The Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA) is making strides in expanding Para sports locally, but President Christopher Samuda has identified parental reluctance as a key barrier to growth. Speaking on Jamaica’s fourth annual Paralympic Day — celebrated at King’s House with Governor General Sir Patrick Allen — Samuda urged parents to see sport as therapy and an opportunity for their disabled children to reach their potential.

Despite the challenge, the movement is diversifying well beyond track and field, with athletes now competing in surfing, fencing, archery, judo, pistol shooting, and boccia, with a goalball team being targeted for the 2028 LA Paralympics.

Samuda credited corporate Jamaica and the Governor General’s continued endorsement for the association’s recent momentum, noting that Jamaica’s declaration of a Paralympic Day is believed to be a first among English-speaking Caribbean and Central American nations. Jamaican Para athletes are set to compete at this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the inaugural Para Central American and Caribbean Games in Mexico in November.

SOURCE: Jamaica Observer