Digicel Foundation Pledges $500,000 to Paralympic Athletes
By: , March 18, 2025
Photo: Dave Reid
President of Jamaica Paralympic Association, Christopher Samuda, engages in discussion with (from second left) Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Foundation, Charmaine Daniels; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Denzil Thorpe; and Executive Director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), Dr. Christine Hendricks, at the recent launch of Paralympic Week, held at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in Kingston.
Photo: Dave Reid
Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Foundation, Charmaine Daniels, converses with Paralympic athletes (from left) Kevin Powell, Sophia Johnson and Slyvia Grant, at the recent launch of Paralympic Week, held at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus, Kingston.The Full Story
Digicel Foundation is supporting the country’s para-athletes through a donation of $500,000.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organisation, Charmaine Daniels, made the announcement at the recent launch of Paralympic Week at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus in Kingston.
The donation will go towards the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA) ‘I Am Phenomenal’ campaign, which aims to break barriers, shift perceptions, and create opportunities for individuals of all abilities to shine on the national and international stages.
“At the Digicel Foundation, we firmly believe that inclusivity is not an option; it is a necessity,” said Ms. Daniels.
Over the past two decades, Digicel Foundation has invested significantly in the special needs community, building and renovating 21 special needs schools while training caregivers and teachers.
The organisation has had a longstanding partnership with the JPA, including the $10-million restoration of the Paralympic basketball court at the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre.
“Seeing the athletes train, compete, and push their limits on that court reminded us why our commitment to special needs and inclusion is so important,” Ms. Daniels said.
The ‘I Am Phenomenal’ campaign is expected to elevate the visibility and opportunities for athletes with disabilities, providing them with a platform to excel.
“We believe in this vision and we believe in the young athletes whose lives will be changed because of it,” Ms. Daniels said, emphasising the Foundation’s commitment to fostering opportunities and making a lasting impact on the future of these athletes.
“To the phenomenal athletes who will emerge from this campaign, know that we stand with you. We see you; we celebrate you, and we will continue to support you every step of the way,” she pledged.