Words like “history-making” are often overused but around the world, Special Olympics continues to do just that, developing innovative solutions that increase the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities both on and off the field of play. Recently, Trinidad & Tobago played host to one of these history-making moments: the first-ever Special Olympics Regional Beach Games. This pioneering event drew 130 athletes, 70 coaches, and delegates from Special Olympics Programs across the Caribbean to compete in a variety of beach sports, including aquathlon, beach bocce, beach soccer, beach volleyball, and open water swimming from November 8-10, 2024. The Games took place at venues in both Trinidad and Tobago, setting a vibrant stage for competition, camaraderie, and celebration, bringing a sense of pride to the local organizing committee.
We are happy to be trailblazers and happy that it starts right here in the Caribbean. We’re going to write the template and make sure it can be exported, and that other Programs can use local talent and local resources to showcase our Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games.
The event kicked off with an Opening Ceremony attended by key stakeholders including Minister of Sport and Community Development of Tobago West Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis who emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting such inclusive events. “Today we celebrate not only the courage of our athletes, we are here to showcase the true power of sports to build inclusive, supportive, and empowering communities,” she declared. Cudjoe-Lewis highlighted the Games as a platform for athletes to display incredible talent, resilience, and sportsmanship, fostering friendships that transcend borders.
The support of key figures like Digicel Foundation Chief Executive Officer Penny Gomez was also instrumental in the success of the Games. “The dedication and commitment demonstrated by our athletes and coaches is nothing short of inspiring. It’s a great honor for Trinidad and Tobago to have been selected to host the inaugural Special Olympics Regional Beach Games, and this recognition of our very own Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago is very well-deserved,” Gomez shared.
The sports competition held over two days marked a significant milestone for athletes from across the Caribbean, offering them an unparalleled platform to showcase their skills on a larger stage than ever before. Following a bocce match on Maracas Beach on Saturday, Special Olympics Jamaica coach Carl Ellis shared his insights on the impact of Beach Games on his athletes
"This level of competition is a completely new experience for both me and the athletes," Ellis remarked. "It's incredibly beneficial for their personal development, boosting their confidence and self-esteem, while providing crucial exposure. I'm already witnessing the positive effects of participating in an international event like this. Athletes like Molique and Jhaiden are visibly more interested and engaged in the activities, showing just how transformative this experience can be."
Beyond competitions, the event offered a broad spectrum of activities designed to enhance community engagement and well-being. Healthy Athletes screenings, Family Health Forum, and Caribbean Initiative Family Engagement Workshop were vital components of the Games, providing resources and inspiration. Helen Reynolds-Arana, Family Coordinator for Special Olympics Cayman Islands, praised the Family Health Forum as a vital tool for community empowerment. “We were seeking the opportunity to get information on how to re-energize our family committee and I must say that participating has given me specific strategies that have been tried and proven to be successful,” she noted.
The legacy of these groundbreaking games promises to extend well beyond the Caribbean. Greg Epperson, President and Managing Director of Special Olympics North America, summarized the event’s significance by stating, “Not only is this the first-ever Special Olympics Beach Games, but it is also a chance to have a global impact and make Beach Games something we carry out in all our regions.”
With the leadership of Special Olympics Caribbean’s Executive Director, Lorna Bell, and the collective efforts of athletes, coaches, families, and the entire Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago team, history has been made and the foundation for future Beach Games has been firmly established. Congratulations to all involved for setting a precedent that will inspire countless others in the years to come.
