Thu | Mar 28, 2024

Paralympians demonstrate strength of Jamaican people – governor general

Published:Saturday | March 11, 2023 | 1:15 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
Sir Patrick Allen, (right) Governor General of Jamaica and Christopher Samuda, President of Jamaica Paralympic Association unveil the Proclamation which names March 11, 2023  Paralympic Day under the theme ‘I’m Phenomenal’ at the King’s House ballr
Sir Patrick Allen, (right) Governor General of Jamaica and Christopher Samuda, President of Jamaica Paralympic Association unveil the Proclamation which names March 11, 2023 Paralympic Day under the theme ‘I’m Phenomenal’ at the King’s House ballroom yesterday.

GOVERNOR GENERAL of Jamaica, Sir Patrick Allen, says the effort of Paralympians serves as a reminder of what is possible for Jamaican people.

The governor general was speaking yesterday on the occasion of officially proclaiming today, Paralympic Day under the theme ‘I’m Phenomenal’ at the King’s House ballroom.

On this, the second occasion the governor general is making the proclamation, he also implored all facets of society to support the Paralympic movement.

“I join the president of the Paralympic Association of Jamaica [Christopher Samuda] and urge everyone’s support of this institution, if I may put it that way,” said Sir Patrick.

The governor general also said he was pleased with the unity that is generated from celebrating a day like Paralympic Day, because of what those celebrations represent.

“Our athletes have performed under very difficult circumstances. Very courageous and relentless in their efforts to do well, to be self-actualised, and to demonstrate the strength of the Jamaican people as they go worldwide,” Sir Patrick added.

That support, Sir Patrick said, has to be supported as the athletes “demonstrate the skills that they have developed and their commitment to the Paralympic Association, its goals and its aspirations.”

Jamaica made its Paralympic Games debut at the 1968 games in Tel Aviv, Israel, and have been to all but one – Canada 1976 – Games since.

Samuda said the celebrations will continue to breathe life into the Para athletes and highlight the importance of their participation in the global event.

“First of all, it’s the first National Paralympic Committee which has had a head of state to declare a day on the calendar to be celebrated as Paralympic Day, so from that point of view, it’s historic,” said Samuda.

PARALYMPIC GAMES

“What we are going to do is to lift the principles and values and execute in the society. Paralympic Day will not be celebrated because we have accomplished a lot in the history of the Paralympic Games, but what we will be saying to Jamaica is that Paralympians are a critical part of the sporting asset of the country,” he added.

Jamaica has won a total of 54 medals at the summer Olympics, inclusive of 20 gold, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals. Samuda hopes the celebration of Paralympic Day will help to push other Olympic endeavours, like those inside the winter Olympics.

“I’m of the conviction that we must not only demonstrate our prowess in the summer games, but also in winter games. We have to look into the diaspora for those athletes and we are looking at figure skating, certainly by the next Winter Olympics that we will have a representative. So Jamaica must understand that the definition of sport development must encompass the progress across the spectrum of sports, in summer and winter,” Samuda shared.

Two-time Paralympic gold medallist Alphanso Cunningham continues to be pleased with the idea of a Paralympic Day.

“This is a great feeling to know that we have a day which is known as Paralympic Day. It’s like another birthday for me,” said Cunningham.

Cunningham, a veteran of the javelin, hinted at the fact that his time as a competitor may be coming to an end and pointed to what’s next.

“For me, I’ve done my work. I’m not retired, but my aim now is just to mentor the young guys coming, show them the way,” said Cunningham.

“I realise that these guys look up to me so I want to see better for Paralympics. I’ve changed my sport to fencing, so I’m looking forward to an upcoming competition in April, but I feel it’s all about the new guys now.”

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com