Digicel Foundation presents recognition plaques to SOJ

More than 45 persons at Special Olympics Jamaica (SOJ) have been presented with recognition plaques by the Digicel Foundation for their exceptional performances at the recent 2022 USA Games and Unified Cup.

The event took place at the SOJ Multipurpose Sports Complex in Kingston on Friday, October 14 and the awardees included athletes and support staff.

Chairman of SOJ Aldrick McNab thanked Digicel for "delivering so much love and support for Special Olympics Jamaica".

"Digicel knows how to treat a family well as it was their idea to show appreciation for the recent achievements of two of our teams that represented Jamaica so well in the international arena," McNab added.

Noting the importance of partnership to SOJ's success, the executive director of SOJ, Coleridge 'Roy' Howell, also thanked Digicel for their continuous support, even during the coronavirus pandemic.

"We had setbacks during the pandemic as there were shutdowns and lockdowns. However, with Digicel's help, we were able to maintain constant communication with our athletes and offer virtual training that focused on keeping our athletes in shape and movement," Howell said.

Jamaica's team returned with 12 medals from the USA Games held in Orlando, Florida, from June 5 to 12. The team participated in swimming, bocce and athletics. Meanwhile, the SOJ football team, who did not concede a goal all tournament, went on to win the Unified Cup after beating Paraguay 2-0 in the division one final at Keyworth Stadium in Michigan on Saturday, August 6.

Howell said that members of the team are now preparing to give their all at the Special Olympics World Summer Games, scheduled for Berlin, Germany, in 2023 adding that SOJ is "very excited to showcase to the world once again the many talents of our athletes."

Digicel Foundation Chair, Jean Lowrie-Chin, said the teams' recent victories overseas say a lot about Jamaica's talent.

"Talents were still bright despite the two years' absence from competitions as a result of the COVID pandemic," she said.

Lowrie-Chin also hailed the SOJ athletes as Jamaica's heroes.

"We congratulate the Special Olympics leaders, coaches, team leaders, parents and most of all the athletes for bringing glory to our country," she said.

The presentation of the plaques to SOJ is one of Digicel Foundation's month-long activities to celebrate Special Needs Awareness. Other activities include virtual lunch-hour sign language classes and free Deaf Can coffee for all Digicel employees at the Digicel Headquarters in Kingston.