Paralympic Sports Embody the True Spirit of Inclusivity – Minister Grange
By: , March 13, 2025
Photo: Dave Reid
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Denzil Thorpe (fourth right), with officials of the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA), and Paralympic athletes, at the launch of Paralympic Week on March 12, at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus. Mr. Thorpe represented Portfolio Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange.
Photo: Dave Reid
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Denzil Thorpe (second right), greets Chief Executive Officer of the Digicel Foundation, Charmaine Daniels (second left), at the launch of Paralympic Week on March 12, at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, where he delivered Portfolio Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange’s message. The Foundation is a major sponsor of the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA). Others (from left) are President of the JPA, Christopher Samuda, and Executive Director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), Dr. Christine Hendricks.The Full Story
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, says Paralympic sports embody the true spirit of inclusivity and serve as a reminder that sports are for everyone, regardless of physical abilities.
In her message read by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Denzil Thorpe, at the launch of Paralympic Week on March 12 at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, the Minister said that young people should draw inspiration from the performances of Paralympic athletes.
The Minister said that Paralympic Week, which is being observed from March 11 to March 16, is a time to showcase the “incredible determination and resilience” of these athletes who inspire others and to highlight the “progress we have made in creating a more inclusive society”.
“Remember, no dream is too big, and no challenge is too great. With determination and hard work, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Let us continue to support and uplift each other and work towards a future where sports are truly inclusive for all,” the Minister said.
Noting that the Government consistently provides $2 million annually for the athletes, through the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA), the Minister said support is also provided from the Athlete Assistance Programme (AAP), and the Jamaica Athletes’ Insurance Plan (JAIP).
“I look forward to working with the Paralympic Association to review and analyse how our policies impact the paralympic community and how we can collaborate to improve the capacity of stakeholders, within and outside of the sport sector,” Minister Grange said.
Members of the public are invited to participate in the Paralympic Week National Church Service, to be held on Sunday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m., at the New Testament Church of God, 49 Eastwood Park Road in St. Andrew.
The JPA is committed to empowering athletes with disabilities by providing access to training, resources, and competitive opportunities.
Through strategic partnerships and advocacy, the JPA is dedicated to fostering an inclusive sports culture and ensuring that Jamaican para-athletes excel on the global stage.