jamaica
AmPC ignites first-ever Para Central American and Caribbean Games
December 11, 2025 | By Ian Burnett
A new chapter in regional para sport will be written next November when the Americas Paralympic Committee (AmPC) launches the inaugural Para Central American and Caribbean (PCAC) Games in Tlaxcala, Mexico.
For the first time, athletes from across the AmPC’s expansive jurisdiction, stretching from Canada, down through Central America, and as far south as Chile, will meet in a dedicated multisport arena built specifically for their excellence and growth.
A promise delivered
For years, member nations sought expanded competition pathways for their athletes. In 2025, that long-standing pledge becomes reality. The AmPC, the apex body for 34 national paralympic committees, has translated its commitment into action by establishing a brand-new regional Games platform.
Christopher Samuda, AmPC Vice President and President of the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA), emphasized the magnitude of the achievement, noting that
“fundamental to the success of any governing sporting body is its ability and capacity to open windows of self-development opportunities while inspiring confidence in its members and other stakeholders that today’s dream of success will be tomorrow’s reality.”
Standing on its own feet
The AmPC’s accelerating momentum follows its 2023 operational independence from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Now fully in control of its sporting future, the AmPC owns four major properties:
- The Para Central American and Caribbean Games
- The Para Pan American Games
- The Para South American Games
- The Junior Para Pan American Games
Samuda, who also chairs the Games Commission, underscored the significance of this autonomy: “With ownership comes responsibility the discharge of which calls for vision and proaction which are DNA qualities of success.”
Athletes to converge in force
Organizers anticipate over 1,000 athletes, drawn to competition across 12 sports, supported by more than 200 officials and an extensive volunteer corps.
The scale, however, is not merely logistical, it is strategic.
Ryan Foster, JPA Director and Vice Chairman of the AmPC’s Finance Commission, highlighted the deeper intent behind the venture, stating that the Games represent
“an undertaking that will not only be financial but importantly developmental as the AmPC continues to create platforms for the accelerated growth of para athletes of the region.”
Tlaxcala: A city built for moments like this
Chosen as host for its pedigree in international sport, Tlaxcala stands among Mexico’s most economically dynamic cities. Celebrated for eco-tourism and renowned for its seamless staging of global sporting events, the city brings rich cultural heritage, including traditional bullfighting and charrerìa, into its modern sporting portfolio.
This blend of authenticity, sporting infrastructure, and event experience makes Tlaxcala an ideal stage for the region’s newest, most ambitious para-sport milestone.
Samuda praises PUMA, Americas Para Sports collaboration
Published: Thursday | November 13, 2025 | 12:16 AM | Gregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
CHRISTOPHER SAMUDA, president of the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA), has praised the recent agreement signed between Americas Paralympic Committee (AmPC) and sporting giants PUMA.
The AmPC signed a partnership with PUMA which will see the two collaborating under the motto ‘Power To Inspire’.
The partnership will be used to power a number of AmPC initiatives which will take aim at celebrating “the courage, resilience and inspiration of para-athletes”.
The partnership is also expected to bring further development and visibility to parasports in the Americas region.
Samuda, who is also the vice-president of the AmPC, hailed the partnership as something that goes far beyond just branding, and proves the power of para-athletes and their ambitions.
“[The partnership is a] coalescence of sporting values and culture that has gone beyond the commercialisation of brands and money, and has found its currency and integrity in the aspirations of para-athletes who continue to ignite humanity with defining feats.”
The agreement is expected to be presented at the 2027 Lima Para PanAmerican Games, the flagship event for the AmPC.
The partnership was also praised by the top brass of both organisations, with AmPC President Julio César Avila suggesting it was a sign of their commitment to equality and the use of sport as a driving force of inclusion.
“[It is] a joint commitment to inclusion and excellence, and is a clear message that with PUMA we share the conviction that sport is a powerful tool to inspire and transform,” he said.
“The agreement reflects our vision of a region that moves forward together.”
His comments were echoed by Carlos Laje, general manager of PUMA Latin America, who said it is the sporting giant’s aim to continue to support initiatives that push for equality and fairness in sport.
Laje said PUMA stands behind the message of inspiring others, and feels the partnership with the AmPC is a major sign of that message.
“Supporting the Para Pan American Movement means advancing fairer sports where talent and perseverance truly define an athlete. For in every competition, in every story, we see the message that drives PUMA,” he said.
“It isn’t only about winning. It’s about inspiring, and at PUMA we want to keep backing those who inspire millions with their effort and passion. They are the living proof that sport changes lives.”
Samuda confident of regional paralympic growth due to new Puma deal
Daniel Blake | Sports Writer | November 11, 2025
amaica’s para-athletes are expected to see increased benefits in the coming years after German sports apparel giants Puma signed a sponsorship deal with the Americas Paralympic Committee (AmPC).
It comes days after Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA) President Christopher Samuda was elected vice-president of the region’s paralympic governing body.
The agreement will see Puma providing financial and technical assistance to help develop several para sports initiatives in the Caribbean, North America and South America.
Samuda said, “It is a coalescence of sporting values and culture that has gone beyond the commercialisation of brands and money and has found its currency and integrity in the aspirations of para athletes who continue to ignite humanity with defining feats.”
Puma Latin America General Manager Carlos Laje says the sponsorship is critical in uplifting the paralympic movement in the region.
Puma will also serve as prime sponsor for AmPC governed events Para Panamerican Games, which takes place in the summer of 2027 in Lima, Peru with a number of Jamaican athletes set to participate.
