The CARIFTA Games will take on even greater importance this year.

Scheduled to be held in Cayman from 3-5 April, the games will be the only regional qualifier for the Youth Olympic Games.

This is certain to ensure that all the best youth athletes in the region will be at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex in the hope of securing their place in Singapore in August.

The 2010 Youth Olympic Games will be the inaugural edition of the event, making participation even more prestigious.

Like the regular Olympic Games, these Games will take place every four years, with a Youth Winter Olympic Games as well.

The sports contested at the Youth Olympics will be the same as at the regular Olympic Games, but there may be some changes in order to better accommodate youngsters. Competition will also take place in age groups in order to allow wider participation.

With a maximum of 3,500 athletes allowed to participate in the Youth Olympics, competition for the qualification slots will be fierce and is sure to bring out the best in all the athletes attending the CARIFTA Games.

For more information on the 2010 CARIFTA Games, visit the event website at carifta2010.ky.