Jamaica Beverages provide Paralympic boost

Robert Bailey, Sunday Gleaner Writer

The Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA) received a major boost ahead of their participation in this year's Parapan American Games, when Jamaica Beverages handed over a cheque valuing $1.3 million.

Stacy-Ann Thelwell, marketing manager of Jamaica Beverages, presented her company's cheque to Christopher Samuda, first vice-president of the JPA during a press conference held at the GM Challengers office on Molynes Road yesterday.

The Parapan American Games will take place in Guadalajara, Mexico from November 12-20.

"We really are focusing on sporting events within Jamaica, and what we also try to do is to target those events that a lot of corporate companies don't target," said Thelwell.

"We see this team as a really good team because they have done a lot in the past and we just felt that our contribution will help within this environment, as opposed to other national teams," she said.

Thelwell added: "We wish them all the best and we know that they will bring home medals for us."

Suzanne Harris-Henry, secretary general of the JPA, said her association was very grateful for the sponsorship.

"I expect the team to perform very well," said Harris-Henry. "I know that Alfanso's (Cunningham) in particular, who is the current record holder in the discus and javelin, aim is to go out there and beat his records and he is working very hard towards that."

She added: "We know that we have other good medal prospects, and so I am hoping that everyone would medal and qualify for the London Olympics next year."

The 10-member team includes six athletes and four officials.

The athletes are: Alfanso Cunningham, Tanto Campbell, Sylvia Grant, Kevon Reid, Shane Hudson and David Bascoe. The team officials are Christopher Samuda chef de mission, coaches Neville Sinclair and Jefferson Davis and Ajay Kapu, physiotherapist.