Samuda praises PUMA, Americas Para Sports collaboration
Published:Thursday | November 13, 2025 | 12:16 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
CHRISTOPHER SAMUDA, president of the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA), has praised the recent agreement signed between Americas Paralympic Committee (AmPC) and sporting giants PUMA.
The AmPC signed a partnership with PUMA which will see the two collaborating under the motto ‘Power To Inspire’.
The partnership will be used to power a number of AmPC initiatives which will take aim at celebrating “the courage, resilience and inspiration of para-athletes”.
The partnership is also expected to bring further development and visibility to parasports in the Americas region.
Samuda, who is also the vice-president of the AmPC, hailed the partnership as something that goes far beyond just branding, and proves the power of para-athletes and their ambitions.
“[The partnership is a] coalescence of sporting values and culture that has gone beyond the commercialisation of brands and money, and has found its currency and integrity in the aspirations of para-athletes who continue to ignite humanity with defining feats.”
The agreement is expected to be presented at the 2027 Lima Para PanAmerican Games, the flagship event for the AmPC.
The partnership was also praised by the top brass of both organisations, with AmPC President Julio César Avila suggesting it was a sign of their commitment to equality and the use of sport as a driving force of inclusion.
“[It is] a joint commitment to inclusion and excellence, and is a clear message that with PUMA we share the conviction that sport is a powerful tool to inspire and transform,” he said.
“The agreement reflects our vision of a region that moves forward together.”
His comments were echoed by Carlos Laje, general manager of PUMA Latin America, who said it is the sporting giant’s aim to continue to support initiatives that push for equality and fairness in sport.
Laje said PUMA stands behind the message of inspiring others, and feels the partnership with the AmPC is a major sign of that message.
“Supporting the Para Pan American Movement means advancing fairer sports where talent and perseverance truly define an athlete. For in every competition, in every story, we see the message that drives PUMA,” he said.
“It isn’t only about winning. It’s about inspiring, and at PUMA we want to keep backing those who inspire millions with their effort and passion. They are the living proof that sport changes lives.”