To help celebrate Commonwealth Day 2026 the British High Commission collaborated with the Antigua and Barbuda Athletics Association to highlight the role of youth and sport in the Commonwealth.

On 5 March the High Commission and ABAA organised a Commonwealth-focused initiative bringing together several former Commonwealth athletes and more than 60 young athletes for a special meet-up at YASCO. Commonwealth Games veterans gave the next generation of Antiguan and Barbudan athletes an inspiring presentation about their rich experiences in multiple Games.

Speaking to the athletes Resident British Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, John Hamilton, said,

“Antigua and Barbuda will be hosting the prestigious Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this year. You have demonstrated a strong interest in the work of the Commonwealth, the legacy of the Commonwealth Games, and the importance of collaboration across our nations. I hope the encouragement from athletes who have represented Antigua and Barbuda in the past will serve as inspiration in your own sporting journeys”.

The High Commission was happy to provide some support for the CARIFTA trials on 7 and 8 March. Over 150 athletes took part in a highly competitive competition. All participants had received a certificate recognising their achievements and information about the Commonwealth and the Commonwealth Games, taking place this year in Glasgow, Scotland.

Antigua and Barbuda will host the largest event in the Commonwealth calendar in November this year, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Hamilton thanked the diligent team at the Athletics Association for their help in including lessons about the 56-member grouping over recent days.