On Friday, April 3, the Stade Georges-Gratiant in Le Lamentin hosted the opening ceremony of the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026. This official moment marked the launch of the 39th edition of this regional competition, bringing together more than 500 swimmers from 24 Caribbean territories.
Martinique is hosting the event for the second time in ten years, following a first edition in 2016. Over six days, the competition brings together the region’s top youth athletes across swimming, artistic swimming and open water.
“It is with great pride that Martinique welcomes the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026,” said Alex Badian, President of the Martinique Swimming League, as he opened the ceremony.
A Ceremony Guided by Official Protocol
The ceremony followed a structured protocol. After welcoming the public and delegations, official addresses were delivered by:
• Alex Badian, President of the Martinique Swimming League
• Stéphane Joachim, President of CARIFTA Aquatics
• Coralie Balmy, ambassador of the 2026 edition
• Bénédicte Di Geronimo, representing the Martinique Tourism Authority (CMT)
• Lionel Victoire, Deputy Mayor of Le Lamentin, representing CACEM (Central Martinique inter-municipal authority)
• David Dinal, elected member of the Assembly of Martinique
• Aurélien Adam, Secretary General of the Prefecture, representing the State
These speeches placed the event within both its regional and sporting context.
“CARIFTA is a major milestone for Caribbean youth. It allows these young athletes not only to compete, but also to meet and connect,” said Aurélien Adam.
From the perspective of local authorities, the message extended beyond competition.
“Sport is an investment in the future. It shapes individuals, brings people together and opens opportunities for our youth,” said David Dinal.
“Hosting CARIFTA is also a way of affirming our place within the Caribbean space” added Lionel Victoire, highlighting the commitment of Le Lamentin and local authorities.
A Celebration of Caribbean culture and Identity
The ceremony then transitioned into a musical sequence. Steel pan and Tambou Bô Kannal opened this segment before artist Paille took the stage. His performance quickly created a shared atmosphere across the stadium.
Blending soca, dancehall and Caribbean influences, and performing in both French and English, Paille connected with a wide audience across the region. His performance brought together delegations and spectators in a shared moment.
“Sport is a gateway to our territory. It tells a story, creates emotion and inspires people to discover Martinique,” said Bénédicte Di Geronimo for the Martinique Tourism Authority.
Parade of Nations: Official Entry into Competition
The parade of the 24 delegations brought the ceremony to a close. Each territory was introduced one by one, highlighting the diversity of participating countries and marking the official entry of athletes into the competition.
A Key Stage in Caribbean Sport
The CARIFTA Aquatics Championships hold a central place in the Caribbean sporting calendar. The competition represents a benchmark level for youth categories, based on demanding selection criteria, and often serves as a stepping stone toward international competitions and the Olympic Games.
The presence of Coralie Balmy reflects this pathway.
“CARIFTA is often the first major stage for these young athletes. It is where they begin to understand their level,” she explained.
Competition Schedule
The competition continues from April 4 to 8 as follows:
• Pool swimming events will take place from April 4 to 7 at the Pierre Samot Aquatic Centre in Le Lamentin
• Artistic swimming is also scheduled at this venue
• The 5-kilometre open water race will be held on April 8 in Anse d’Arlet
Attending CARIFTA — Even Without Being a Swimmer
One of the key messages from organizers is simple: you don’t need to be a swimmer to attend CARIFTA.
“Just as you can follow a football match without playing, you can come to CARIFTA to support, discover, understand, feel the atmosphere and engage with a sporting ecosystem that deserves greater visibility.”
The competition offers a dual perspective: for specialists, a high-level Caribbean event; for the general public, a rare opportunity to discover the richness of three disciplines and support the next generation of Martinican athletes.
One clear message from the press conference was the strong mobilisation across the territory.
Who Dominates CARIFTA?
CARIFTA has historically been a highly competitive event dominated by several major Caribbean nations.
Recent results highlight the consistency of the Bahamas, winners in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2019, 2017, and previously in Martinique in 2016. Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago also regularly rank among the leading nations.
This track record reflects the level of competition and confirms CARIFTA as a major regional sporting platform.
Media Information and Resources
Media are invited to contact Sabrina AJAX to arrange interviews, reports and connections with delegations. Photos will also be made available daily to support coverage of the event.
Main Link for English-speaking countries:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RzqV7edxCTiVZKSLfBuGBBq0YmWoZ93F?usp=sharing
Opening ceremony photos (credits included in file names): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/4juet7fk5ij72oeegyd09/APeQuuvEvq7vLuAkI7WhJjs?rlkey=m0q2h9wqox1iltalmq5wukpo8&st=qqd0bhve&dl=0
Dropbox link for more picture: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/3235is2sece5mk4jeje1o/ANx0DBgyqN_JYaTEmTfZJs4/Photos?dl=0&rlkey=g7hcs06d3y9al4jgluacp54j8&subfolder_nav_tracking=1
Official website: https://cariftamartinique2026.com/
Instagram: @cariftamartinique2026 @liguenatationmartinique
Facebook: Carifta Aquatics Championships 2026 Ligue de Natation de Martinique
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www.richeskarayib.com
Press Contacts
International Media Contact :
Sabrina Ajax Richès Karayib sabrina@richeskarayib.com +596 696 115 091