DIGICEL Foundation has promised to throw its full weight behind 2026 Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games, and is urging corporate peers to join the bandwagon for the historic staging in Jamaica.

The beach games, which is expected to feature approximately 20 Special Olympics regional programmes, is set for Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, St James, from November 18-22.

The beach games is the first of its kind to be held in Jamaica. Trinidad and Tobago hosted the inaugural Special Olympics Beach Games in 2024

Teams will be participating in swimming, football, volleyball, basketball and bocce. In addition to sporting activities, organisers will stage motor activity training, an early childhood development programme, healthy athletes screening, as well as family-oriented projects.

Clayton Williams (left), sporting director of Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago, and Alecia Newman Walsh, director for aquatics at Special Olympics Jamaica, view sections of Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, St James, during a site visit on March 21, 2026.

Charmaine Daniels, chief executive officer (CEO) of Digicel Foundation, the entity’s long-standing partnership with Special Olympics Jamaica.

“For almost two decades, we have stood alongside the Special Olympics movement, so supporting these beach games was never a question. Every year, we support the Special Olympics Jamaica National Games in the summer, bringing our Digicel staff volunteers together to help power the games. This year is no different — we will be supporting the Beach Games with that same enthusiasm,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

“As a corporate foundation — with special needs as one of our core pillars — we are calling on our fellow corporate citizens across Jamaica and the region to step up and support the Special Olympics Beach Games.

“These athletes show up, time and time again, with a spirit and determination that is nothing short of incredible. They deserve Jamaica’s full support, and we invite every business, every partner and every Jamaican to stand with us,” Daniels added.

The Digicel Foundation CEO said the staging of the beach games in St James takes on deeper significance since the western belt of the country continues to grapple with recovering from the destruction caused by deadly Hurricane Melissa last October.

“This moment means so much, especially for athletes in the west of the island who were affected by Hurricane Melissa. For many of these families, the road back to normalcy has not been easy. What Special Olympics is doing goes far beyond sport, because it will also be bringing in specialists to provide therapy, counselling and the resources families need to heal and rebuild, alongside the joy and pride that come with competition,” Daniels reasoned.

DANIELS… we are calling on our fellow corporate citizens across Jamaica and the region to step up and support the Special Olympics Beach Games

Special Olympics Caribbean Executive Director Lorna Bell noted the corporate partners who joined the movement, even as she heaped praise on State support, including via the Urban Development Corporation (UDC).

“Special recognition must be given to the UDC and the Government of Jamaica for partnering with us on this historic initiative. This is a significant partnership — the facility is excellent and that will help us to deliver a successful Caribbean Beach Games while creating a lasting legacy of inclusion, opportunity and growth for Montego Bay and Western Jamaica. We are truly grateful for their invaluable support — there is nothing like a beautiful outdoor venue,” Bell beamed.

She said the State-run UDC has waived fees for use of the picturesque park during the beach games.

The venue is to remain open to the public during the games.

— Sanjay Myers