The President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), Brian Lewis, welcomed the start of the inaugural edition of the Caribbean Games at the official Opening Ceremony of the Chefs Seminar at Hotel Fleur d'Epee, Gosier, Guadeloupe on Saturday 2 April 2022.
The historic first edition of the Caribbean Games will take place in Guadeloupe from June 29 to July 3, 2022. More than 800 U-23 athletes from 29 countries will compete in seven sports as they aim to make history.
23 participants from 20 CANOC member countries travelled to Guadeloupe for the seminar and an additional 9 more member countries joined virtually. Three CANOC Executive members were on hand.
During his official opening remarks Lewis urged participants to be conscious of the immense challenge confronting the hosts as well as all of CANOC, in realising the Games and the importance of banding together to ensure success.
"Each NOC/CGA is being called upon to do more. This is an investment in the future of our region,” Lewis said while noting that the Games must be a source of motivation and an inspiration to the Caribbean's youths and young people.
For his part, President of the CROS Guadeloupe, Alain Soreze, placed emphasis on having participants, 'welcomed home'.
He reminded all that "Guadeloupe is a member of CANOC and is committed to playing its part in the development of sport in the Caribbean". He ended his presentation with a resounding declaration, "We are the Caribbean!"
"The Chef seminar of the 1st Caribbean Games in Guadeloupe was a success. The chefs who came to Guadeloupe visited the competition venues where their athletes will try to bring back gold in June. Also, the visit of the Games Village was in an important step as it is by definition the heart of the Games. On April, 2nd, both onsite and virtual chefs attending received the key information regarding logistics and processes around the Games. We are all waiting to welcome you back in June," said Caribbean Games 2022 Director Julien Chipotel.
Air Antilles, a French airline based at Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport in Guadeloupe, was announced as the official air transportation partner of the games.