Written by: Tyler Powell, Canadian SportWORKS Officer – Trinidad & Tobago
I am Tyler Powell, a Sport and Recreation Management student at Mount Royal University in Calgary. Currently, I am living in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and I am on the organizing committee of the Commonwealth Youth Games happening here August 4 – 11, 2023.
I joined a hiking club that goes on weekly hikes throughout Trinidad. Pictured below is me trying coconut water out of a coconut for the first time (it was delicious). The group is good about teaching me the local culture and ensuring that I taste fruits that I have never tried before and that are native to Trinidad. Annually, this group hosts a Hikeathon which is a 27km hike where 200 participants participate, and I will be participating this upcoming Saturday, June 3rd. Wish me luck. I might be sore the next day… Or week!
At work, I have been assisting with numerous projects related to the Games. My main role is an accreditation lead for the Games. I am responsible for communicating with 36 nations and making sure that all necessary data is submitted correctly into the Games Management System so that zone control can happen and accreditation passes can be printed. There are approximately 5,000 people total to accredit, so this is a large role and something that needs to be done well to ensure the Games are safe for everyone. Once per week, I am also traveling on the Caravan which is promoting the Commonwealth Youth Games throughout Trinidad. Mostly, this takes place in primary schools, however, we are visiting some community events as well to get the word out about the Games.
Follow me on Instagram @travelwithtyler2023
Tyler