The event introduced participants to the spirit of volunteering and highlighted the significant role each volunteer plays in the successful execution of a Commonwealth Youth Games. 

Attendees were given an overview of the Games Time schedule by Annie Hairsine, Youth Games Lead at the Commonwealth Games Federation. Hairsine said: “It was incredible to see such a great turnout for our Volunteer engagement day. The level of support from all ages and across the community was overwhelming, and we are excited to be expanding the team now, as we welcome the Commonwealth to Trinidad and Tobago.”  

Sonja Johnson, Volunteer Manager for Trinbago 2023 expressed her satisfaction with the turnout, stating: “I am really happy to see the numbers on a Saturday morning when people are busy, yet they chose to be with us”. 

Johnson added her pleasure that, as of 24 June, more than 1,500 people had applied to volunteer at the Youth Games from across the twin islands. 

The Minister of Sport and Community Development, the Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe, described the volunteers as the people who make the games come alive. She said: “When we went to Birmingham 2022, to see what it was like, we realised anybody could host an event, but it was the volunteers who made the Games”. 

The Minister also highlighted that hosting the Commonwealth Youth Games would provide economic activity and business for the country by bringing people to Trinidad and Tobago to experience and be part of sport development. 

Athletes from 71 of the Commonwealth nations and territories will participate in Aquatics (Swimming), Athletics, Cycling (Road Race, Time Trial, and Track) and Triathlon, as well as Rugby Sevens and Beach Volleyball. Netball’s shorter, faster format, FAST5, makes its debut at the Youth Games with eight women’s teams competing for a medal. A fully integrated Para-Athletics programme will also make its first appearance at the Games with athletes competing in six medal events (three women’s and three men’s events). Read more about the sports here.