St. Maarten athletes set for National Athletics CARIFTA trials this weekend

GREAT BAY--Athletes from St. Maarten and across the region are set to compete in the St. Maarten National Athletics CARIFTA Trials, scheduled for March 7 and 8, 2026, as anticipation builds for one of the most important events on the path to this year’s CARIFTA Games.

The two-day trials will bring together a strong and diverse field of young athletes representing local clubs, schools, and invited teams from neighboring territories. Participants from Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, and French St. Martin are expected to join local competitors, adding a regional dimension to the event and strengthening the overall level of competition.

St. Maarten’s local athletics community will also be well represented, with clubs such as Lab Sports Academy and Dynamics preparing to field athletes who are eager to measure their progress, pursue qualifying standards, and deliver personal best performances. For many competitors, the trials will serve not only as an opportunity to secure national team selection, but also as a valuable chance to gain competitive experience in a structured, high-level environment.

The event will feature a full schedule of track and field disciplines, including sprints, middle-distance races, jumps, and throws, promising an exciting showcase of athletic talent across multiple categories. While qualification for the national CARIFTA team remains the primary objective for eligible athletes, the trials will also play an important developmental role for participants who are building toward future regional competition.

Organizers are inviting the public to come out and support the athletes as they demonstrate their talent, discipline, and sportsmanship. The event will begin at 4:00 p.m. sharp on both days, and admission is free.

The presence of regional athletes alongside St. Maarten’s local clubs reflects the continued growth of athletics development and regional collaboration, while providing fans with an opportunity to witness the next generation of track and field talent in action.

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