Bahamas 2017 have launched a campaign titled “Who’s Next? Recruiting Legends” as they seek to find the next generation of sporting stars at the Commonwealth Youth Games.
The brand identity was unveiled to raise awareness of the Games in the country and inspire young athletes to attend and participate in the sixth edition of the event.
Around 1,000 young athletes from between the ages of 14 to 18 are due to compete at the Games, making it the largest multi-sport event ever held in The Bahamas.
Competition will take place from July 18 to 23, with athletics, swimming, rugby sevens, road cycling, judo, boxing, tennis and beach soccer all included on the sport programme.
Beach volleyball could be added, should it be ratified by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
“Planning for this event has officially begun and we anticipate the best event ever held within the region,” said Wellington Miller, chair of Bahamas 2017 and President of The Bahamas Commonwealth Games Association.
“I’d like to thank the Government for its unwavering support and ask every Bahamian to be a part of Who’s Next.”
It is hoped that the Games will attract more young people to sport as an alternative lifestyle to social and educational challenges that face the youth in the nation.
The Games are also viewed as a way of allowing smaller cities and nations to benefit from hosting a major sporting event, while young talent such as Grenada’s Kirani James, South Africa’s Chad le Clos and England’s Jessica Ennis-Hill have all taken part at previous editions en-route to claiming Olympic gold.
The Bahamas were confirmed as the host nation of the event at the CGF’s Executive Board meeting in Gibraltar in January.
They were the only bidder following the withdrawal of the original hosts St. Lucia last September, who pulled out because of fears they would not be ready in time.
“After the inspiring success of the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa last year, we look forward to a week of inspiring sporting competition, personal development and international friendship as up to 1,000 aspiring young athletes prepare to represent their country on the great sporting islands of The Bahamas,” said Louise Martin, CGF President.
“The Commonwealth Games Federation is working in close partnership with the organisers and communities of The Bahamas to deliver an accessible and inclusive Caribbean carnival of sport and culture.
“It will be a Games to remember as our 71 nations and territories celebrate the potential and achievements of our finest, young Commonwealth athletes.”