Antigua and Barbuda Makes Historic Weightlifting Debut at 2026 CAC Games
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – In a landmark moment for Antiguan and Barbudan sport, the twin-island nation will field its first-ever weightlifting team at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games when the 2026 edition kicks off in Santo Domingo from July 24 to August 8.
The historic weightlifting contingent featuring Daniel Antonio, Ijauni Nathaniel, and Kevesha Nedwell headlines a 22-strong delegation as Antigua and Barbuda signals its ambitions on the regional stage.
The 2026 Games mark a century of regional competition, spanning 1926 to 2026, and are expected to draw over 6,000 athletes from approximately 40 nations.
The timing of the Santo Domingo Games presents a significant administrative challenge for the Antigua and Barbuda National Olympic Committee (ABNOC), as the event overlaps with the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The athletics squad, featuring Cejhae Greene, Dwayne Fleming, Christopher Johnson, and Geolyna Dowdye, will compete first in Scotland before rushing to the Dominican Republic to join their compatriots.
ABNOC executive member Thomas Greenaway will serve as Chef de Mission, with President EP Chet Greene and Secretary General Cliff Williams also in attendance to oversee the delegation.
Antigua and Barbuda will field complete teams across six disciplines:
Athletics: Cejhae Greene, Dwayne Fleming, Christopher Johnson, Geolyna Dowdye (Coach: Kesswin Anthony)
Swimming: Alandra Dublin, Ellie Shaw, Tivon Benjamin, Stefao Mitchell (Coach: Nelson Molina Fojo)
Sailing: Tiger Tyson, O’Zani Lafond, Shanor Malone (Coach: Karl James)
Beach Volleyball: Raenor Sharpe, Miguel Pena Lugo (Coach: Olsen Joseph)
Weightlifting: Daniel Antonio, Ijauni Nathaniel, Kevesha Nedwell (Coach: Durand Meade)
Table Tennis: Stuti Kashyap, Mekhi Simmons (Coach: Aleena Edwards)
The management team includes Alisha Francis as Team Assistant and Keston Daley as Physiotherapist, ensuring the athletes receive comprehensive support throughout the gruelling competition schedule.
