A New Zealand Team made up of ten swimmers and four beach volleyball athletes is currently winging it’s way to Trinidad and Tobago to compete at the Commonwealth Youth Games.
The Games are set to take place August 4th – 11th, with more than 1,000 athletes from 71 nations and territories set to compete across seven sports.
Swimming will be held at the National Aquatic Centre in Trinidad with competition taking place from August 6th – 9th.
New Zealand swimmer Amelia Bray is among the team and says she’s looking forward to her first international competition.
“I’m really excited, I can’t wait to get there and see all the facilities and meet all the other athletes,” said Bray.
“I’m a little bit nervous but I’m feeling good. My main event is the 100m Butterfly which is on day three so I can’t wait for that.”
Teammate Harrison Klouwens says he’s grateful to be representing New Zealand at a Commonwealth event.
“I’ve been training really hard for this, I’ve been really focussed on it so I’m looking forward to getting in the pool and giving it everything,” said Klouwens.
“I’m hoping to learn a lot and use this to push myself on to other international competitions.”
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Beach volleyball at Trinbago 2023 will be contested at the Pigeon Point Beach Facility in Tobago, with competition to begin on August 5th.
Calum Stewart will be playing alongside Juraj Krajci in the men’s division.
“I'm super excited for the Commonwealth Youth Games as it will be my first time representing New Zealand at the international youth level,” said Stewart.
“It will be the biggest event that I have ever been a part of in my sporting career and I’m looking forward to competing and experiencing the culture.”
The Commonwealth Youth Games are part of the NZOC’s pre-elite pathway and provide a development opportunity for promising young athletes. Olympians Lewis Clareburt and Zac Reid are among the alumni. Trinbago 2023 will provide a high level of competition as well as access to educational and cultural experiences.
The full competition schedule is available here.
The Opening Ceremony is being held at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad on Friday August 4th.
The New Zealand Team for Trinbago 2023:
Swimming
Beach Volleyball
Juraj Krajci (18, Tauranga)