The successful hosting of the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games by Trinidad and Tobago is the cornerstone of a powerful sporting legacy for the Host Nation according to the event’s Impact Evaluation Report.
The recently released report stated that Trinbago 2023 – the first Commonwealth Youth Games to be hosted in a Caribbean country – was the catalyst for world-class venue transformations and a commitment to sporting inclusivity in the country through the integration of para-athletics for the first time into the Youth Games sports programme.
It also stated that the 7th edition of the Games was pivotal in inspiring youth, fostering community engagement, promoting sports tourism and establishing a volunteer culture in Trinidad and Tobago.
These achievements aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including the priority areas for the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) of Good Health & Wellbeing, Gender Equality and Reduced Inequalities.
Trinbago 2023 brought together 947 athletes and para-athletes from across 68 Commonwealth nations and territories for the 4-11 August multi-sport event.
CGF President, Chris Jenkins OBE, said: ‘’Trinidad and Tobago’s successful hosting of the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games has delivered a lasting legacy for the hosts and a tangible return on public investment, particularly in the area of venue development, that boosts their aspirations to host other global sporting events.
We are also proud of Trinbago 2023 in blazing a trail for integration with the inclusion of para-athletes for the first time into a Commonwealth Youth Games.
’We saw for ourselves the talent, courage, ambition and immense national pride on display as our elite athletes and para-athletes came together in a celebration of sport. Trinbago 2023 will serve as a transformative milestone in the careers of our young athletes, marking for many their initiation into an international multi-sport event environment, and it will be an experience that stays with them forever.’’
Diane Henderson, President of Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association, said ‘’Trinbago 2023 harnessed the youthful energy of member nations, emphasising volunteerism and empowering athletes to engage in the business of sport.
Throughout our journey, numerous positives emerged: the Trinbago 2023 CARAVAN, a school outreach initiative, shared Commonwealth knowledge and sports awareness, while the Youth Voice Conference, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat, exemplified youth-driven initiatives. The Games witnessed a demonstration of national pride with 1,900 volunteers, safeguarding policies, education, and Anti-Doping advocacy, proving pivotal in shaping the experience.
‘’Venues used during the Games, such as the Union Cycliste Internationale’s First Americas Satellite Centre in Trinidad for track cycling and the redeveloped Black Rock Beach Facility in Tobago for beach volleyball, continue to be integral in the development of youth athletes and the capacity building of coaches and officials within the Caribbean region, and reflect our commitment to fostering sustainable sports development and international collaboration in the region.’’
The report, funded by the Commonwealth Secretariat, was presented at the recent 11th Commonwealth Sports Ministers Meeting (CSMM) in Paris as part of the Commonwealth’s effort to deepen evidence-based sports policy.
Influenced by the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Global Sport and SDG Indicators and the Association of Summer Olympics International Federations (ASOIF) framework, the report highlights positive economic, social, image, sport and environmental impacts that laid the foundation for Trinbago 2023’s enduring legacy and helps shape the Host Nation’s future policies and development objectives – weaving a lasting narrative into the fabric of the nation.
Economic Legacy
- The report identified crucial upgrades to sports infrastructure, transforming key venues to world-class standards, including the Hasely Crawford Stadium, as a testament to the economic impact – positioning Trinidad and Tobago as an attractive potential host of future international events to further establish its reputation in sports tourism.
- Trinbago 2023 also strategically targeted boosting sports tourism by attracting athletes to stay for training post-event to position the country as a hub for athlete development.
- The Games created 202 job opportunities, contributing to economic growth, and providing skills-building experiences for those involved.
Social Legacy
- Aligned with the inspiring theme ‘Changing Lives for the Better,’ Trinbago 2023 significantly contributed to youth development, inspiring young athletes, and fostering community engagement.
- Several Legacy initiatives were executed pre-games and during the Games including the Mascot design competition, Athlete Impact Labs, Anti-Doping Workshops, Safeguarding Workshops and Stations, Trinbago 2023 Caravan, Game Changers – Youth Voice Conference and Youth Journalist – UNICEF.
- The Games celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago, leaving a lasting impact.
- The inclusion of para-athletics for the first time in the Youth Games’ history demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity and equality.
Image and Sport Legacy
- The Commonwealth Youth Games were streamed across 49 international territories.
- Survey feedback revealed a heightened national pride, attendee satisfaction, and a strong likelihood to recommend the Games. 89% of residents surveyed were proud that Trinidad and Tobago hosted the Games and 94% of attendees were satisfied with the Games
- 7 in 10 residents surveyed at the Games or who watched were inspired to do more sport/recreational or physical activity – contributing to local sports development.
Environmental Legacy
- Trinbago 2023 embraced environmental stewardship, aligning with Tobago’s eco-tourism reputation. The transformation of the Black Rock Beach Facility exemplified a commitment to eco-friendliness, promoting environmentally responsible event management, and reflecting profound respect for the island’s natural beauty. This commitment ensured a legacy of sustainability for future generations.
Instructively, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games, and for delivering the vision of the Commonwealth Sports Movement: ‘Our Commonwealth, united through sport’.
Its mission is to deliver inspirational and impactful Games; to excite and empower athletes and young people, and to drive equality in sport and society across the Commonwealth.
Established in 1930, the Commonwealth Sport Movement brings together 74 independent nations and territories creating a diverse Commonwealth community of over 2.5 billion individuals, representing one-third of the world’s population. Together they stand as a beacon of unity, diversity, and equality, completely integrating Para athletes, driving gender equality and advocating for legacy and social change through sport.