BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – Ahead of the 53rd edition of the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) Games, the St. Kitts and Nevis Athletics association has officially announced its 24-athlete delegation set to compete at the regional youth track and field championship, hosted this year at Grenada’s Kirani James Athletic Stadium from April 4 to 6, 2026.
Nicknamed “Team Unstoppable SKN,” this year’s roster balances experience and emerging talent: it includes seasoned returning CARIFTA medalists and veteran competitors, alongside a cohort of ambitious first-time qualifiers who met all selection standards during national qualifying trials. The entire team is scheduled to depart St. Kitts and Nevis for Grenada on April 2, two days ahead of the opening round of competitions.
In an official statement following the team announcement, SKN Athletics President Wayne Delaney shared his pride in the selected athletes, emphasizing that their spots on the national team are a direct reflection of the relentless effort they have put into their craft. “Their selection is a testament to their hard work, resilience, and passion for athletics,” Delaney said. “We encourage them to continue pushing their limits, knowing that the entire Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis stands behind them.”
The delegation is split across four age and gender divisions: the Under-17 Girls category features Khylinn Prentice (100m, 200m), Ta-Junique Huggins (100m Hurdles, 400m Hurdles), Trishana O’Donoghue (400m Hurdles), Dejhanee Moses (High Jump, Long Jump), Janiah McNeil (High Jump), Miel Pemberton (Long Jump), Ayrian Walters (Shot Put, Javelin) and Kezia Phillip (Shot Put). The Under-17 Boys roster includes Kymarni Newton (800m), Najeeb Kelly (1500m), Shandon Burton (1500m, 3000m), Malik Freeman (Shot Put, Javelin) and Kylan Woods (Javelin). Just one athlete, De’Cheynelle Thomas (200m, 400m), will represent the nation in the Under-20 Girls division. The Under-20 Boys contingent is the largest group on the team, with Chesson Liburd (100m), Jaylen Bennett (400m), Tejuan Webbe (100m Hurdles, Long Jump), Jayden Hendrickson (400m Hurdles), Josano Henderson (Javelin), Akanye Samuel-Francis (400m Hurdles), Dejuaan Pemberton (High Jump), Zackery Nisbett (High Jump), Kialan Morton (Shot Put), Jaheem Clarke (Javelin) and Naseem Gerald (Decathlon).
A full specialized staff will support the athletes throughout the championship: Shirmon Caines serves as Head Coach and throws coach, Adelvin Philip leads sprints and relays training, Roatter Johnson acts as jumps coach, Royston Queeley handles hurdles coaching, Niketa Isles fills the role of team manager, Alister James is the team physiotherapist, Nicola Huggins Parris serves as safeguarding officer, Corneil Williams and Dwayne Warner are congressional delegates, and Rashid Stanley handles team media operations.
SKN Athletics also extended formal thanks to the key sponsors that have made the team’s trip and participation possible. Major backers include the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ministry of Sports, the Nevis Island Administration, and SKN Athletics itself. As the team makes its final preparations for departure, national sports officials are calling on residents and supporters across St. Kitts and Nevis to rally behind Team Unstoppable SKN as they compete against the Caribbean’s top young track and field talent.