Fri | Mar 29, 2024

The Mitchells vibe at Paralympic Connect

Published:Tuesday | March 28, 2023 | 12:57 AM
Popular social media vloggers Wayne Marshall (second left) and his wife Tami (fourth left) entertained and gave a motivational talk to paralympian athletes during Paralymic Day recently.
Popular social media vloggers Wayne Marshall (second left) and his wife Tami (fourth left) entertained and gave a motivational talk to paralympian athletes during Paralymic Day recently.

It was inspiring when sport and entertainment got together recently for the inaugural Paralympic Connect in celebration of Paralympic Day at Olympic Manor under the theme I’m Phenomenal.

Wayne and Tami Mitchell, accomplished singers, and popularly known as The Mitchells by television and social media audiences, captivated athletes in Paralympic sports and others in Olympic sports including basketball and sambo.

In effortlessly initiating and facilitating conversations on widespread topics in sport and life, the Mitchells scored many home runs.

Giving a charge to Jamaica’s athletes, Wayne Mitchell, who goes by the stage name Wayne Marshall, said: “The phrase ‘creating the possible from the impossible’ perfectly captures the spirit of you athletes here today. You have taken the impossible and made it possible. You have shown the world that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, anything is achievable. You have inspired countless others to push past their own limitations and chase their own dreams no matter how big or small they may be.”

But dreams of self-actualisation do not stop there as Wayne reminded the attendees.

“You are all phenomenal, but there is still so much more that you can do. There are still new challenges to conquer, new records to break, and new heights to reach. As you prepare for what’s next, remember that you are capable of greatness. Believe in yourself and your abilities and never give up on your dreams no matter how difficult they may seem. You are the embodiment of the phrase ‘creating the possible from the impossible,’ and you have the power to change the world.”

The theme I’m Phenomenal was reinforced by Tami , whose stage name is Tami Chynn, as she related instances of societal prejudices while underlining the strength of character of para athletes in transcending them.

“You are phenomenal as you face so many challenges but have risen above and have overcome in ways others cannot and have become an inspiration to so many persons.”

President of the Jamaica Paralympic Association Christopher Samuda was completely satisfied with the event.

“It was an inspiring family gathering in the living room of sport and entertainment. Wayne and Tami were perfect hosts as we reflected on values, spoke of challenges, demonstrated a conviction to overcome them and connected with the past, present, and future of sport in having a deeper understanding of self and how to manage a society which does not have an appreciation of able persons with a difference who are labelled disabled,” he said.

Paralympic Connect will have further editions this year and will see other Jamaican and foreign, celebrated personalities in sport, entertainment, and business connecting with a sport fraternity in respect of which President Samuda said there are plans to globalise.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com