Team Antigua and Barbuda will depart the island on Wednesday, 28 October, for Dakar, Senegal, to compete at the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games — the first YOG to be held on the African continent. The island’s top athletes aged 15–18 will take to the world stage from 31 October to 13 November.
Leading the delegation, world U20 finalist Tyra Fenton will serve as flag bearer and is one to watch in the women’s 200m on 10 November. Zonique Charles, a CARIFTA bronze medallist, will contest the women’s javelin (500g) on 9 November. Table tennis rising star Stuti Kashyap will compete in the women’s singles, which begins on 1 November. Two swimmers — Keziah Joseph (women’s events) and Espriit Joseph (men’s events) — will make their Youth Olympic debuts in the pool; swimming events run from 1–6 November. These athletes represent the best in the OECS and will be aiming to make their mark internationally.
The team will be led by Chef de Mission Karen Joseph, with Eric Henry serving as Athlete Welfare Officer. Athletics management is provided by Sonia Williams and Aswald Baptiste; swimming by National Coach Nelson Molino Fojo; and table tennis by Aleena Edwards (Trinidad and Tobago). Medical support will be provided by Dr. Hon. Philmore Benjamin. NOC President Hon. E. P. Chet Greene and Secretary General Cliff Williams will also attend.
PEAK Athletics will sponsor the Antigua and Barbuda team apparel.
“As Secretary General of the Antigua and Barbuda Olympic Association, I congratulate our young athletes headed to Dakar. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication. They carry our hopes to the world stage and will represent Antigua and Barbuda with excellence, courage and sportsmanship — the entire nation is behind them.”
The Youth Olympic Games bring together the world’s best young athletes (aged 15–18) for high-level competition combined with cultural and educational experiences. We wish the Antigua and Barbuda team every success.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Athletes Depart Today for Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.