Injuries and illness mean Bermuda will take a depleted squad of 20 athletes to the 51st Carifta Games in Grenada this month.

That number is 11 fewer than represented the island in the Bahamas last year and Freddie Evans, the Bermuda National Athletics Association president, revealed that there have been a number of late withdrawals with no female athletes in the under-20 age group.

Kallan Richardson, J’Jaz Richards, I’Aura Golding, Azari Jones, Simeon Hayward, Arima Turner, Zenji Washington and Shayla Cann have all been ruled out but Evans is still hopeful of some good performances at the event, which takes place on March 31 and April 1.

“This has been a difficult year preparing for these games,’’ Evans said.

“There are eight athletes who represented Bermuda in the 50th edition of the Carifta Games who are unavailable for this team due to injuries and illnesses and that is reflected in the fact that this team doesn't have any under-20 women in the squad. However, this team is young, dynamic, and determined.”

Sprinter Denver Tucker, who has qualified for the 100 and 200 metres, leads the under-20 boys division alongside Noree Robinson.

Jake Brislane, winner of a bronze medal at last year’s Games, will race in the 1,500m and 5,000m. Joining him over the shorter distance will be Jake Smith, the Butterfield Mile senior school boys champion.

Seer Carey and Jayson Simons are competing in the 400 metres, while J’auza James is again taking on the multi-discipline octathlon, in which he won a bronze medal last year.

Miles Outerbridge is again tackling the blue riband distances of the 100 and 200 metres in the under-17 boys division, with Daylen Scott running the 200 and 400 metres.

Gianluca Bortoli and Cameron Adkins are both competing in the 1,500 and 3,000 metres.

Middle-distance runner Jaeda Grant leads the list of under-17 girls, with the Saltus Grammar School student competing in the 800 and 1,500 metres. Joining Grant in the longer race is Ziza Russell.

Amaris Munya will be busy running in the 400 and 800 metres, while Pria Wilson and Lashee Jones have qualified for the 100 metres. Ellise Dickinson Saniya Place have been selected for the 200 metres, with Kalila Dailey competing in the 4x100 and the 4x400 relays.

Evans is thankful for the support of sponsors Aecon, who have backed the Carifta Games squad

“BNAA is greatly appreciative of the Aecon who once again step in to be a sponsor of the Carifta team,” Evans said.

“Additionally, BNAA is excited that Athene has also stepped in to be a sponsor. It takes a village and these corporate villagers have helped to make this possible.”