The annual CARIFTA Games, one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious regional track and field competitions, has delivered another pair of historic moments for Antigua and Barbuda, with two young javelin athletes securing podium finishes that have earned high praise from the nation’s top sports official. Daryll Matthew, the country’s Sports Minister, has publicly extended his warm congratulations to under-20 competitor Maliek Francis and under-17 athlete Zonique Charles, framing their achievements as a source of deep national pride. Francis stepped onto the bronze medal stand in the men’s under-20 javelin event, marking the third medal that Antigua and Barbuda has earned across all competitions at this year’s CARIFTA Games. Minister Matthew highlighted that Francis delivered a disciplined, high-energy performance from start to finish, one that resonated across the small twin-island nation and left sports fans proud of the young athlete’s hard work. Not long after Francis’ landmark finish, Charles followed with an equally impressive showing in the women’s under-17 javelin competition, where she claimed the silver medal to secure Antigua and Barbuda’s fourth medal of the regional championships. Minister Matthew emphasized that Charles’ standout effort left the entire nation celebrating, noting that her consistent training and competitive grit paid off on one of the region’s biggest youth athletic stages. Matthew’s public statements of congratulations come as Antigua and Barbuda continues to build growing momentum throughout the multi-day championships, with young athletes continuing to exceed expectations and deliver historic results for their country.
Sports Minister Hails Two More CARIFTA Medals as ‘Proud Moment’ for Antigua and Barbuda
