Caymanian Special Olympics multi-medalist Jordan McLean, 28, was recently invited to attend the 2026 Special Olympics North America Regional Athlete Congress as an advancing delegate.
During the event, which took place from 8-13 March at the Unified Sports and Inclusion Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, McLean participated in leadership training while representing the voices of Special Olympics Cayman Islands.
McLean and fellow athlete leaders from Canada, the Caribbean and the United States, received training, exchanged ideas about inclusion, and discussed how to advance and continue to move forward with Special Olympics programming.
Athlete Leadership Programmes Director of Special Olympics Cayman Islands Georgia Harding said that McLean’s selection for the congress started last year.
“Preparations began in 2025 where he had to apply by submitting a short essay, and a video, before he was selected as one of the [delegates] from the Caribbean region who would move forward to attend,” Harding explained.
A central component of his participation in the event was the delivery of a prepared speech focusing on the necessity of regular healthcare access for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Following this presentation, McLean was named a finalist, moving him into the next round of candidates who will potentially grab a spot to speak at the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Santiago, Chile.
To maintain his status in this selection process, Harding shared that McLean will undertake a project designed to improve local programming within Special Olympics Cayman Islands or launch a new initiative to benefit persons with intellectual disabilities.
The power of using your voice
McLean, reflecting on his experience at the event, said, “Listening is powerful, but using your voice is even stronger. Every athlete has a story, a dream and a voice that deserves to be heard.
“God gives us words not just for ourselves, but to uplift others. If someone cannot speak for themselves, be their voice. Be their anchor. Be the words that carry them forward when the world doesn’t listen. Together, we rise, we inspire and we break barriers.”
A proud and hopeful Darrel Rankine, national director of Special Olympics Cayman Islands, noted that McLean’s participation in the event “helped to reinforce the fact that athletes across the region share similar needs and concerns”.
“It is a catalyst for athlete leaders like Jordan to take action by increasing their advocacy for things like community housing for adult athletes, and the creation of inclusive spaces that cater to the needs of independent individuals living and working with intellectual disabilities,” Rankine added.
Three-time Olympian
This leadership role builds upon McLean’s 15-year history with the Special Olympics Cayman Islands organisation.
A seasoned competitor, McLean has represented the Cayman Islands in three Special Olympics World Games. He debuted in Los Angeles in 2015 and returned for the 2019 Abu Dhabi Games, competing in athletics at both, before transitioning to powerlifting for the 2023 Games in Germany.
McLean is currently training for the 2027 World Games, hosted in Santiago, Chile, but has not yet confirmed which sport or sports he will be competing in.
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