JASON Russell, president of Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says the city is at an advanced phase of readiness to host the Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games November 18-22.

The historic event, to be staged at Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, is expected to highlight the prowess of athletes with intellectual disabilities while participating in swimming, football, volleyball, basketball and bocce.

Approximately 20 Special Olympics regional programmes, as well as representatives from Rwanda, East Africa, are down to compete.

The Special Olympics Beach Games is the first of its kind to be held in Jamaica.

“The Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry is extremely proud to welcome the Special Olympics Beach Games to our beautiful city.

“This event represents far more than sporting competition — it is a celebration of inclusion, determination, courage, and the incredible potential within every individual,” said Russell.

Harmony Beach Park, managed by the Staterun Urban Development Corporation, is situated close to the Sangster International Airport and a host of hotels on Montego Bay’s famous hip strip, making it an ideal venue, particularly for visiting delegations and officials.

“As Jamaica’s tourism capital, Montego Bay has a unique opportunity to demonstrate that our hospitality extends beyond welcoming visitors to embracing people of all abilities and creating opportunities for everyone to shine,” the MoBay Chamber of Commerce president said.

“We commend the organisers, athletes, volunteers, and supporters who have made this event possible. The Chamber firmly believes that a truly successful community is measured not only by its economic achievements, but also by how it supports, includes, and uplifts all its members.

“We encourage the entire Montego Bay community and business sector to embrace these Games and celebrate the remarkable athletes who remind us that greatness knows no boundaries,” the businessman added.

Joy Clark, a director of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the chairperson of Special Olympics Jamaica’s long-time sponsor Digicel Foundation, echoed the call for inclusivity for people with intellectual disabilities.

“The Digicel Foundation has been involved with Special Olympics Jamaica from inception, because we believe in a Jamaica where no one is left behind. These beach games in Montego Bay are about more than sport — they are about dignity, courage and opportunity,” she said.

“On behalf of the foundation and the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we are honoured to help bring this to our city and to show our athletes that all of Montego Bay stands behind them,” Clark continued.

In highlighting the support of private and public sector partners and volunteers, Special Olympics Caribbean Executive Director Lorna Bell lauded the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Digicel Foundation, Jamaica Tourist Board, The Pinnacle Jamaica, Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club, and MBJ Airports Limited, the operators of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.