Jamaica Special Olympics Team Ready For 2022 Special Olympics USA Games

Twelve of Jamaica’s Special Olympic athletes are eager to participate in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games to be held in Orlando, Florida on June 5^th.

Featuring some of the world’s best Olympic Athletes in America, the Caribbean and other territories, the games is set to be an exciting one. Streaming live on ESPN, the five-day event will be held at the Exploria Stadium where the team will be participating in three sporting events – bocce, swimming and athletics.

Lorna Bell, Executive Director of Special Olympics Caribbean expressed her happiness for the team to be able to showcase their skills, since having their last major sporting event in 2019 at the Special Olympics World Games in Athens, Greece.

“Coming out of COVID this is our first chance that our athletes are going to get, to go out there on the field and showcase their skills. What an opportunity!,” expressed Bell.

Bell also expressed her gratefulness for the support of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) over the years as they are one of the major sponsors for the Special Olympics.

“They were the first sponsor we’ve had in Jamaica and they have been with us since Special Olympics started and they have not left us. They do everything for us,” said Bell.

Echoing the sentiments of Ms. Bell, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Stephanie Lindsay expressed that the JCF’s partnership with Special Olympics is yet another means of service to the Jamaican people. Having raised more than JM$50 million for the athletes, SSP Lindsay said the partnership will continue for years to come.

“Community engagement is one of our priorities and we see our special needs community as one that should benefit. We raise funds and create awareness about persons in special needs. We have raised over $50 million since we started, This is through the Torch Run banner and we partner with other Law enforcement departments,” states Lindsay.

“They have brought glory to the black, green and gold Jamaica brand. Unfortunately, they don’t get the same level of recognition as the other teams. I just want the team to do what they have always done very well and be true to their mantra ‘Let me win and if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt’,” said SSP Lindsay.

Sergeant Gladstone Sealy, Head of Delegation implored the public to continue to assist the team in any way they can to keep representing team Jamaica.

“I invite the sponsors to come onboard to help our youngsters especially during this time, during the pandemic, where we have to reach out to families who have children with special needs who are unable to work. We have a lot of care packages for them but we still need more assistance,” stated Seally.

 Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global organization that serves athletes with intellectual disabilities working with hundreds of thousands of volunteers and coaches each year. Special Olympics Jamaica provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety Olympic-type sports for children and adults.