Paralympians hail first-ever Paralympics Day

The Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA) and the Paralympic movement in Jamaica will today celebrate ‘Paralympic Day’, declared in a proclamation issued by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen.

Jamaica’s Paralympians and Para athletes have hailed the move and are speaking out proudly on what will now be an annual milestone event.

Neville Sinclair, OD, a very accomplished Paralympian whose feats as an athlete and now as the JPA’s first sport manager continues to motivate many, said: “It’s really a great feeling, for this historic day will always be remembered by past and present athletes. I’ve been to at least 10 Paralympic games, equally as an athlete and coach, and this day brings greater joy and pride, and at the same time humility, as I look forward to celebrating it as an acknowledgement of our contribution to sports, sport development, and our society and a legacy that will live on forever. Amen.”

The sport of tae kwon do debuted for Jamaica at the 2019 Para Pan American Games and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, and Shauna-Kay Hines, a much-decorated medallist and a graduate of The University of the West Indies (UWI) in sport leadership and management, has the distinction of being the first Para athlete to represent Jamaica in that sport at those games.

“Having our Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen, proclaim March 11 as ‘Paralympic Day’ in Jamaica is paving the way for the next generation of Para athletes to experience joy, inspiration, a celebration of fitness, sports culture, opportunities, and inclusion. I want to thank him for highlighting our hard work and dedication in representing our homeland globally,’’ she said.

Theador Subba created history at the 2019 Pan American Games and the 2020 Tokyo Games in the sport of judo, which hitherto, did not have national representation at those games. The Para Pan-American bronze medallist and UWI second-year student in public policy and management, who also is a javelin thrower, said: “The move to mark March 11 as Paralympic Day is a welcome one as it not only honours our local Para athletes but helps to raise awareness of the Paralympic movement here in Jamaica. Raising public awareness is important as it reminds the general population that people with disabilities are more than capable of leading full lives.”

PROUD FEELING

The “Ambassador,” Alphanso Cunningham, OD, a Paralympic Games and World Championship gold medallist and world record holder who has the enviable distinction of breaking his world record three times at one international event said the move gave him a ‘proud feeling’.

“This is a very happy and proud feeling for me and my colleagues. It will cement our connection with the past greats who had set the trend which is inspiring tomorrow’s athletes. Awesome day for us, awesome time for Jamaica,” Cunningham said.

Newport Fersan Jamaica Scholarship recipient and second-year UWI undergrad student in marketing, Chadwick Campbell, a World Athletics Para Championship athlete, said: “It’s always an honour to be recognised for the hard work you do, and for the governor general to name March 11 as Paralympic Day is an uplifting feeling. It is really satisfying to know that we are getting closer to a society where Para athletes are seen not for their disabilities but for their abilities.”

Athletes’ Commission Chairman, JPA director, gifted Para badminton player and attorney-at-law, Travis Ebanks, thanked those who have supported paralympians over the years.

“We live by the mantra country above self and our Para athletes continue to do just that while distinguishing themselves on the world stage despite the many obstacles and resource constraints we encounter while representing the best Jamaica has to offer. As we celebrate this occasion, we pause to thank our key stakeholders and partners who continue to support us. We would not have been this indomitable without your support,” he said.