After a five-year hiatus, the Special Olympics Cayman Islands Beach Games made a return to Public Beach on Monday, 18 May.
Held from 9am to 1pm, the event marked the first time the beach games have taken place since 2021, bringing together 45 athletes and 25 volunteers for a day of competition and celebration.
The day’s competitive action showcased talent across multiple sports, including football, bocce and an aquathlon – a multisport that combines running and swimming.
In the football skills competition, Enaj Stewart claimed the top spot for the females, followed by Nekera James in second and Alleyah Shand in third.
On the boys’ side, Javhaughnie Thomas took first place in division one, while Jose Reyes secured second and John Pagaran took third. In the male division two, Tavon Brady captured first, Mohammad Solomon took second and Lewin Solomon secured third.
On the bocce court, the first-place team consisted of Shanike Ebanks, Khalid Arana, Devon Ebanks, and Alleyah Sobrejuanite.
The endurance of the athletes was tested in the aquathlon, which challenged competitors with a 100-metre run, a 50-metre swim, and a final 100-metre sprint.
Julius Smith took first place in the male division one, Armani Mclean triumphed in the male division two, and Mohammad Solomon crossed the line first in male division three, while Anechel Newman won the female division.
The 50-metre co-ed race walk saw John White capture first place, followed by Roland Ebanks in second and Shanike Ebanks in third.
In the 50-metre run, Julius Smith doubled down on his success by winning the male division one, Tivon Brady sprinted to victory in the male division two, and Nekera James led the pack to win the female division.
The athletic events concluded in an exciting 4×100-metre shuttle mixed relay, where the winning team comprised Tavon Brady, Julius Smith, Jose Reyes, and Nekera James.
A day of success
Reflecting on the event, national director of Special Olympics Cayman Islands Darrel Rankin said, “Despite not completing all events due to the heat, it was a fantastic turnout and a great day!”
The sentiment was shared by volunteer coach Steve Hardy, who said, “Our athletes were tested and each and every one of them delivered. The sun was hot, the sand made things more difficult, and the competition was fierce. Despite the challenges, our athletes were prepared from their committed efforts all year and put on legendary performances.”
“My hand is still sore from all the high fives [as] there was a lot to celebrate. [Through] the smiles on [their] faces, you could feel the sense of pride as they proudly displayed their medals and ribbons. The day was such a success and I’m so thankful I get to be a part of it,” he added.
Beyond the sports action, a highlight of the day for the athletes was receiving new footwear.
“Seventy-two pairs of ON sneakers were received by athletes who had been previously measured at the National Games in conjunction with Happy Feet, the Healthy Athletes Initiative. This initiative is led by Dr. Sarah Cuff, Special Olympics Cayman Islands medical director, who is responsible for coordinating the fitting and donations for the athletes,” Special Olympics Cayman Islands said.
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