by Nisha Paul
- Grenada team won 2 gold, 6 silver, and 5 bronze medals with 4th place regional finish
- 37-member delegation returned last Tuesday to heroes’ welcome at MBIA
- 52nd CARIFTA Games held in Trinidad and Tobago
With 13 medals and a top-4 regional finish under their belts, Grenada’s CARIFTA team continues to bask in the national spotlight following a spectacular performance at the 52nd CARIFTA Games held in Trinidad and Tobago earlier this month.
The 37-member delegation returned home to a hero’s welcome at Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) last Tuesday after making a bold statement on the regional athletics stage. Their haul: 2 gold, 6 silver, and 5 bronze, secured Grenada a 4th-place finish overall after 3 days of competition in various events, cementing the country’s growing reputation in youth athletics.
In a ceremony marking their return, government officials, fans, and media gathered to celebrate the athletes’ success.
Sports Minister Hon. Delma Thomas praised the team’s grit and excellence, stating that “CARIFTA was nothing short of spectacular for Grenada.” “Our track and field athletes put us on the map, and made their presence felt among the regional powerhouses…The fact that we as a small island, placed in the top 4 speaks volumes,” she stated, further noting that even those who did not make the podium performed extremely well.
Among those commended was coach Wayne Mc Sween, who, despite the personal tragedy of losing his mother on the same day the team departed, remained committed to his role and guided the athletes through the games. He also commended the team for their hard work and dedication. “We may not have hundreds of medals, but the 13 we have (earned) are quality medals, gold, silver, and bronze,” Mc Sween stated, visibly proud of the team’s efforts.
Representing Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, Minister Andy Williams echoed the pride shared by the nation. Recalling that years ago, one CARIFTA medal was considered a major win for Grenada, he expressed gratitude to the coaches, athletes, and parents, noting that this 13-medal achievement shows how far we’ve come in regional athletics. “Years ago, one medal from CARIFTA was a big thing. Now we are coming back with 13. It’s amazing and shows the growing quality of our athletes. You are putting Grenada on the map again,” Minister Williams declared.
Team member Ethan Sam summed up the team’s pride and determination, stating that “it’s a good feeling to make Grenada proud, and put Grenada on the map once again.”
While the athletes’ performance was widely celebrated, the 2025 CARIFTA event was not without its challenges. Local media personnel who travelled with the team voiced frustration on social media over what has been described as inadequate accommodation as they attempted to cover the games. Despite those hurdles, the spotlight remained firmly on the athletes, whose accomplishments have stirred national pride and inspired hope for Grenada’s future in regional and international athletics.
