Digicel Foundation recognized Special Olympics Jamaica (SOJ) for their exceptional performance at the recent 2022 USA Games and Unified Cup recently at the SOJ Multipurpose Sports Complex in Kingston. Recognition plaques were awarded to over 45 SOJ members, which included athletes and support staff.  

Jamaica’s team returned with 12 medals from the games held in Orlando, Florida from June 5 – 12. The team participated in swimming, bocce and athletics. Meanwhile, the SOJ football team, who did not concede a goal all tournament, went on to win the Unified Cup after beating Paraguay 2-0 in the division-one final at Keyworth Stadium in Michigan on Saturday, August 6.

Digicel Foundation Chair Jean Lowrie-Chin lauded the team for their recent victories overseas noting that their “talents were still bright despite the two years absence from competitions as a result of the COVID pandemic.”

Mrs Lowrie-Chin also regarded the SOJ athletes as Jamaica’s heroes. “We congratulate the Special Olympics leaders, coaches, team leaders, parents and most of all the athletes for bringing glory to our country Jamaica land we love. With Heroes Day coming up, let me say to you, you are our heroes.”

Chairman of SOJ, Aldrick McNab commended Digicel for “delivering so much love and support for Special Olympics Jamaica”. He added, “Digicel knows how to treat a family well as it was their idea to show appreciation for the recent achievements of two of our teams that represented Jamaica so well in the international arena.”

Noting the importance of partnership to SOJ’s success, the Executive Director of SOJ, Coleridge ‘Roy’ Howell, also thanked Digicel for their continuous support of the SOJ. Mr Howell highlighted Digicel’s support to SOJ during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, “We had setbacks during the pandemic as there were shutdowns and lockdowns. However, with Digicel’s help, we were able to maintain constant communication with our athletes and offer virtual training that focused on keeping our athletes in shape and movement.”

 Mr Howell declared that the team is now preparing to give their all at the Special Olympics World Summer Games, scheduled for Berlin, Germany in 2023 adding that SOJ is “very excited to showcase to the world once again the many talents of our athletes.”

 The presentation of the plaques to the SOJ is one of Digicel Foundation’s month-long activities to celebrate Special Needs Awareness this October. Other activities include virtual lunch-hour sign language classes and free Deaf Can coffee for all Digicel employees at the Digicel Headquarters in Kingston.

Special Olympics Jamaica (SOJ) team members and staff will be presented with recognition plaques for their exceptional performances at the recent 2022 USA Games and Unified Cup in the United States.

The ceremony will take place on Friday, October 14 at 11:00 am at the SOJ’s Multipurpose Court at Independence Park in Kingston.

Jamaica’s team returned with 12 medals from the games held in Orlando, Florida from June 5 – 12.

Meanwhile, the SOJ football team went on to win the Unified Cup after beating Paraguay 2-0 in the division-one final at Keyworth Stadium in Michigan on Saturday, August 6.

The unified sports programme at the Special Olympics combines people with and without intellectual disabilities in training and competition. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults.

The presentation of the plaques to the teams solidifies Digicel Foundation’s continuous support of SOJ. Since its inception, Digicel Foundation has provided donations in cash and kind, infrastructural support, help with fundraising activities and more to the Special Needs community.

The handover of the plaques will take place on October 14 at 11:00 am at the SOJ’s Multipurpose Court at Independence Park in Kingston.