PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago (SOTT) Chairman David Benjamin says he is elated that the two-island nation is on the brink of joining Caribbean counterpart Jamaica to sign the global leadership coalition for inclusion.

The agreement ratifies partnerships between national programmes and their governments at a policy level.

“Ministerial buy-in is critical to our existence. The ministry understands where we are, and has come fully on board, and has put their pockets where their heart is and given us support and facilities,” Benjamin said during the Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games opening ceremony held at Lions Civic Centre in Port of Spain on Friday.

“We’re still growing our partners and growing the movement. People with intellectual disabilities, we have to be their voice, and they deserve an equal platform — as any other. We should be given equal space to showcase our skill and show all our talent,” the Special Olympics T&T chair told the Jamaica Observer.

During the ceremony, Trinidad and Tobago’s Sport Minister Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis expressed her Government’s intent to sign the coalition agreement as she addressed those in attendance.

“Today we celebrate not only the courage of our athletes, we are here to showcase the true power of sports to build inclusive, supportive, and empowering communities,” she added.

“This is more than a celebration of sport, it’s a true testament to that human right for children to play, express themselves in clean competition. It’s about experiencing the joy that sports bring to all of us,” she said as she endorsed the staging of the first-ever Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games.

Cudjoe-Lewis, who emphasised the importance of “inclusive sporting environments for all” and the need to “teach children discipline”, said the three-day event — to be hosted at venues in both islands of Trinidad and Tobago — can help with character building.

“These Games provide a platform for athletes to showcase incredible talent, to showcase resilience and courage. It’s about teaching our youngsters how to win and how to lose gracefully, and teach[ing] them how to build lasting friendships,” she said.

“Over the years, Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago has tirelessly created transformative opportunities for our athletes with intellectual disabilities, empowering them to showcase their talent, to build confidence, and develop their own fraternity or community,” Cudjoe-Lewis noted.

Aquathlon, beach football, beach bocce and beach volley are among the disciplines scheduled for the Games.

The closing ceremony is set for Sunday.

— Sanjay Myers