The inaugural Caribbean Games officially opened with the opening ceremony in Gaudeloupe last night.

Bermuda cyclists Liam Flannery, Alexander Miller and Nicholas Narraway, and track and field athletes Mikal Dill and Ryan Outerbridge, were among the 800 competitors and officials from 22 countries and territories took to the Estadio René Serge Nabajoth’s track in Les Abymes as part of the spectacle which included more than 165 dancers and musicians.

Brian Lewis, president of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees, is excited that the Caribbean Games finally became a reality given that they had to be shelved owing to two pandemics.

The Caribbean Games had first been scheduled to take place in 2009 in Trinidad & Tobago before being cancelled by the country's government at short notice because of fears about swine flu.

The Guadeloupe event was originally intended for 2021 but was postponed until this year because of Covid-19.

"Against all odds, we have created history! They said it couldn’t be done, we had to overcome two pandemics in 2009 and then in 2021 but through it all we stood on the shoulders of our ancestors and showed that unity is our strength and strength is our unity," Lewis said in his speech as he declared the games open.

Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, called on the athletes, officials and volunteers to savour the moment and to do their best.

“You are writing sporting history with these first-ever Caribbean Games. After being postponed twice, these games give all of us confidence and optimism for the future. They are a symbol of resilience and solitary for the youth of the region and beyond,” Bach said.