WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao athletics delegation departed Wednesday evening for Grenada to compete in the 53rd edition of the CARIFTA Games 2026. The team is scheduled to return to the island on April 7.
The CARIFTA Games are one of the most important regional athletics events for young Caribbean athletes, providing a platform to compete at a high level and gain international experience.
Curaçao will be represented by a diverse group of athletes across multiple disciplines. The team includes Sharifa Fernandes de Faria (100m hurdles), Shayleigh Martha (long jump), Niaviv Matrona (javelin), Jahdrienne Mercera (javelin), Angely Curiel (javelin), Zsa Zsa Frans (heptathlon and 100m hurdles), Jurivienska Koster (heptathlon), Rivka Goede (long jump), Quenten Kopra (high jump), Bradley Bonevacia (javelin), Raminge Laker De Windt (long jump) and Sdewey Zhuang (110m hurdles).
The delegation is led by team manager Tamara Salsbach, with Jairo Duzant serving as head coach. The coaching staff is further supported by assistant coach Richi Regales and physiotherapist Jerry Brandon.
According to the delegation, the team is heading into the competition with the goal of representing Curaçao with pride and returning with strong performances.
The participation underscores Curaçao’s continued investment in youth athletics and its ambition to compete at a higher level within the Caribbean region.