THE Jamaica Badmin-ton Association (JBA) has selected a strong six-member team to represent Jamaica at the 22nd staging of the 2014 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, to be held in Veracruz, Mexico, from November 23 to 28.

Jamaica’s number one mixed doubles pair of siblings Geordine and Gareth Henry will headline three men and as many women going into the Games, which will see a total of 31 countries competing in 14 sporting disciplines.

Selection for the team was based on the players’ current overall JBA ranking both in the singles and doubles.

Local badminton queen Geordine Henry said although she had some setbacks she was happy to have been selected to represent her country at the Games.

“I am happy and relieved that I have made the team. I have been facing some challenges which I had no control over and I am just grateful to the Lord and my family for giving me the strength and motivation to still push myself to train and compete at an acceptable level in order to be selected for these Games. It is always an honour to represent my country,” the 27-year-old Geordine told the Jamaica Observer.

She also said that she has one thing in mind and that is to win as many medals as possible.

“The plan for the tournament is simply to win medals. I have been getting a lot of exposure in international tournaments and so I am familiar with this level of play and what it takes to do well,” she said.

“My form at this moment is sadly not at its best as I am recovering from the Chikungunya virus which has put my body and physical condition at square one. However, the technical aspect is still in tune, but I am seeking immediate help in recovering as soon as possible,” the soft-spoken Geordine added.

Henry will compete in the women’s singles and doubles and also with her brother in the mixed doubles.

Meanwhile, president of the JBA, Robert Richards, said that his players had to play qualifying games in order to book their spots at the Games.

“The Jamaican players had to qualify to participate in these games, as the sport has grown so much in the region. Players had to play qualifying PAN-AM circuit tournaments last year and early this year to be ranked in a position to make the cut-off list of the games,” he said.

“We got six places after the qualifications. I expect the guys to do well as they have been training hard for this,” Richards continued.

Full squad: Men — Gareth Henry, Samuel Ricketts and Garron Palmer.

Women — Katherine Wynter, Geordine Henry and Mikaylia Haldane.