sep.29.2008
Members of the Trinidad and Tobago team for III Commonwealth Youth Games paid a courtesy call to High Commissioner of the Republic of India Jagit Singh Sapra last week (Friday 26th September 2008).
Swimmers Cadell Lyons and Joshua McLeod presented His Excellency with a token of appreciation for his guidance and offer to assist the team should any immigration issues arise.
His Excellency provided tremendous insight into the culture, traditions and climate of Pune – his birthplace. Pune is renowned for hosting several world class events, including India’s oldest Marathon. World class sports facilities, modern infrastructure, excellent connectivity by multiple means of transport and a rich cultural heritage coupled with a healthy climate, vouch for Pune’s candidature as the host city for the III Commonwealth Youth Games 2008.
It is the FIRST time that the Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in Asia. The Inaugural Commonwealth Youth Games were held in Edinburgh, Scotland from 10th to 14th August 2000. The II Commonwealth Youth Games were held in Bendigo, Australia from 30th November to 3rd December 2004.
The III Commonwealth Youth Games will be held in Pune from the 12th to 18th October 2008. Over 1,300 athletes and 350 officials from 71 countries will participate in these games in 9 disciplines. Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling are included in this edition of the Games.
The Commonwealth Youth Games are an extremely significant event for India as they will form the back-bone for her quest for maximum medals in the Delhi 2010 Games. The Youth Games will also serve to identify India’s medal winning potential athletes for the Asian Games 2014 and the Olympic Games 2016. The Youth Games are a run up and a trial event to the Commonwealth Games 2010 to be held in Delhi.
NOTE FOR THE EDITOR:
Team Leader Tanya Western will provide team updates to the media during the competition and can be reached at 735-3562 or tanyawestern@hotmail.com