Thirteen athletes will represent Bermuda at the Carifta Games in Martinique this month, the Bermuda National Athletics Association confirmed yesterday.

Bermuda’s team includes former Carifta medal-winners in Justin Donawa, the Junior Male Athlete of the Year, Dage Minors and Kyrah Scraders, the Junior Female Athlete of the Year.

Minors, the middle-distance runner, has decided to drop the 800?metres on the advice of his coaches and will compete in the 1,500?metres and 5,000?metres.

The Island’s Carifta squad is smaller than previous years after the BNAA decided to raise its qualifying standards.

“We have increased our standards as this year we are looking for quality and not quantity,” Donna Watson, the BNAA president, said.

“Therefore, these athletes have worked very hard and committed themselves to reaching the standards that were set.

“We are very pleased with this team and, having watched them compete at the inter-school sports, I know that they are ready for Carifta.”

Watson said that Kyle Webb, Bruce DeGrilla and Devwah Whaley had withdrawn from the squad because of school commitments.

“We’re looking for some good performances and I know that the athletes will represent Bermuda well,” she added. “I’m sure we will return with a few medals.”

The Games run from April 19 to 21.

Bermuda’s squad

Under-18 Girls: Tiara DeRosa (shot, discus) — Kyrah Scraders (800m, 1,500m) — Sakari Famous (high jump) — Azaire Smith (high jump). Under-20 Girls: Taahira Butterfield (100m, 200m).

Under-18 Boys: Kionje Somner (200m, 400m) — Daniel Oatley (3,000m) — Jahnai Perinchief (high jump, triple jump) — David Darrell (800m, 1,500m) — Michaiah Robinson (400m, 800m). Under-20 Boys: Chas Smith (triple jump, long jump) — Dage Minors (1,500m, 5,000m) — Justin Donawa (triple jump). Team manager: Dal Minors.

National coach: Troy Douglas.

Assistant coach: Devon Bean.

Physiotherapist: Susan Verity.