Honouring Womens Month

Department of Sports HWM - Have Your Say Series

Number #7 in the series is Nicole

Dr. Nicole Thompson: Head Bocce Coach, Special Olympics Cayman Islands

Member, Bocce Sports Resource Team, Special Olympics International

Senior Policy Advisor (Post-Secondary Education), Ministry of Education, Cayman Islands Government

Quote: “Knowledge is like money: to be of value it must circulate, and in circulating it can increase in quantity and, hopefully, in value.” - Louis L’Amour #AccelerateAction!

That means that with shared knowledge, that is allowed to grow, more and more can benefit. Therefore, I aim to encourage others to enjoy the joys of Bocce, I aim to encourage others to actively assist and plan coaching sessions, I aim to empower our Special athletes to assist in officiating and coaching. I aim to build more than the sport, but also the person. And to keep it moving forward....

Number #8 in the series is Shaneke

Shanike Ebanks: Representation and Achievements for SOCI

Competed in Track and Field at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles

Represented SOCI in Track and Field at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin

Gold and Silver Medalist in the Regional Bocce Tournament in the Cayman Islands (2024)

Silver and Bronze Medalist in the Caribbean Beach Games in Trinidad (2024)

Completed Global Messenger Training and has served as an ambassador for the Cayman Islands.

Quote: “Representing SOCI makes me happy and proud!” #AccelerateAction!

Number #9 in the series is Anechell

Anechell Newman: Representation and Achievements for SOCI

Competed in Track and Field at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles

Represented SOCI in Swimming at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Dubai

Participated in Swimming at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin

Silver and Bronze Medalist in the Regional Bocce Tournament in the Cayman Islands (2024)

Silver and Bronze Medalist Representing SOCI at the Caribbean Beach Games in Trinidad (2024)

Served as an ambassador for the Cayman Islands

Wore the Cayman National Costume in the Parade of Athletes at the 2019 Dubai Games

Quote: “Representing SOCI brings me joy and feeling of national pride!” #AccelerateAction!

Number #10 in the series is Antoinette

Antoinette “Toni “ Johnson: Representation and Achievements for SOCI

Lab Manager at CIG Dept of Environmental Health

Past Board Member 1996 – 2024

Volunteer Coach 1996 – to Present

Involved with Special Olympics Cayman Islands since 1996

Previous SOCI Families Director, Athlete Leadership Director and Trainer, Public Relations Director and Strategic Director

Head of Delegation for three World Summer games and a Regional Games

Quote: “Our women athletes, in particular, are my inspiration. They work so hard to improve every day and make it their personal best. Sports gives them that opportunity and I am proud to be a part of the process of helping them be the best they can be.” #AccelerateAction!

Number #11 in the series is James

James Myles: Youth Services Coordinator, Youth Services Unit

International Doping Control Officer

Former Chairman, CIOC Medical & Anti-Doping Commission

Former National Director and Bocce Coach, Special Olympics Cayman Islands

Former Tournament Director, Cayman Islands Volleyball Federation

Former National Athlete

Quote: “It is a good thing to celebrate women and girls with your words, but it is more important that they are honored by our actions.” #AccelerateAction!

Number #12 in the series is Dalton

Dr Dalton E Watler BSc, MA, MES, Dip Sport, Cert Coach: Deputy Chief Officer MYS&H

Past Director of Sports

Establish and develop women basketball

Past Coach Cayman Island National Women’s Basketball Team

Past Coach Cayman National Women’s Netball Team

Coached primary and high school netball and prepared national netball athletes for games

Quote: “Women’s greatest achievement in sports are the dynamo that brings gender equity.” #AccelerateAction!