In a milestone moment for Jamaican sport, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Andrew Parsons, heralded Jamaica as the future “hub of Caribbean Parasports development” during a landmark visit to the island.
His declaration not only echoed resounding international confidence in the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA) but also signaled the beginning of an ambitious five-year grassroots transformation project, with the establishment of a Paralympic High-Performance Academy as its cornerstone.
A bold vision underpinned by powerful partnerships
This historic initiative is the result of a visionary collaboration between the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) and the Americas Paralympic Committee (AmPC) — the hemispheric governing body for National Paralympic Committees across the Americas and the Caribbean.
JPA President and AmPC Executive Board Director Christopher Samuda described the development as “a negotiated bilateral and visionary partnership for the sustainable development of Jamaica and the Caribbean.” With consultants scheduled to arrive in Jamaica as early as next month, the wheels are already turning toward implementation.
Infrastructure and inclusion: Building a future on a solid foundation
More than just an academy, the initiative encompasses a comprehensive policy framework, an infrastructural development plan, and a commitment to grassroots and elite athletic advancement. President Samuda articulated the profound implications of such a move:
“Financing teams, athletes, and coaches in their endeavours and at games and tournaments and equipping them with tools of their trade are very essential elements of sport development. But building out a brick-and-mortar infrastructure where education and elite physical training are married to modern facilities and are headquartered in the same space is the genetic root of sports development.”
Indeed, this project aims to cultivate both a physical and philosophical home for para-athletes — one that integrates modern training facilities, educational opportunities, and a culture of excellence.
Empowering the next generation through grassroots development
Chairman of the JPA Athletes’ Commission and attorney-at-law Travis Ebanks reinforced the project’s transformative potential, particularly for youth and emerging para-athletes.
“This marks a historic moment for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. The focus on grassroots development is a powerful investment in the future of Parasports in our region. It represents not just opportunity, but a clear commitment to inclusion, excellence, and regional leadership.”
“The Athletes’ Commission is proud to be witnessing this bold and historic step forward, and even more excited for what it means for the next generation of para-athletes.”
A call to build capacity, not just dreams
Samuda, known for his sharp metaphors and uncompromising vision, emphasized that real development cannot happen in abstraction — it must be constructed, literally and figuratively, from the ground up.
“You’ve got to literally break ground and build capacity from the grassroots up to achieve optimal success in talent development and transitioning, and this must be housed in an infrastructure that is viable and sustainable,” he urged.
“The hope of a prospective Olympic swimmer will drown without a pool. The basketballer will be a basket case without a court. So, let’s get to work and construct a blueprint for multi-sport complexes, if not academies, perhaps on a county basis, capitalise them with public-private resources, bring in the professionals who know the business of managing and commercializing sport facilities and mine deep in guaranteeing their sustainability.”
Strategic goals: Accessibility, awareness, and leadership
The initiative’s wide-ranging objectives include:
- Forging strategic, intersectoral, and community-based partnerships
- Increasing accessibility to public spaces and sports facilities
- Establishing Jamaica as a Caribbean Parasports destination
- Cultivating a culture of inclusion and diversity
- Designing a model for regional coach and athlete development
All while strengthening public awareness of Paralympic values and advancing the Caribbean’s place in the global parasport movement.
The message is clear: Jamaica is not just preparing for competition; it is positioning itself as the beating heart of Caribbean Paralympic excellence.
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