Plan to refurbish multipurpose facility a timely boost — SOJ executive director
Coleridge ”Roy” Howell, the Special Olympics Jamaica (SOJ) executive director, says the plan to refurbish its multipurpose facility this summer is a timely boost ahead of scheduled local and international engagements.
On June 17, SOJ penned an agreement with long-time partner Digicel Jamaica Foundation to start work on its multi-purpose court, bocce surface and spectator stands. The approximate month-long project is expected to end by late July.
“Our multi-purpose court and bocce court have both deteriorated over time. During this [novel coronavirus] pandemic mcoaches have been hosting virtual training sessions, and the courts are not being used, so with sun and rain there has been some level of deterioration,” Howell told the Jamaica Observer.
The SOJ executive director did not disclose the value of the refurbishing work, but said it is a significant investment.
“This is true partnership and it tells you what that partner thinks about the development of the athletes and the Special Olympics programme. Big thanks to Digicel Foundation for coming onboard at this crucial time. Year in year out they have supported us,” he said after the ceremonial signing at Digicel Jamaica’s downtown Kingston headquarters.
Since early last year SOJ suspended face-to-face training in adherence to government restrictions on sporting activities aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus. The virus presents an acute threat to those with special needs because many of them have pre-existing health conditions and are among the most at-risk people.
However, as the country’s daily virus cases appear to be trending down, there is optimism that return to regular training is on the horizon.
“When we get back to face-to-face activities the work should be completed and the athletes will have a safe training environment to develop their skills and their confidence. It will help to develop the athletes to be in a proper mode for upcoming competition. What we have in the pipeline are upcoming local, regional and international competitions, so we want to get the athletes ready,” Howell said.
Next on the global Special Olympics calendar are the rescheduled World Winter Games earmarked for Russia next year and the 2023 World Summer Games in Germany.
The Special Olympics International movement focuses on integrating people with intellectual disabilities into mainstream society.
The movement offers year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with these disabilities.
The disabilities can either be acquired or genetic, and can include cases of autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome and traumatic brain injury.