”

The closing ceremony signalled the end of six days of spectacular sport, with athletes competing in Aquatics (Swimming), Athletics, Cycling (Road Race, Time Trial, and Track) and Triathlon, as well as Rugby Sevens and Beach Volleyball.

History was made with an integrated Para-Athletics programme making its first appearance at a Youth Games. Netball’s shorter, faster format, FAST5, also made its debut.

The Youth Games are an established pathway towards the Commonwealth Games, and other major senior sporting events. The Games provide an opportunity to showcase the stars of the future.