Victorious Special Olympics Team returns

By Stuart Wilson

The Cayman Islands Olympic Team returned home to a joyous welcome at the Owner Roberts International  Airport from Berlin, Germany on Tuesday, 27th June.

Seventeen athletes represented the Cayman Islands at the Special Olympics World Games between 17th and 25th June, with a large number of the Territory’s athletes brining home medals. 

Those receiving medals included:

Tessa Terry - bronze (100 meter dash)

Shanike Ebanks - bronze (50 meter dash)

Elija Lawrence - silver (4x100 relay)

Javaughnie Thomas - silver (4x100 relay)

Julius Smith - silver (4x100 relay)

Lewin Solomon - siliver (4x100 relay)

Shanke Ebanks - gold (Shot Put)

Dante Thompson - bronze (deadlift, bench press, overall)

Dayana Powery - silver (200 meter - swimming)

Kanza Bodden - bronze (400 meter - swimming) and gold (200 meter-swimming)

Rasheed Lawrence bronze (open water swim)  

Other athletes to compete in the Games include in the line-up were Ashanti Sappleton, Mathew Javier, Jordan McLean, Tivon Gerraway, Aliya Shand and Jose Reyes.

Among those on hand to welcome the athletes home was the Minister for Sports and Culture, the Honourable Bernie Bush, who shared his thoughts with the Caymanian Times.

“I am very proud right now and was blessed to be able to actually attend the opening ceremony of the Games.

“The effort our athletes put forward is amazing. Forget the medals, the effort they put forth every time they compete is something we can never forget.”

Mr. Bush, who was also one of the founding members of the Special Olympics Programme in the Cayman Islands, said he was pleased to be able to continue to support the programme in his present capacity. 

Also on hand for the arrival of the athletes was Deputy Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Sports and Culture, Mr. Dalton Watler, who noted:

“This demonstration of sports is about equality and supporting our team in doing the best they can. Regardless of challenges, they can accomplish great things.”