Lack of sponsorship grounds paralympians

Jamaica could miss out on participation at the International Paralympic Committee World Athletics Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand from January 21-30 because of lack of sponsorship.

"There is a budget shortfall of $3 million for the World Championship. The response from corporate Jamaica has been very slow and to date, we have only received one donation of $250,000 from Supreme Ventures.

In addition, any late cancellation by the Jamaican team will incur financial penalties and will also deny the athletes an opportunity at an excellent chance to medal at the prestigious Games," said Suzanne Harris-Henry, secretary general of the Jamaica Paralympic Association.

The three Jamaica Paralympic Association athletes who had been preparing to compete, should have left the island last Friday. They are Tanto Campbell, world record holder and 2004 and 2008 Paralympic bronze medalist in discus class F56; Alphanso Cunningham, the current Pan American record holder in the discus and javelin F53 and former world record holder in the discus, as well as Sylvia Grant, six-time Paralympian in discus and javelin class F57.

They would have been accompanied by coaches Neville Sinclair and Jefferson Davis, as well as team manager Christopher Samuda.