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Nassau, July 22, 2026 — NACAC Athletics announced today that the immediate future of the CARIFTA Games has been secured, with Guyana confirmed as host of the 2027 Games and Barbados as host in 2028, following the swift intervention and support of the CARICOM Heads of Government.
The announcement comes after the two member federations that had expressed interest in hosting the 2027 Games withdrew, just days before the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting held July 5–8, 2026. NACAC Athletics appealed directly to the CARICOM Heads on the urgent need to secure a host and on the broader value of sport to the region’s young people.
“On behalf of the NACAC Athletics Council, officials, and athletes of the NACAC Athletics family, I wish to thank the CARICOM Heads for their swift and positive response in support of the CARIFTA Games,” said Mr. Mike Sands, President of NACAC Athletics.
“I especially thank President Ali of Guyana and Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados for agreeing to host CARIFTA 2027 and 2028. This secures the immediate future of what is arguably the world’s premier junior athletics event.”
A Historic CARIFTA 2026 in Grenada
NACAC Athletics extends its appreciation to the Government, member federation, Local Organising Committee, and people of Grenada for hosting the 2026 CARIFTA Games on short notice — the second time Grenada has stepped up as host within a three-year period. The 2026 Games achieved the widest television and livestream viewership in CARIFTA history, reaching audiences across the Caribbean, the United States, and Europe.
NACAC Athletics has now taken control of the broadcast rights to its events, positioning the CARIFTA Games and other NACAC competitions to reach wider audiences while generating new revenue for the sport.
“Grenada’s willingness to host twice in three years speaks to its commitment to youth development, but it also reminds us of the real demands hosting places on our smaller island states,” said President Sands. “Sustaining the CARIFTA Games will take continued partnership between our governments and sporting bodies.”
Record-Breaking U18/U23 Championships in Tlaxcala, Mexico
On July 10–12, NACAC Athletics staged its U18/U23 Championships in Tlaxcala, Mexico, with 512 athletes from 26 member federations competing. Athletes from 20 of the 26 participating federations reached the medal podium, and 20 championship records were broken. The U23 age range was expanded to give U20 athletes an additional opportunity to qualify for the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, next month.
NACAC Athletics thanks the Governor of Tlaxcala, the Mexican member federation, and the Local Organising Committee for staging an outstanding event.
Growing Activity Across the Region
Competition activity continues to grow across the Area member federations. In May, Nicaragua hosted the CADICA U18/U20 Championships with approximately 260 athletes, followed by the CADICA Senior Championships in June with approximately 150 athletes.
With approximately 26 percent of the Caribbean’s 44.8 million people under the age of 25 — and nearly half of the combined Central American and Caribbean population of 231.8 million — NACAC Athletics is urging regional governments to continue investing in sport as a driver of youth development.
“In the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does,’” said.
“Sport is everything.”
About NACAC Athletics
NACAC Athletics is the continental governing body for athletics in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, comprising 38 member federations, including associate and guest members.
Media Contact
Marsha Major