- Carlington Wilmot/Freelance Photographer
Special Olympians listen to high praise from JPSCo Community Relations Manager, Maurice Reid, after their arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday from the Para Pan-Am Games in Venezuela. From left: Vinette Green, Coleen Morrison, Maurice Reid, Dean Stewart, Errol Williams (coach), Suzanne Harris (team manager), Alphanso Cunningham and Tanto Campbell. Jamaica won four gold and one silver medal.
Paul-Andre Walker, Staff Reporter
JAMAICA'S SPECIAL Olympians returned yesterday from Mar Del Plata, Argentina, where they competed in the Para Pan-American Games and collected four gold and one silver medal.
Jamaica Public Service Company's (JPSCo) community relations manager, Maurice Reid, exhorted the public to get behind the special Olympians upon their arrival at Norman Manley International Airport.
"These guys need to be given support for bearing the national colours. Had able-bodied individuals achieved what they achieved there would be far more support from the media and the country," Reid said.
PROUD OF ITS SPONSORSHIP
"JPSCo is proud of its sponsorship however, and sees the money that we have spent as well spent," he said.
Alphanso Cunningham struck gold in the discus as did Tanto Campbell while Sylvia Grant came on top in the javelin. Vinette Green collected silver in the javelin and the discus.
Cunningham's effort was particularly outstanding as it was also a world record. His throw of 23.43 metres easily surpassed the previous special games record of 23.03.
"I can't explain the feeling that I have got from winning a gold medal and competing for my country, except to say that it is a good feeling," explained a jubilant Cunningham.
"That world record won't last long, I intend to break it at the (special) Olympics," he added with confidence.
Silver medallist Green voiced the same sentiment of striving for better when she said: "I want to do more for my country, next time around I'm going to come home with a gold medal."
