Image, from left to right: Mr. Douglas Camacho, Chairman, Trinbago 2023 Organising Committee; Mr. Myles Lewis, Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, NGC; Ms Diane Henderson, Chairman, Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association; The Honorable Shamfa Cudjoe, Minister of Sports and Community Development; Ms Annie Hairsine, Head of Games Planning Commonwealth Youth Games, Commonwealth Games Federation; Mr. Fazad Mohammed, Head, Corporate Communications, Proman; Mr. Gregg Mannette, Head of Sales, Guardian Life of The Caribbean; Mrs Carla Cupid, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Trinidad. 

Preparations for the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games are continuing at pace, with the official mascot Cocoyea, a leatherback turtle, making its first public appearance at an event in Couva to mark the launch of the ticketing programme and official anthem of the Games.

Cocoyea, based on a design by young local artist Djibril Annisette, will be the face of the Games, appearing at the sports events, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies and throughout the twin islands during Trinbago 2023.

The Organising Committee (OC) also unveiled the official theme song for the Games, a first for the Commonwealth Youth Games. The song, entitled ‘Stay Ready’ has been exclusively recorded by the Freetown Collective, a popular Trinidad-based group, and is being played on local radio stations in Trinidad and Tobago.

The song will be ever present across the Games, and features inspiring lyrics which will speak to the young athletes taking part at Trinbago 2023. It will shortly be shared on streaming platforms including YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.

Commonwealth Games Federation CEO, Katie Sadleir commented: “This magnificent composition embodies the essence of the Caribbean… With its irresistible rhythm and uplifting lyrics, this song aims to inspire and ignite the passion of people around the Commonwealth to fulfil their dreams and reach new heights.”

Tickets are now on sale for the carnival-themed opening ceremony and the complete sports programme, with under 18s able to attend all events for free.

Ticketing supplier, Kanoo Trinidad Limited will sell tickets online via https://tikkets.com.

Tickets to the Beach Volleyball, FAST5 Netball, Rugby Sevens, Swimming, Cycling - Track and Athletics as well as the Opening Ceremony are all available to purchase, while Road Cycling - Road, Cycling - Time Trial and Triathlon are open events and free to the Public. U18s can access events for FREE but must still book seats through the ticketing platform.  More details on the ticketing process can be found in the FAQs. 

Diane Henderson, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Commonwealth Games Association said: “We are extremely excited to launch the ticketing programme for Trinbago 2023 and are calling on all local sports fans to join us for what promises to be a thrilling sports programme, preceded by a spectacular opening ceremony.”

Tribute was also paid to the 12 sponsors and partners who have joined the Games so far. In particular, the OC acknowledges the financial and technical input of the Ministry of Sport and Community Development, which continues to be an incredibly supportive partner of Trinbago 2023. 

Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Sport and Community Development, Shamfa Cudjoe, commented: “I see so many corporate sponsors coming onboard to support the Commonwealth Youth Games and as Minister I must thank each and every one of you who has made an investment in sports.” Applauding the efforts of the team, she also outlined how hosting Trinbago 2023 can bolster Trinidad and Tobago’s sport tourism sector.

The OC acknowledges the considerable support of all the corporate sponsors who have partnered with the Trinbago 2023, including The Tobago House of Assembly and Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd., and rest of the Sponsor Family:

Platinum Sponsors:

NGC and Bornan

Gold Sponsor:

Proman

Silver Sponsor:

Guardian Group

Bronze Sponsors: 

Republic Bank

Sponsor in-kind:

Blue Waters, Massy Motors, Tourism Trinidad Company, Lanher,  FCB Foote

The Games, taking place from 4-11 August, will see 71 Nations and Territories from across the Commonwealth, compete in seven sports - Aquatics (Swimming), Athletics and Para Athletics, Cycling (Road and Track), Triathlon, FAST5 Netball, Rugby Sevens, and Beach Volleyball.