Special Olympics Jamaica recently hosted the Caribbean's first MedFest at the Windsor School, Duncan's Pen, St. Catherine.
The event attracted some 268 persons with mental retardation along with 129 parents. MedFest is designed to officially register athletes into the Special Olympics sports programme by providing them with a standard sports physical examination. This consists of height and weight measurements, blood pressure assessments, and a test for heart
murmurs.
Special Olympics Athletes demonstrated skills in both bocce and football at the event and the footballers played a friendly game against Portmore United, a National Premier League Team and the champion football team for the parish of St. Catherine.
Executive Director, Lorna Bell, says it was indeed a great honour to host this event. She noted that Special Olympics delegates had the opportunity to
network, educate, build and solidify partnerships among the medical
community and the community at large in St. Catherine.
Bell further stated that due to the event's success, the organisation plans to work closely with Special Olympics International to take this event to all 14 parishes and the rest of the Caribbean in the near future.
intellectual disabilities
Special Olympics is an international organisation dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics Jamaica offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competition in 13 sports in all 14 parishes.
Currently there are more than 2000 persons with intellectual disabilities enrolled in the Jamaica programme. There is no charge to participate in Special Olympics and persons wanting to get involved in the programme may contact 876-960-0752 for more information.
