Peters ‘ecstatic’ at making Paralympic history

Jamaican technical official Sodia Peters said she is ecstatic to stamp her name in the history books as she became the first Jamaican to officiate at the Paralympics during the 2024 Paris Games.

Peters has been abuzz during her time in Paris as she represents the best Jamaica has to offer on the global stage.

“I am feeling ecstatic. I am happy to know that I am able to represent at the highest level. I am very proud to represent Jamaica and the Caribbean by extension.”

She is no stranger to making history as she also holds the distinction for being the first Jamaican to officiate at the World Para Athletics Championships last year in Tokyo, Japan.

Peters is serving as a qualified International Official (ITO) in the sport of track and field. She said she is proud to see her commitment and training rewarded with the appointment to officiate at the international competition.

“It is good to know that my training is being put to use,” she said. “I am surrounded by fellow ITOs from many countries around the world who are like minded and love the sport of athletics. We are very professional and at the same time we are friendly and each person fits beautifully in the puzzle.”

Christopher Samuda, president of the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA), has congratulated Peters on her historic milestone.

He described Peters’ journey as a technical official as a story of inspiration for other Jamaicans to aspire towards.

“Sodia’s achievements will electrify others to become and the JPA is here to ignite aspirations,” he said. “I remember vividly the day I met with Sodia and others who were assembled to officiate at a qualifying para meet in Jamaica which had International Paralympic Committee sanction.

“I interested her in the journey for which I had every conviction she was equipped and then arrangements were made and now the destination has been reached and destiny is history made,” he added.

Samuda said Peters will be the first but not the last of Jamaican officials to be selected for international para competitions.

He said the JPA’s goal is to have a contingent of officials selected to represent the nation at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.

“The JPA believes in the power of our people in empowering them to become powerhouses of realised dreams. Sodia’s achievements will electrify others to become officials and the JPA is here to ignite aspirations,” Samuda said.