Persons with Disabilities Supported at Marathon

By: Marsha Ebanks

In celebration of International Day for Persons with Disabilities earlier this month, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities gathered to cheer on over 1,300 participants who turned up for the Cayman Islands marathon. Some of the brave participants included marathoners with visual and physical impairments and invisible disabilities.

The marathon promotes disability, inclusivity and ensures that all who to take part are able to do so. Participants were able to run, walk or use assisted device.

The cheering section, made up of council members along with community supporters from the Lighthouse School and private sector, were all dressed in yellow, the colour used in recognition of the awareness day.

Chair of the Council, Dr Annette Stephenson shared, “In every corner of the globe, people with disabilities are challenging perceptions on what it means to live with a disability and exercising control over their lives and demanding their human rights. The Cayman Islands marathon was such a great way to show the community what people with disabilities can achieve with the right support. The Council is proud to be able to be a part of this journey here in the Cayman Islands.”

In commenting on the participation of members with disability, Premier Hon Juliana O’Connor-Connolly stated, “Disability inclusion is a win-win situation. When we as a community take a positive approach to disability and inclusion, we reap many benefits to our community including different perspectives, boosted innovation and a better quality of life for all.

She further said, “Our administration has a firm belief that sports is one of the greatest ways to enrich a person’s wellbeing. I am proud of the Council for their dedication to equality and inclusion through the support of these events, where the individuality of our disabled community is respected, cheered on, and celebrated as well as their human dignity protected. I look forward to working with the NCPD in the coming months.”

Council member and marathon participant Jessica Ebanks, 32, from West Bay, who has spina bifida, said she was incredibly thrilled and grateful to receive the support of the cheering section from various entities in the disability movement in our society at the Cayman Islands marathon. “It validates our unwavering dedication to promoting the inclusion and empowerment of individuals with disabilities, showcasing the hard work and efforts we put into advocating for their rights and participation in all aspects of society”.

The theme for 2023 International Day for Persons with Disabilities, ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the sustainable development goals for, with and by persons with disabilities “aligns with the Cayman Islands National Council for Persons with Disabilities mission to raise awareness, promote recognition and acceptance of persons with disabilities while tackling everyday prejudices, stigma and misunderstandings around disabilities.

The International Day for Persons with Disabilities was an opportunity to mobilise support for issues relating to the inclusion of people living with disabilities and draw attention to the benefits of an inclusive and accessible society for all as a part of sustainable development.