Ja ‘settled and ready’ for Parapan Games

Team Jamaica is now fully settled in Lima, Peru, for the 2019 ParaPan American Games and had its first meeting of all delegation members on Tuesday in the athletes’ village.

Chef de mission Leonie Phinn says that the team is comfortable in its environs and that he athletes are ready to begin competition in their various sporting disciplines.

“The spirit in the camp is positive, and we are a family united in our efforts and encouraging each other to reach for the stars. Competition will begin soon, and we are prepared and focused,” Phinn said.

Sports manager Neville Sinclair went through the competition schedule in detail at the meeting and reminded athletes of training schedules and event arrangements.

Sinclair said: “The nuts and bolts have been nailed down, and now we wait patiently for competition.”

The athletes were in a jovial mood and openly supported each other as they looked towards competition.

MOTIVATIONAL ADDRESS

President of the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA) Christopher Samuda gave the team a motivational address and reminded all that “we are here in Lima for each other – all for one and one for all – as well as on national assignments, and it is business first, business second and business third”.

Samuda was supported by JPA director Randolph Jones, who emphasised the importance of the team members being national ambassadors.

Team Jamaica, based on the quota system of the Games, was only allowed seven athletes in track and field, and this quota, deemed restrictive by many at the games, continues to be a concern to participating countries. Jamaica will also be represented, for the first time in the history of the games, in taekwondo and judo.

The ParaPan American Games officially begins with an open ceremony today.