APHANSO CUNNINGHAM, O.D.

APHANSO CUNNINGHAM, O.D.

Alphanso“Ambassador” Cunningham’s credentials as a Paralympian achiever is well known and celebrated. Confidently efficient, he is very familiar with the top of the medal podium at international championships in track and field where the national anthem is played in recognition of his golden successes.

World Games, Birmingham, England – 2003
Gold – Discus

Para Pan American Games, Argentina – 2003
Gold, Discus (Pan American Record)
Gold, Javelin

Paralympic, Athens, Greece – 2004
Gold, Discus (World/Olympic Record)

World Games, Assens, Netherlands – 2006
Silver, Discus

Para Pan American Games, Brazil – 2007
Gold, Discus
Silver, Javelin

Paralympic, Beijing, China – 2008
Placed 4th in the Discus Final

USA Americas Cup (Qualifying Event) USA – 2010
Gold, Discus (Meet Record)
Gold Javelin (Meet Record)

Para Pan American Games,Guadalajara, Mexico – 2011
Gold, Discus (Para Pan American Record)
Silver, Javelin

Paralympic Games, London, UK – 2012
Gold, Javelin (Regional Record)

Para Pan American Games, Toronto, Canada – 2015
Gold, Discus (F51/F52/F53/F57)
Bronze, Javelin  (F51/F52/F53/F57)

Paralympic Gamea, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 2016
Placed 5th Men’s F54 Javelin.
Placed 10th Men’s F54 Shot Put                               ‎

Also a wheelchair basketball athlete with distinction, Alphanso has been there, done it and continues to do it with supreme authority. 

Alpphnso has, for the last three years, been pursuing the sport of fencing and is hoping to transition to the  Paralympic stage, once more, but this time in that sport.

 

Shane Hudson

Shane Hudson

From the tender age of six, Shane demonstrated a serious love for running competitively. To date, he has not waned but intensified with the successes he has earned in his amateur career.

At Grayer Field Basic School, he was admired for his ability to move fast while others seemed at a standstill and this reputation followed him toMoneaguePrimary where he represented the school, while in Grade Four, in the 60m dash and 150m. On graduating to Grade Five, he participated in the 100m, 200m, and 400m where he seldom was in any position other than first.

MoneagueJunior High was no different. Being the competitor he is, he represented the school, while in Grade seven, in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, and the relays, and was its golden boy. Being the multifaceted person he is, his exploits extended to the long jump where the measure of his talent was just short of the length of the pit.

But it was at Ocho Rios High that others truly appreciated his talent as an athlete while competing at the Central Championships and Western Relays in the 200m and 400m which have now become his signature events. Medals were gained and more came when in 2006 and 2007 he represented Jamaica, as a Special Olympian, at the celebrated Penn Relays in Frankfield, in the United States, where on each occasion he ran from behind the leaders on the anchor leg to strike gold for his country.

He graduated from the paralympic movement in 2009 and then began what no doubt would be an inspiring record in athletics.

Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India – 2010
Placed 3rd insemi-final 100m

Para Pan American Games, Guadalajara, Mexico – 2011
Silver – T 47400m
Placed 6th – T 47 200m final

IPC World Athletics Championships, Lyon, France‎ – 2013  
Finalist T47 400m‎(DNS)

Para Pan American Games, Toronto, Canada – 2015 
Silver – T 47 400m‎

IPC World Athletics Championships, Doha, Qatar – 2015 
Silver T 47 400m‎

Paralympic Games, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 2016       
Placed fourth T 47 400m

Shane continies to compete but has had some injuries which have hindered his ability to earn more medals at the international level. However he remains dedicated to overcome once more.

 

Sylvia Grant, O.D

Sylvia Grant, O.D

Sylvia Grant, the most decorated Jamaican female Paralympian in recent history.

Focused and centered, Sylvia is a study of concentration and determination in achieving success, and her loyalty to the Paralympic movement is admirable and so is her record.

Para-Olympic, Korea – 1988
Silver, Pentathlon (Silver, Discus, Silver, Javelin)

Pan American Games, Venezuela – 1989
Gold, Pentathlon (Gold Discus, Gold, Javelin)

World Games, England Birmingham – 1990
Silver, Pentathlon (Gold, Discus, Silver, Javelin)

Para-Olympic, Barcelona, Spain – 1992
Silver, Discus

Para-Olympic, USA, Atlanta – 1996
Bronze, Discus

Pan American Games, Mexico – 1999
Gold, Discus

Paralympic Games, Sydney, Australia – 2000
Finalist

World Games, France – 2002
Silver, Discus‎

World Games, England, Birmingham 2003
Bronze, Discus
Bronze, Javelin

Para Pan American Games, Argentina – 2003
Gold, Discus
Silver, Javelin

Paralympic, Athens – 2004    
Finalist

World Games, Netherlands, Assens – 2006    
Finalist

Para Pan American Games, Brazil – 2007
Silver, Javelin‎

Paralympic Games, Beijing, China – 2008  
Finalist

USA Americas Cup – 2010
Gold, Discus
Silver, Javelin

Para Pan American Games – 2011
Silver, Javelin (Para Pan American Record, F57)

She continues the journey of accomplishments with untiring faith in her own ability and buoyed by her several successes

Sylvia turned to para badminton in her quest to master another sport but a nagging shoulder injury has impeded her progress but she continues nevertheless to press ahead with determination.

