The Commonwealth Youth Games is an invaluable springboard for the stars and leaders of tomorrow, contributing to the further development of youth sport throughout the Commonwealth. Athletes who have competed at a Youth Games and gone on to be successful on the global stage include Jessica Ennis-Hill (Athletics), Chad Le Clos (Swimming) and Pusarla Venkata Sindhu (Badminton). 

Trinbago 2023, the seventh edition of the Youth Games, took place on the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago in August. The Games brought together diverse cultures, celebrated the spirit of friendly competition, and provided a platform for the next generation of Commonwealth athletes to shine on the international stage.

At the heart of the Games were the achievements and triumphs of the 14-18 year-old participants, with 99 medal events across seven sports, resulting in over 20 existing Commonwealth Youth Games records being shattered by the outstanding young athletes. Notable achievements included the historic victory of Destiny Agbo of Nigeria, a GAPS athlete, who won the first ever Para gold medal in the Women’s Discus Throw - F42-44 / F61-64.  The GAPS programme, developed in partnership with Griffith University, offers support for Para athletes and their coaches. This unique programme has benefited 240 individuals since 2016 delivering its first Gold Medal when Nigeria’s Goodness Chiemerie Nwachukwu threw a Para Discus World Record at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, before Agbo continued that succes in Trinbago. 

Dame Louise Martin, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, and the driving force behind the Youth Games, said: "As my tenure with the CGF comes to an end, one of my proudest achievements is the establishment of the Commonwealth Youth Games and the role it plays in uniting young athletes from around the world. These Games go beyond the glory; they empower athletes, give many their first taste of multi-sport events, and create lifelong friendships.”

Katie Sadleir, Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Games Federation, commented: “The Commonwealth Youth Games has become such an important part of the Commonwealth Sport Movement and, following the enormous success of Trinbago 2023, it is exciting to see hosting interest across the Commonwealth ahead of the formal selection process beginning in the new year.”

As well as Trinidad and Tobago, the Youth Games has been hosted by The Bahamas, Samoa, Isle of Man, Pune, Bendigo, and Edinburgh.

Photo caption: Destiny Nkemakonam Agbo of Nigeria competes in the Women's Discus Throw - F42-44 / F61-64 at the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago. Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images for Commonwealth Sport