If you missed the Carifta Games, you really missed a superb event.There was a fantastic atmosphere at the National Sports Centre with the stands full over the weekend. It really was a terrific spectacle — and the noise matched that spectacle as the air horns blasted continuously.Inevitably there were a few hiccups — the unexplained hesitation in awarding a Jamaican his bronze medal was one and the confusion over a disqualification in the 100 metres was another — but overall the event seemed to go off without a hitch, so congratulations to the organisers.But the bigger congratulations go to the competitors — the young men and women taking part showed tremendous application and skill, there were no signs of the kind of dissent shown by competitors their age playing in other sports, there was no showboating and no playing to the crowds. It’s a shame other sports cannot follow the example set by these youngsters.It was very clear that here were hundreds of very dedicated young people, many of whom will no doubt become household names in the future.Sport has clearly given them a purpose in life, a daily routine, a family of friends and the support professional people — not to mention a great deal of self-confidence.Although the Carifta Games will not leave a legacy in terms of infrastructure, it could leave a legacy if more people — young and old — follow the example set by the athletes taking part.Don’t destroy opportunities, build on them and make sure the Carifta Games leaves a meaningful legacy.