Bell hails Special Olympics medal winners

Executive director, Special Olympics Jamaica, Lorna Bell says she is extremely proud of Jamaica's outstanding performance, so far at the World Winter Special Olympics Games in Austria.

Romaine Austin won gold in the Division 15 500m speed skating event yesterday while Dave Oddman won silver in Division 23 in the 222-metre speed skating race in Graz earlier this week. The Special Olympics Jamaica floor hockey team edged Costa Rica 2-1 for the bronze medal.

"I am extremely proud of our athletes. Their outstanding performances at these games is an example of what can happen when we give them a chance. I am a firm believer in whatever the mind conceives and believes, the mind can achieve. Our athletes were determined to make Jamaica proud and they did exactly that!," Bell told The Gleaner yesterday.

"It is important to note that this is the first time most of our athletes are travelling, let alone to a cold country. And to adapt like they did, despite the challenges, is a win in itself," she added.

Austin spoke about his gold medal performance.

"I led from the start, I maintained my lead and I am happy to win the gold medal for Jamaica," Austin said from Austria..

Jamaica's floor hockey team captain, Sydney Manyan said that it was one of the toughest games ever for the team.

HARDEST GAMES

"We played one of our hardest games but were brilliant against Costa Rica. We had injury problems, despite that we gained the bronze medal. We say big up to the team, coaching staff and everybody involved," Manyan said.

Special Olympics Jamaica sent a 16-member floor hockey team and two speed skaters to the Games.