Tanto Campbell, O.D

Tanto Campbell, O.D

Anyone who knows Tanto Campbell or even has a nodding acquaintance with him, will attest to the mettle of the man who is a champion of his game on and off the field of competition.

He is a competitor, fair but firm. He is sportsman by the rules and by example; and he is a Paralympian in nature and by achievement.

Just take a look at his enviable track record:

Orlando, Florida, USA – 2002
Silver – Discus

British Open, England – 2003
Gold – Discus

Para Pan American Games, Argentina – 2003
Gold – Discus

Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece – 2004
Bronze – Discus

IPC World Athletic Championships,  Assens, Netherlands – 2006
Gold – Discus (World Record)

Commonwealth Games – Melbourne, Victoria, Australia – 2006
Gold – Discus

Para Pan American Games, Brazil – 2007
Silver – Discus

Paralympic Games, Beijing, China – 2008
Bronze – Discus

Para Pan American Games, Guadalajara, Mexico – 2008
Silver – Discus‎‎

IPC World Athletics Championships – 2013

Para Pan American Games, Toronto, Canada – 2015

Gold, Men’s F56 Javelin
Silver Men’s F56 Discus
IPC World Athletics Championships, Doha, Qatar ‎ Placed 5(h Men’s F56 Discus
Placed 7th Men’s F56 Javelin

Yet with all that metallic glory he remains grounded and determined to help capitalize and give value to the Paralympic movement with a personal investment of loyalty, commitment, and goodwill.

Chairman of the Jamaica Wheelchair Basketball Federation and the Federation’s delegate to the Americas Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Tanto is dedicating his time and overtime to developing this Paralympic sport nationally and regionally. His gaze is focused on the basket, his hand is steady yet nimble for the shoot and his mission will be accomplished.

A Capital and Credit Merchant Bank scholarship recipient, his goal is to read law in his bid to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree and after that to qualify as Counsel at the Jamaica Bar.

So for him, the journey has not ended. It continues as he climbs new mountains in reaching further horizons.

But Tanto’s journey as a competitor in the field has ended in retirement and his journey is now career oriented as an Operations Supervisor at one of Jamaica’s leading private security companies.

Theodor Subba

Theodor Subba

After only learning Judo in 2018 for a few months, Theodor Subba won bronze in the over 100kg class at the 2019 Para Pan-American Games in Lima, Peru to become Jamaica’s first visually impaired athlete to compete and win a medal in Judo.

Today, the 25-year-old has his eyes set on competing and medaling in the Paralympic Games in Paris 2024.

Hailing from the community of Grange Hill in Westmoreland, Subba attended the Salvation Army School for the Blind.

“My mother sending me to that school singlehandedly changed my life,” the Paralympian said.

“I went there from age two. No doubt it was hard for my mother to part from her two-year-old child at the time.

“When I reached the school, they said I was always running up and down. At home, the space was much smaller and so I was always bumping into things but Salvation Army was designed to facilitate persons with visual impairment.”

Subba was then transferred to Calabar High School where he completed his secondary education.

He noted that the Kingston-based boys’ school was very accessible and accommodating towards his disability.

“They had a lot of questions. The boys were very curious. I don’t think the teachers were trained but they handled persons with visual impairment to the best of their abilities. I was able to do my exams and classwork. I made a lot of friends too. I did everything that the other boys did at Calabar.”

Subba recalled the school’s vice principal at the time, saying: “You know boy, you can’t see but you are in everything.”

Subba shared that, while there are instances where he needs assistance, he tries to be as independent as possible.

He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Social Work at the University of the West Indies.

He explained that social work was something he always wanted to do. “Growing up with a disability, I felt that if I had someone to talk to sometimes, who could empathise with me, I would be better off. I want to give someone what I didn’t have growing up.”

Shauna Kay Hines

Shauna Kay Hines

Shauna Kay Hines is a very gifted para-athlete who was only introduced to Taekwondo in late 2017 but has excelled since then in defiance of her fledgling years.

Focused and determined, she complements these attributes with an appetite to learn and humility to master the art and science of the sport. Taekwondo is her sport and she continues to own it with conviction.

 

US Open Para-Taekwondo Championships – January 2017
Silver Medal (Class K44 58g)

Aruba Open Taekwondo Championships – May 2017
Earned points toward the 2020 Paralympic qualification

2017 RJR Gleaner Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Award:
– Para Sports Female Athlete of the Year; and
– Taekwondo Athlete of the Year

US Open Taekwondo Championships – January 2018
Silver Medal (Class K44 58g)

Pan Am Para Open International Taekwondo Championships – July 2018
Bronze Medal (Class K44 58g)

2018 RJR/Gleaner Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Award:
– Para Sports Female Athlete of the Year

 

Marloe Rodman

Marloe Rodman

National cyclist Marloe Rodman, who was Jamaica’s leading cyclist in the Olympic movement,  was propelled into the Paralympic movement after he met in a cycling accident in  2018 and he is he is not looking back on yesterday but is focusing on today’s and tomorrow’s inspirations.

