Anticipation is building in the Caribbean as Guadeloupe prepares to host the region’s first-ever Special Olympics 3×3 unified basketball tournament November 13-16.

With the support of Special Olympics Caribbean and Special Olympics International and partners, including Lions Club International Foundation, Aruna Oswal Trust, and Guadeloupe’s Government, the event offers the chance for athletes with intellectual disabilities to showcase their skills.

As a unified tournament it aims to promote social inclusion by combining people with and without intellectual disabilities for sport competition, thereby helping to build awareness and to foster behavioural change.

Another first for the French-speaking islands of Guadeloupe — located in the eastern Caribbean — will be their programme’s hosting of the symbolic Law Enforcement Torch Run, which will kick off the tournament.

Guy Vala, national director of Special Olympics Guadeloupe, said the organisers’ meticulous planning is now coming to fruition.

“After many anxious moments and sleepless nights, the outcome of all these sacrifices is finally beginning to take shape, promising a magnificent gathering,” he said.

“My organising committee, composed of a young, dynamic, and motivated team… [has] worked tirelessly, sometimes facing difficulties, [but] always with the same goal: to create an event that brings together enthusiasts, friends, families, and all those who share our values,” Vala noted.

The unified basketball tournament is expected to feature Special Olympics unified delegations from Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Maarten and Trinidad & Tobago. The Guadeloupe programme is set to field two teams.

Lorna Bell, Special Olympics Caribbean executive director, welcomed Guadeloupe’s staging of the competition even as she praised the “overwhelming” support offered by partners.

“I extend heartfelt thanks to the Government and people of Guadeloupe, and our Special Olympics Guadeloupe family for so graciously accepting to host this historic event,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

“As a French programme within the Caribbean, their willingness to open their doors to their regional brothers and sisters truly embodies the essence of inclusion. It reminds us that no matter the language or culture, we share one Caribbean spirit — united by purpose, compassion and love for sport.

“Each delegation will feature athletes and unified partners playing side by side, demonstrating that sport is a universal language that knows no boundaries,” Bell said.

— Sanjay Myers