The Cayman Islands Special Olympics athletes who will represent the country at the World Games in Shanghai, China later this year recently returned from participation at the Jamaica Special Olympics National Games.
The four athletes performed at an outstanding level, gaining a total of 13 medals, including 7 gold Accompanying them were Aquatics Coach Penny McDowall and Athletics Coach Lazarus Moraes, who expressed thanks to Special Olympics Jamaica for the warm welcome and hospitality which had been extended to the visitors from the Cayman Islands.
The opportunity to take part was greatly appreciated by the Cayman delegation, and especially by the athletics competitors, who have been experiencing difficulty in training due to the fact that the Truman Bodden Sports Complex is currently being repaired.
Unfortunately, weather conditions were not as beneficial as might have been desired by the 600 Special Olympics athletes who gathered from all parishes of Jamaica to join this celebration of sport.
Chris Sampson turned in an exemplary hand-timed effort of 11.4 seconds in victory over 100 meters on the grass surface, but his anticipated performances in the 200 meters and the long jump fell victim to the elements, as did Kevin Anglin’s expected appearance in the 400 meter dash. Kevin, however, was victorious in the softball throw, and gained a fifth-place finish in the 100 meter dash.
In the aquatic activities, Andrew Smiley struck gold at the 100 meter distance in the butterfly, freestyle, and breaststroke events, and collected several other medals as well. Competing in a different age group, Waide McLaughlin took top honours in the 100 meter freestyle, and as a member of a relay team, in addition to other medal performances.
The inclusion of the Cayman athletes exemplifies the aim of Special Olympics Caribbean to increase the available amount of regional competition.
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