Samuda welcomes GAPS programme

President of the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA) Christopher Samuda has welcomed the Gather, Adjust, Prepare, Sustain (GAPS) Americas and Caribbean Programme to get under way in Jamaica from April 16-22.

The programme is a collaborative effort between the JPA, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Faculty of Sport and the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

The announcement came at a press conference held at the UWI on Thursday, where Samuda spoke positively about the benefits of the upcoming programme. Samuda thanked the collaborative effort between the three organisations in bringing the camp to life in Jamaica.

"I applaud the Commonwealth Games Federation and its President, Dr Chris Jenkins, for their vision in enabling the able with a difference," he said. "I also salute the Faculty of Sport at the University of the West Indies for realising this vision and affording our para-athletes an opportunity to self-actualise.

"Unity is very essential in achieving results, particularly in para-sports. It is important that we have this collaboration in sport because that is the only way we will achieve collectively."

The GAPS Americas and Caribbean programme is aimed at advancing inclusivity in sports and providing para-athletes and coaches with additional training in skills, knowledge and resources.

According to Samuda, the GAPS Americas and Caribbean programme will fall under the JPA's 'I am Phenomenal' campaign, which seeks to highlight and advance the development of Jamaican para-athletics.

"It is a campaign that we have been waging for some years, but we have just officially formalised it last year. What we are saying is that we are able with a difference. We are phenomenal because our athletes display grit, determination and willpower against many odds. For that reason, only, we are phenomenal," he said.

The GAPS programme will include a series of lectures at the Leslie Robinson Hall at the UWI, Mona campus, as well as various training sessions at UWI Mona Bowl. The camp will also benefit from biokinetic evaluations at UWI Sports Medical Clinic and an evening of competition at Jamaica College on April 20.