“Ownership of the games vests in us custody of the aspirations of thousands of sportsmen and women and youth which my executive board colleagues and I recognise is a privilege that comes with a fiduciary obligation to create value and deliver results for them — the human capital of sport,”
Samuda, who also serves as president of the Jamaica Olympic Association, says he intends to put the athletes first after being elected AmPC vice-president, ahead of Canada Paralympic Committee President Marc-Andre Fabien.
“It is far from being a personal victory but a commitment to the athletes of the Caribbean and Americas whom we serve and whose interest and welfare are paramount in the regional sporting construct,” said Samuda.
Earlier this year, the Samuda led JPA secured a partnership with the AmPC and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean to create a paralympic high performance academy in Jamaica, the first of its kind in the Caribbean.
The JPA also hosted its first Grassroots Para Sport Festival last month where dozens of Jamaica’s para-athletes showcased their talents in track and field, powerflifting, archery and fencing.
Samuda is hoping that there’s greater private and public investment in local parasports going forward.
“It is part of our educational campaign for the private sector and those financial backers who would want to not only give us a cheque for particular events but also to come as a partner, a long-term partner in the Paralympic movement,” he said.
“It will just not simply be for branding value, but we want them to see themselves as part of this progression in para-sports development and also to bring on board their own ideas as to how best we can further deepen the impact of para-sports in Jamaica.”
Khalil’s Bonze Moment of Triumph at the 2025 Santiago Junior Para PanAmerican Games
Khalil Gardner Bronze Medal, Chile
Christopher Samuda makes history as Americas paralympic vice president
By Ben McLeod | Nov. 4, 2025
SANTIAGO, Chile — In a landmark moment for regional sports leadership, Christopher Samuda, President of the Jamaica Paralympic Committee, has been elected Vice President of the Americas Paralympic Committee (AmPC) for the subregion encompassing the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.
The election took place during the General Assembly of the AmPC, the governing body representing 34 national Paralympic committees across North, South, and Central America, as well as the Caribbean.
Samuda, a sitting director of the organization, triumphed over Marc-André Fabien, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, to secure the historic post — making him the first Vice President for the subregion since the role’s creation following amendments to the AmPC’s statutes in 2023.
A vision beyond victory
In reflecting on his election, Samuda emphasized that his success transcends personal achievement.
“This is far from being a personal victory,” Samuda declared. “It is a commitment to the athletes of the Caribbean and the Americas whom we serve — athletes whose interests and welfare remain paramount in the regional sporting construct.”
His appointment, which spans a four-year term, places him at the forefront of advancing inclusivity, governance, and athlete development within the hemisphere’s Paralympic movement.
A strengthened Americas Paralympic Movement
The Assembly also confirmed the re-election of Colombian Julio César Ávila Sarria as President, after he defeated Daniel Facal, head of the Uruguay Paralympic Committee. Together, the new executive will steer the AmPC into a pivotal era following its operational independence from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in 2023.
That milestone transferred ownership of the Para Pan American Senior and Youth Games directly to the Americas body, giving it full control over the strategic direction, execution, and legacy of the continent’s premier Paralympic events.
Custodians of dreams and duty
For Samuda, this newfound autonomy is both empowering and sobering. He underscored the profound responsibility that comes with the AmPC’s expanded mandate.
“Ownership of the Games vests in us, and we are custodians of the aspirations of thousands of sportsmen, women, and youth,” he affirmed. “My executive board colleagues and I recognize that this is a privilege that comes with a fiduciary obligation to create value and deliver tangible results for them — the human capital of sport.”
His remarks encapsulate a broader philosophy that has defined his tenure in sports administration: transforming governance into service and leadership into stewardship.
Charting a new course for the region
As Vice President, Samuda will oversee the affairs of his subregion, working closely with stakeholders to strengthen athlete representation, expand developmental programs, and advocate for greater investment in Paralympic sports.
His election also symbolizes a growing Caribbean presence in international sports governance — a testament to the region’s commitment to equality, empowerment, and excellence across all levels of competition.
With this new chapter, Samuda steps onto a continental stage where his advocacy for athletes with disabilities will help shape the future of Paralympic port throughout the Americas.
Samuda lands Americas Paralympic vice-president role
Published: Tuesday | November 4, 2025 | 12:10 AM
THE GENERAL Assembly of the Americas Paralympic Committee (AmPC), the governing body for national paralympic committees in 34 countries of North, South and Central America, and the Caribbean, concluded recently in Santiago, Chile, with the election of Christopher Samuda as the vice-president of the subregion, consisting of the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.
President of the Jamaica Paralympic Committee, Samuda, a sitting director, defeated Marc-André Fabien, president of the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and in so doing now occupies one of three vice-president positions which were created when members amended the apex body’s statutes in 2023.
Colombian Julio César Ávila Sarria was re-elected president, defeating Daniel Facal, president of the Uruguay Paralympic Committee.
Samuda described his election as “far from being a personal victory, but a commitment to the athletes of the Caribbean and Americas whom we serve and whose interest and welfare are paramount in the regional sporting construct”.
The Americas Paralympic Committee now owns the Para Pan American Senior and Youth Games, which previously came under the aegis of the International Paralympic Committee, from which the AmPC gained operational independence in 2023.
“Ownership of the games vests in us and we are custodians of the aspirations of thousands of sportsmen and women and youth, which my executive board colleagues and I recognise is a privilege that comes with a fiduciary obligation to create value and deliver results for them — the human capital of sport,” Samuda stated.
Samuda will serve for a term of four years, during which time he will have oversight responsibility for the affairs of the subregion.
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