History has repeated itself as Uber BV has renewed its historic partnership with the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA) in becoming the official islandwide travel partner for the governing body for para sports.

According to Uber, the renewal goes beyond the initial cash agreement which was inked in 2024 and demonstrates mutual trust and confidence and an unwavering commitment of the partners to the welfare and advancement of para athletes.

“We are committed to facilitate freedom of movement, inclusion, and accessibility and support for Jamaica’s para-athletes who inspire us with their determination, resilience, and talent.

Under the agreement, para athletes and coaches who fulfil criteria stipulated by and are registered with the JPA will access free local services of Uber in attending training sessions and competitions organised by the JPA and for local transfers to airports in connection with their participation in overseas conferences, games, and championships.

JPA President Christopher Samuda welcomed the extended partnership.

“What Uber is doing is driving the JPA and we, the JPA, are driven to partnering with them in serving our para athletes and coaches. It’s a practical agreement. It’s cost-saving for our primary internal stakeholders and it will provide convenience and certainty in their travel arrangements — one less thing to worry about,” Samuda said.

Well-decorated Paralympian and JPA’s Sport Manager Neville Sinclair also expressed delight at the renewal.

“Historic, never before, but at the JPA we never say never but rather let us make it happen, and it has happened,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Samuda pointed out that many athletes and coaches self-fund travel to training and competitions, and these expenses, which also include mandatory classification and licensing fees for athletes, are sometimes burdensome for para stakeholders and others.

“Travel is a daily DNA factor of an athlete’s and coach’s work and business and Uber international has joined the JPA, yes, in creating history but, more importantly, in providing relief and a critical facility of the infrastructure of sport. You can’t reach, achieve, and wheel if you don’t have wheels,” Samuda said.

The official launch will take place in March when the partners will announce the details of what is a solid corporate partnership in the business of sport.