 

Recovery from the accident took some years, but after the Tokyo Paralympic games in 2021 he was introduced to para sports, and since then he has been representing Jamaica in regional competitions  such as at the Pan American Para-Cycling Track and Road Championships in Maringa, Brazil, and other tournaments

 

Marloe, who has a paralyzed upper limb from injuries sustained in the accident, is the first Jamaican athlete to represent the nation in para-cycling.

Prior to his injury, Marloe, was a multiple national track cycling champion and has represented Jamaica at several international competitions.

 

“I am  passionate about achieving and being a shining example to other para and abled body athletes. As para athletes, we are champions and nothing is beyond our strength, faith, abilities and power,” he says.

Jahmarely Jahmarey Richards

Jahmarely Jahmarey Richards

PERSONAL INFORMATION

  • Full Name: Jahmarely Jahmarey Richards  
  • Date of Birth: January 24, 2004
  • Nationality: Jamaican
  • Hometown: Maryland District, St. Andrew, Jamaica
  • Height: 5’11” (180.34cm)
  • Weight: 170 lbs (77.11 kg)

 

ATHLETIC INFORMATION

  • Sport: Track and Field
  • Specialty: Sprints
  • Events: 100m, 200m, 400m

 

HIGHLIGHTS/ ACHEIVEMENTS

  • 2023 Bogota Paralympic youth game o Silver medal in men U20 T47-47 100meters
  • RJR’s Para-Sportsman of the Year 2023

 

EDUCATION

  • High school: Mona High School (class of 2023)
  • College\University: University of Technology, Jamaica (2023- current) o Degree (currently pursuing): Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.

 

 

BACKGROUND & EARLY LIFE

I am Jahmarley Richards a student at the university of technology, Jamaica, and a registered Jamaican Para athlete. I was born and raised in Maryland district, St. Andrew, Jamaica where I developed a passion for sports at a young age. I began my athletic career as a footballer and transitioned to a track athlete in my late years of high school. Due to my discipline, determination and drive I have been able to grow and improve continually on the track.

Acee Green

Acee Green

I’m Acee Green, a dedicated athlete who thrives on pushing boundaries and achieving excellence in my sport.

Background

Hailing from the Parish of St. Andrew, I discovered my passion for archery at the end of 2021 and have been pursuing it ever since. My journey has taken me through rigorous training, competitions and unforgettable experiences.

 

Skills and Strengths

My dedication, discipline, and relentless work ethic are the cornerstones of my athletic career. With a focus on concentration, ability to focus under pressure and to push my body and physical limits, I continuously strive to improve and excel.

 

Achievements

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of achieving significant milestones, including third place (3rd) at the Caribbean Development Championships in September of 2022; Para Pan American Championships in November of 2022, where I made it into the worlds top 50 ranked para archers; Para Pan American games in November of 2023, where I placed 9th in the competition. These experiences have not only shaped me as an athlete but also instilled in me a drive for continual growth and success.

 

Passions and Interests

Beyond the field of archery, I’m deeply passionate about photography, composition of music, exploring the outdoors, volunteering in my community, and pursuing other athletic endeavors. I believe in maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle.

 

Goals and Aspirations

Looking ahead, my goal is to reach the highest level of competition, inspiring others through my journey, and making a positive impact in my sport. I’m committed to pushing my limits, seizing every opportunity, and leaving a lasting legacy in the world of athletics.

 

My Journey Continues

In every aim, shot or match, I bring unwavering dedication, passion, and determination. I’m excited to continue this journey, challenge myself, and inspire others along the way.

Nathaniel Bailey

Nathaniel Bailey

Jamaican para surfer,  Nathaniel Bailey, was a recipient of a special scholarship from the International Surfing Association (ISA) and among twenty-eight students  from countries around the world to be awarded that scholarship for his education and surf training.

Nathaniel has represented Jamaica at the World Para Surfing Championships in both 2021 and 2022. He was the first competitor from Jamaica to participate in the ISA World Para-Surfing Championship at Pismo Beach in California

Nathaniel is a proud para surfer and as a pioneer in the sport he is committed to blazing the trail so other para athletes may be inspired to ride the waves as he is doing with confidence that “I can create the possible from the impossible and surf to the horizon.”

JONATHAN FERGUSON

JONATHAN FERGUSON

Jonathan is the future for Jamaica in para athletics and his roots are in the garden parish of Saint Ann where he continues to receive schooling and life skills.

A para athlete for just under three years, Jonathan got out of the blocks quickly as at the 2023 Youth Parapan American Games held in Bogota, Columbia, he copped the gold medal in the under 20 T 45-47 100m and repeated that golden performance in the 400m.

With his eyes set on other podium appearances and his dream of national representation at Paralympic games alive, the sky for him is but a horizon to transcend.