There is so much to say about the recent trip to Pune, India, for the Commonwealth Youth Games and I have no idea where to begin. India is an overwhelming country full of tradition, culture and much history. Our two week journey was definitely one of the most eye opening experiences for most likely the entire delegation and something we will never forget.

No one in the entire delegation had ever seen a youth sporting event as large and impressive as the CYG. Over 1700 athletes and officials from 71 Commonwealth Nations were present among the thousands of Indian workers, volunteers and spectators. Although there were colossal problems with accommodations and other logistics, the sporting venues and the actual games went off without a hitch.

The tennis, table tennis, wrestling, boxing, badminton, track and field, weightlifting, shooting, and swimming venues were top of the line facilities the likes I have never seen. The technical officials, organizers, broadcasters and media were impeccable across the board. The games were televised nation wide and everywhere we travelled in Pune, we could see the games on big screen television sets. The opening ceremony was spectacular with much entertainment. The Anguillian team was second in line and all of us felt extremely proud as we circled the track and waved to the thousands of people in the stands as well as the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil. The entire delegation was treated like celebrities and was constantly being asked for autographs. It was all very overpowering for the young Anguillian athletes but certainly an experience that will take part in shaping their perception of the world in which they live.

The five athletes, Melissa Mussington, Arthur Ward, Olivia Geyer, Emmette Thompson and Shinelle Proctor found it difficult to overcome the nerves and stress of playing at such a large event. It was the first time that Melissa and Olivia played a tennis match in which there was a chair umpire, line judges, many fans and amazingly tough competition. Melissa unfortunately drew the number one seed in the singles tennis tournament. Her opponent, Jade Windley, is actually ranked 800 in the world on the Women’s Professional Tennis Tour (WTA). Melissa played extremely well against her nevertheless and did Anguilla proud.

Our long journey home started at 3 pm on October 19. We got on a bus and travelled four hours to Mumbai where we checked in for our 16 hour flight from Mumbai direct to JFK in New York. We then travelled from NY to Anguilla via San Juan, Puerto Rico. In all, after 40 straight hours of travel, we all touched down in Anguilla, ever so happy to be home. All of us have our own stories to tell about the trip but in my opinion, the Commonwealth Youth Games was one of the most impressive youth events I have ever seen. The Central Government of India and Minister of Sports Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, did an excellent job at putting together a wonderful event that not only gave many athletes a unique opportunity to compete on a global scale, but they inspired an entire nation of Indian youth to get involved in sports. The Anguillian Delegation thanks India for their hospitality.

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