Head Coach Dwight Fraser says the Special Olympics Jamaica (SOJ) players deserve the highest praise of winning a silver medal at the Unified 3×3 Basketball World Cup staged in San Juan, Puerto Rico, December 5-7.

The Jamaicans, competing in the female category, were edged out 7-9 by the United States in the Division 4 final on Sunday.

The Special Olympics Basketball World Cup, showcasing special athletes and unified partners, promotes social inclusion by combining people with and without intellectual disabilities for sport competition in a bid to boost awareness and to foster behavioural change.

“To walk away with the silver medal against the United States is a proud achievement for all of us and for me as a coach — a [reward] for all the hard work that they put in…” Fraser said.

The SOJ basketball coach said the competition offered a bit of everything.

“The tournament was an awesome experience for the special athletes given that they enjoyed themselves both during and out of competition,” he said.

“The athletes are eternally grateful they were able to represent Jamaica and have done so well. It’s interesting to note that after losing our three games in Group D we were able to beat Saudi Arabia and got to that Division 4 final and competed so admirably,” added Fraser.

He noted it was a collective effort on the court and from an administrative standpoint.

“I must say a big thank you to Team Manager Elfema Williams, who ensured everything went well on the trip to Puerto Rico. And special thanks to Executive Director Roy Howell, and to Lorna Bell of Special Olympics Caribbean, and to everyone who ensured that the trip was a success,” the head coach said.