Nearly 700 students from seven government nursery schools will take part in the inaugural Micro Games 2026 at Queen’s Park over the next three days, as educators seek to introduce children to teamwork, resilience and competition from an early age.
The games were officially declared open on Wednesday by students Zuri Doyle and Tai Parris of the Maria Holder Nursery School (Sharon), who delivered the athletes’ oath before government officials, educators, parents and fellow students.
Competing on the opening day were the Maria Holder Nursery School (Sharon), Social Empowerment Agency Nursery and Maria Holder Nursery School (Oldbury).
Minister of Education Chad Blackman described the Micro Games as the starting point for future national, regional and international sporting achievements.
“One of the things I like about this Micro Games is that this is really the precursor to NAPSAC, which then goes on to BSAC, which then goes on to CARIFTA.
“If you want to have a long-term strategy of success for the country, these young people are the ones who will then go on to the Olympics, go on to World Cup football, go on to play in the West Indies cricket men’s or women’s team,” Blackman said.
He explained that the Games were designed to help children develop important life skills beyond sport.
“This is a day for the young people to work together, have fun, compete, but doing so in a way that will allow for them to build the skills and values that we all need in this country.
“This year we celebrate 60 years of independence as a country, five years as a Republic, and all of these are the things that we must use as further catalysts for the development of our country going forward towards the next 60,” Blackman said.
The minister also encouraged parents to continue positively affirming their children.
“There’s that phrase that I constantly live by: ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’ I want to encourage, first of all, the parents to continue to give your children that nurturing support of encouragement, helping them to understand that they are the best that they can be and they’re the best in the world,” Blackman said.
“There’s life and death in the power of the tongue, and what you speak into your child’s life will manifest on the outer end, whether good or bad. Therefore, if you want a good outcome for your children, it makes sense, and it’s an imperative to speak good into their lives.”
Chief education officer, Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw said she was elated to see a vision become reality, following earlier celebrations of NAPSAC and BSAC participants.
“Earlier this year, we celebrated those children who participated in NAPSAC. We celebrated those who participated in BSAC, and now it’s time for us to celebrate our little children who will be celebrated in Micro Games,” she said.
She said the Games would teach children the importance of supporting one another from an early age.
“In a world that is filled with some adults who love to pull each other down on social media and other fora, we have to teach you from early how it feels to celebrate one another.
“We’re bringing you here so that in addition to what you’re learning in your pre-primary schools, you will learn also about the value of winning, the value of losing gracefully, and the value of supporting one another,” Archer-Bradshaw told the students.
Meanwhile, Manager of Retail and Operations at Republic Bank – the title sponsor – Sharon Zephirin, praised the Ministry of Education for creating an event where young children could learn teamwork, discipline and confidence-building through fun and games.
“We are laying together in this collaborative effort the foundation for their future success. At Republic Bank, we believe that every child deserves a right start. That is why we are so proud to support these Micro Games under the banner of our Right Start account designed especially for our juniors,” Zephirin said.
She encouraged parents to continue supporting and nurturing their children’s dreams.
“Continue supporting your children in all their endeavours. Cheer them on, nurture their dreams, and remind them that every single small step forward is a victory worth celebrating.
“Together as a community, we can ensure that these children grow with confidence, curiosity, and the courage to reach their fullest potential,” Zephirin said.
(LG)
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