JPA lauds Peters for historic selection

The Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA) has commended technical official Sodia Peters for her historic selection, as she is the first Jamaican named to officiate at the Paralympic Games.

Peters was elected as an international official (ITO) for track and field at the Paris Paralympics.

This adds to her accomplishment last year, when she became the first Jamaican to officiate at the World Para Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

Christopher Samuda, the JPA president, says Peters is an inspiration for fellow officials.

"The JPA believes in the power of our people in empowering them to become powerhouses of realised dreams," Samuda said. "Sodia's achievements will electrify others to become empowered and the JPA is here to ignite aspirations."

Samuda said Peters' journey in para athletics will be the first of several success stories, as the JPA is aiming to have a contingent of Jamaican officials selected for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

He recalled his first meeting with Peters at a para competition held in Jamaica. At the time, Samuda said he was impressed with the professionalism on display and knew she was destined for greatness.

"I remember vividly the day I met with Sodia and others who were assembled to officiate at a qualifying para meet in Jamaica which I had the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) sanction," he said. "I interested her in the journey for which I had every conviction she was equipped, and then arrangements were made, and now the destination has been reached and destiny is history made."

Peters said the opportunity to represent Jamaica at an international competition is a dream come through, following years of training and hard work.

She hopes to impart her knowledge and experience to other officials, to provide them with the opportunity to achieve their dreams as well.

"I am very proud to be a part of the Paralympic family. It has always been a dream of mine from I started my Bachelors in Sport Sciences, and it's now my reality of reference," she said. "I am also looking forward to train other officials or prospective officials who love the sport and wish to serve at the highest level."

For Peters, the Paris Paralympics is just the first step in her career.

"I am feeling ecstatic. I am happy to know that I am able to represent at the highest level," she said. "I am surrounded by fellow ITOs from many countries around the world who are like-minded and love the sport of athletics. We are very professional and at the same time we are friendly and each person fits beautifully in the puzzle."

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com