As reported back in September, St. Lucia withdrew itself as host of the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games. At the time, the island country cited financial concerns, and specifically concerns over the availability of a stadium to host athletics (track & field). Its only certified track, the George Odlum Stadium in Castries, has been converted into a temporary medical facility after a fire at a major hospital. St. Lucia had doubts that the reconversion of the stadium to an athletics facility would be completed in time for the Commonwealth Youth Games.
When St. Lucia announced it would be withdrawing as host, Botswana, Scotland and Canada and the Bahamas had all expressed at least an initial interest in stepping in as replacement host. Countries had until the end of October to officially submit their bids.
According to news site Inside The Games, Commonwealth Games Federation President Louise Martin confirmed that Bahamas was indeed the only contender who formally requested to replace St. Lucia as host of the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games. Additionally, Martin revealed that Northern Ireland is the only bidder for 2021 edition.
The Bahamas currently already has the Thomas A. Robinson stadium in Nassau, a track and field stadium capable of seating around 15,000 spectators. The arena has already held the 2014 and 2015 International Association of Athletics Federations World Relays.
With the 2015 edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games having just taken place in Samoa, CGF President, Louise Martin, says that “The future for the event is good based on what has happened here in Samoa. It’s got everyone talking about the Games and it has generated a great deal of interest.m It was my idea to start the Youth Games and I must admit I had some difficulties originally trying to persuade people that they would be a good idea.”
A final decision will be made regarding both Games at the CGF Executive Board meeting in January.
