Back (L-R): Team of Coaches and Officials with Minister of Sports (centre)
Ten local athletes will be representing Anguilla in the prestigious 23rd Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow, Scotland from Thursday, July 23rd to Sunday, August 2nd, 2026.
Known as the “Friendly Games”, the Commonwealth Games bring together athletes from across seventy-four Commonwealth nations and territories every four years, and is one of the world’s premier multi-sports events.
In a press briefing held by the Anguilla Commonwealth Games Association on Friday, July 17th, it was revealed that the athletes participating in the games are: Tri-tania Lowe, who will be competing in the 100 meter sprint and long jump; Sage Connor who will compete in the 100 and 200 meter sprint; and Saymon Rijo and Trenton Brooks will be competing in the 100 and 200 meter sprint. Jaquan Samuels and Johniff Gumbs will compete in the high jump and long jump.
In swimming, Kayleigh Vanterpool will compete in the 50 meter free-style, 50 meter breast stroke, and 100 meter free-style; Jonathan Irizarry will be competing in the 50 meter free-style, 50 meter breast stroke, and 50 meter butterfly; while Josiah Minott will compete in the 50 meter free-style, 50 meter breast stroke, and 100 meter free-style.
Competing in track cycling will be Delroy Carty who will performing in a 40 kilometers points race, 10 kilometers scratch race, and elimination race. This year will mark the first time that Anguilla will be represented in track cycling at the Commonwealth Games.
Supporting the athletes will be a dedicated team of coaches and officials led by Chief de Mission, Mr. Rollins Richardson. Also accompanying Team Anguilla at the Games will be President of the Anguilla Commonwealth Games Association, Kenn Banks, and Secretary General, Althea Hodge. The Hon. Minister of Sports, Cardigan Connor, who is also a member of Commonwealth Sports Anguilla, will be attending the Ministers of Sports Meetings just before the actual games begin.
Speaking at the Press Briefing, Minister Connor said: “Since 2002, I have been Chief de Mission of the Commonwealth Games. Over the years, I have worked together with Rollins Richardson in all of the games starting in Manchester in 2002.
“My role over the years as Chief de Mission, even before I became involved in government, was to try to secure sponsorship for the various teams. Having played cricket in England for many years, it was easy for me to tap into resources there,” Minister Connor said. “Now, as Minister of Sports, my responsibility is even greater, as I have to look out for the welfare of the athletes.”
“Regarding the games in Glasgow, I will be there initially to attend the Ministers of Sports Meeting, and then from there on I will be the main cheer-leader because I love to be involved in sports and I would cheer on anyone who wears the badge of Anguilla on their chests – and in their hearts,” he said.
Chief de Mission Rollins Richardson noted that the Commonwealth Games, being a multi-sport event, is unlike other sporting events that would feature a single championship. This makes it necessary to have a Chief de Mission who will work closely with the athletes in preparing them for their various performances at the Games.
“Originally, the Games used to be staged in Victoria Australia,” he noted, “where many more game categories were featured. But for the last couple Commonwealth Games, like this one, the events will be held in Glasgow Scotland, and the number of game categories has been reduced.”
“Another difference is that unlike Victoria Australia, where there was a central games village for accommodating the athletes, in Glasgow Scotland the athletes will be accommodated in various hotels,” he said. “However, all participants will still have the opportunity to go out and support each other while they are performing.”
He said that the games give the athletes an opportunity to meet fellow-athletes from the 74 territories of the Commonwealth, and participating in the events would give them a chance to gain exposure of countries that they might not have heard of before. Thus, they would be able to learn about other unfamiliar territories that are within the British Commonwealth.
Swimmer athlete Jonathan Irizarry has been designated to be the bearer of The King’s Baton, an emblem of Anguilla’s historic pride. The Baton functions similarly to the symbolic Olympic Flame, and carries a personal message from King Charles III. Each territory of the Commonwealth that will be participating in the Games will display their own respective King’s Baton in Glasgow.
Secretary General, Althea Hodge, expressed her thanks to the Government of Anguilla for its contribution to the Games, as well as other major supporters and sponsors including John Barker, Joe McEnnes, and the official corporate sponsor AVIA.NG, among others who have contributed in one way or another.
By James R. Harrigan
