
Tags: Nacac Age Group Championships, Trinidad And Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago’s National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) has described it as "heartbreaking" that a group of national junior athletes were denied the opportunity to showcase their talents at the North American, Central American, and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) Under-13 and Under-15 Age Group Championships in Nicaragua due to an administrative blunder.
In a statement released on Friday, the NAAA said while it was initially believed the issue stemmed from local mismanagement, the fault actually lay with the host nation’s Local Organising Committee (LOC), which incorrectly advised that Trinidad and Tobago athletes did not require yellow fever vaccination documentation to enter Nicaragua.
The costly mistake meant eight young athletes, accompanied by four officials, were barred from boarding their Copa Airlines flight early Thursday morning. Airport staff insisted on the presentation of international yellow fever vaccine certificates—a requirement not flagged in advance.
"Following immediate discussions with the LOC, it was confirmed that an error was made in classifying Trinidad and Tobago in a travel category that did not require a vaccination for entry into Nicaragua,” the NAAA explained.
"While we acknowledge that international travel typically requires personal verification, team travel for competitions of this nature is heavily guided by the LOC’s instructions, as provided in the official manual," it added.
According to the association, all travelling athletes and officials had been vaccinated but did not carry their international vaccination cards. Despite presenting a letter from the LOC to airport authorities confirming the exemption, Copa Airlines enforced alternate protocols and denied boarding.
Efforts to find an alternative route proved futile, as no flight options were available that would allow the team to arrive in time for the competition, scheduled for July 5–6.
The incident saw months of training and preparation unravel in a matter of hours for the twin island republic's contingent, which included Under-13 athletes Gloria Henry, Shania Baynes, Jeremiah Hector, and Azzirion Williams and Under-15 athletes Daija Reid, Ryanna Regis, Jafari Edwards, and Kerlon Henry.
"We are fully aware of the dedication, sacrifice, and preparation made by the athletes, their families, coaches, and support staff. It is particularly heartbreaking that these young athletes, who had earned their place through hard work and determination, were prevented from representing their country on the regional stage," the NAAA noted.
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