Special Olympics Jamaica launches book in bid to raise funds

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Special Olympics Jamaica (SOJ) launched a new book on Tuesday entitled "The Journey". The memoir, which has 56 pages and features a host of pictures, statistics and text of SOJ since it was established in 1978, will see all proceeds going towards the funding of the country's Special Olympians, who will travel to Athens, Greece, in June to compete at this year's staging of the Special Olympics World Games.

"The launch of this book is another important milestone in Special Olympics Jamaica's history and we here at Digicel are happy to be a part," said Digicel's chairman and founder, Denis O'Brien, who was one of several specially invited guests at the launch, which took place at the Spanish Court Hotel.

"Digicel has been a proud supporter of Special Olympics since our launch in 2001, as it was one of our first and most important community-based organisations," said O'Brien.

"I continue to offer my support to Special Olympics here in Jamaica and across the world. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of it (the launch) and I wish you all the very best of success in your ongoing journey to greatness," he added.

O'Brien was chairman of the 2003 Special Olympics World Games that was held in Dublin, Ireland - the first time the event was being held outside of the United States.

The book, which costs $500, in addition to its editorial, includes messages from local and international dignitaries and represents a recollection of some of the many inspirational stories from the over 3,500 Special Olympics athletes who have represented the country.

These athletes, according to the organisers, have altogether won 104 gold and 57 silver medals at the Special Olympics World Games since 1978.

Help make the world a better place

"This book is another opportunity to help make the world a better place," said Ali McNab, assistant to Sports Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, who spoke on the minister's behalf.

Grange was absent due to the hosting of a Caribbean Football Union congress and the opening ceremony of the CONCACAF Under-17 World Cup qualifiers in Montego Bay.

"We hope that it (the book) will inform the public as to the special works of SOJ and will even motivate others to get involved with the movement," McNab added.

Several individuals and organisations who have contributed to the success of SOJ also made presentations at the launch, including Dr Lucille Buchanan, founder of SOJ; Senior Superintendent of Police James Forbes, head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force's Law Enforcement Torch Run; William Billy Heaven, CEO of The Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education Fund; Stephen Laing, CEO of Tara Couriers and Dr Carlton Davis, chairman of the SOJ board.