The black, green and gold of the national flag was raised this evening in the Paralympic Village during the Welcome Ceremony and to the strains of the national anthem which reverberated with a sense of triumph in the cool air of an evening in Barra.
Chef de Mission, Javon Campbell, presented the Mayor of the Village with a gift of the universally revered, Blue Mountain Coffee, much to her delight and exchanged pleasantries with her.
It was not surprizing that other nations present gave the delegation a very warm welcome as Jamaica has become a household name in sport globally and members of our Paraympic team have endeared themselves to their colleagues.
President Samuda, who is not a stranger to ceremonies of this nature, commented that ‘this. Is a signature event at these games and others and embodies the spirit of friendship, mutuality and goodwill in sport which we must always emphasize’
Reflecting on the ceremony, multiple gold medalist and the world record holder in the F53 Javelin, Alphanso “The Ambassador” Cunningham commented; “I have been to many many welcome ceremonies but each is as if it is the first for there is every time a unique and special feeling”
Her Excellency, Ambassador Alison Stone-Roofe, attended the ceremony with her Deputy, Ms. Desirene Taylor and Jamaica’s Counsel General, Maria Pia Buchheim, all of whom were presented with gifts by the Chef de Mission in his office prior to the ceremony.Her Excellency addressed the delgation and wished them every success in their campaign in Rio.
