MoBay rolls out red carpet for historic Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games

WESTERN BUREAU

Montego Bay is preparing to welcome hundreds of athletes and officials from across the Caribbean this November as Jamaica hosts the inaugural Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games, with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) pledging comprehensive security for the landmark regional event.

Speaking at Tuesday’s official launch of the Games, Montego Bay’s Deputy Mayor Dwight Crawford said the city is honoured to host an event that goes beyond sport, celebrating inclusion, resilience and Caribbean unity.

“Today is about much more than sport. It is about people. It is about bringing our Caribbean family together, celebrating talent, creating opportunities, and showing what is possible when we believe in each other,” Crawford said.

Describing Montego Bay as a city renowned for its hospitality, culture and picturesque coastline, Crawford said its greatest strength lies in its people.

“We are proud to open our doors and our hearts to every athlete and visitor who comes to Jamaica,” he said.

He urged Jamaicans to embrace the Games by attending competitions and cheering on the athletes.

“Let us show the Caribbean that Montego Bay is not only a tourism destination, but also a caring and inclusive community,” he said.

Paying tribute to the competitors, Crawford said each athlete represents a story of perseverance, sacrifice and unwavering support from family members, coaches and teachers.

“These Games give us an opportunity to focus on ability instead of limitation. They remind us that everyone deserves a chance to participate, to compete and to celebrate,” he said.

Offering words of encouragement, Crawford reminded the athletes that success should be measured by personal growth rather than comparison with others.

“If you are doing better today than you did yesterday, you are a winner. Success is better measured against yourself than against anyone else,” he said.

He also acknowledged the organising committee, volunteers, sponsors, healthcare workers, emergency responders, security personnel and community partners whose months of preparation have made the event possible.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr Gary McKenzie, speaking on behalf of Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake, reaffirmed the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s four-decade partnership with the Special Olympics movement while assuring event organisers that the force would provide a safe and secure environment for athletes, officials and spectators.

“For 40 years we have been a part of the Special Olympics movement. Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force view this as a very important partnership,” said McKenzie, who heads the JCF’s Strategic Operations Branch.

McKenzie said modern policing extends beyond law enforcement to building meaningful relationships with communities.

“We recognise that enforcement and regulating people is not just what our calling should be. We recognise that we should be a part of people’s lives,” he said.

He pledged that the force would spare no effort to ensure the safety of athletes, officials, spectators and visitors throughout the November 18-22 Games, which will be held at Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay.

“We want everyone not only to feel safe, but to enjoy and have the experience that has been promised,” McKenzie said.

He added that police personnel from across the island would be deployed not only to provide security but also to support the athletes and participate in the celebrations.

“On behalf of Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake, let me say to you that you have the police force’s full commitment, and we will be solidly behind you,” he declared.

The Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games, the first event of its kind in the region, will bring together athletes with intellectual disabilities from more than 20 Caribbean countries and territories to compete in beach sports while promoting inclusion, friendship and regional unity. The Games will be staged in Montego Bay from November 18 to 22 and are expected to become a flagship event on the regional Special Olympics calendar.

albert.ferguson@gleanerjm.com