Carifta Games headed TT’s way says Doldron

Trinidad and Tobago have reiterated their willingness to host the 2005 CARIFTA Games track and field championship. National Amateur Athletic Association President Ken Doldron has disclosed that the North, Central American and Caribbean track and field confederation, the governing body for the Championships, approached them after Grenada withdrew from the staging of the Games. “We haven’t had any official word out of NACAC, but what they did was ask us if we will be willing at short notice to host the Games,” Doldron told CMC Radio Sports. “This was prior to Grenada saying they were unable to do it, but if it is a situation where we have to maintain the Games and TT is asked to do so, we will certainly do our best in ensuring the continuity of the CARIFTA Games.”

The official decision on who will host the Games will be made this week in a NACAC meeting in Puerto Rico, with all applicants, including TT, in the bid process. In anticipation of TT hosting the Games, Doldron has already approached major sponsors for assistance. “I spoke to the major sponsors who would have no problem with it being hosted in TT, or even in Barbados, where they have major business interests,” he said. “We are awaiting the outcome of the meeting of NACAC over the weekend and if we are formally asked, I am certain that we will tell them that we are prepared to host the Games.” The twin-island republic was originally slated to host the region’s premier junior track and field championship in two years time, but because of the hurricane devastation in Grenada, officials there had to withdraw from hosting the Games next year. TT last played host to the Games four years ago at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. (CMC)