KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica is setting its sights on Paralympic greatness. In a landmark move to elevate para-sport development across the Caribbean, the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA), in partnership with the Americas Paralympic Committee (AmPC) and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), has launched a bold new chapter in inclusive sports through the Grassroots Project.
From May 12–16, 2025, world-renowned urban planners A+U Architects—represented by Patricia Squella and Karlha Andrade—will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s sports infrastructure, accommodations, and transportation systems. Their mission? To craft a roadmap toward world-class accessibility and inclusive excellence.
This transformative initiative is supported by the Ministry of Gender, Entertainment, Culture and Sport and the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, marking a powerful multi-sector alliance that places inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity at the heart of national development.
The grassroots project: Charting the path to Elite Paralympic performance
At the core of this initiative is the Grassroots Project, a forward-thinking strategy designed to uplift communities, empower para-athletes, and elevate Jamaica as a regional leader in Paralympic sport. One of the most exciting outcomes on the horizon? The creation of a High Performance Training Center and Academy for para-athletes—a first-of-its-kind hub in the Caribbean that has already sparked strong interest from potential sponsors.
From elite performance to grassroots opportunity, this project aims to revolutionize the way Jamaica builds, trains, and supports athletes with disabilities.
Nationwide accessibility review: From stadiums to skylines
Over five days, Squella and Andrade will examine a wide range of venues and services to assess how Jamaica stacks up against global standards in accessibility. Sites under review include:
- National Stadium
- Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre
- University of the West Indies, Mona
- GC Foster College
- Catherine Hall Sports Complex
- Trelawny Multipurpose Complex
- Drax Hall – eyed as a potential site for the para sport complex
Major hotels in both Kingston and Montego Bay will be evaluated, along with key transportation providers such as Sir Donald Sangster International Airport, Jamaica Union of Travelers Association (JUTA), and Jamaica Cooperative Automobile and Limousine Tours (JCAL).
These assessments are designed to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation—ensuring every facet of Jamaica’s sports ecosystem is inclusive, accessible, and aligned with international Paralympic standards.
Laying the groundwork for a more inclusive future
By enhancing accessibility and investing in athlete-centered development, this initiative is expected to:
- Improve accessibility of sports facilities and infrastructure
- Empower local para-athletes and their communities
- Position Jamaica to host regional and international Para Games
The visit from A+U Architects represents more than a technical assessment—it is a strategic inflection point for Jamaica’s ambitions in the global Paralympic movement.
As the world watches, Jamaica is laying the foundation not just for competition—but for inclusion, equity, and excellence on the world stage.
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