MARACAS, Trinidad and Tobago — Special Olympics Jamaica (SOJ) Coach Carl Ellis says the inaugural Caribbean Beach Games has been an eye-opening experience.

A seasoned physical education teacher at Best Care Special Education School in St Andrew, Jamaica, Ellis is on his first SOJ assignment on foreign soil.

He is tasked with guiding the Special Olympics Jamaica team — comprising athletes Molique Edwards and Jhaiden Edwards — in singles and doubles beach bocce.

“This level of competition is a new experience for me and for the athletes. It’s good for their development, their confidence and their self-esteem and gives them that exposure.

“But still it’s an inclusive environment and everyone supports each other. I’m learning along the way, as this is my first Special Olympics assignment,” Ellis told the Sunday Observer during action at Maracas beach on Saturday.

In bocce players use an underarm action to bowl a ball at a target. Points are awarded based on the ball’s proximity to the target.

Bocce offers competition and useful avenue for exercise for people with disabilities, some of whom may be physically challenged.

Ellis said sports can open doors in the classroom.

“This experience has taught me so much, and I’ll be able to help students in a more meaningful way moving forward. What I’ve learnt can help me to put different programmes in place to help children at my school in Jamaica.

“Children learn so much through sports so the Special Olympics programmes can help. And already I can see how the exposure at an international event like this is impacting Molique and Jhaiden — they are really interested and engaged in the activities,” Ellis said.

Aquathlon, beach football, beach volleyball, beach cricket and open water swimming are among the disciplines being contested at the historic three-day event.

The closing ceremony is set for Sunday evening.

Special Olympics Jamaica bocce coach Carl Ellis (right) instructs athletes Jhaiden Edwards (left) and Molique Edwards during a break in competition at the Caribbean Beach Games in Maracas, Trinidad, on Saturday (.Sanjay Myers)