Special Olympics Cayman Islands (SOCI) has announced the team of 16 athletes that will represent the Cayman Islands in the upcoming Special Olympics World Games in Berlin from 17th – 25th June. The selected team includes athletes Aliyah Shand, Ashanti Sappleton, Dante Thompson, Dayana Powery, Elijah Lawrence, Javaughnie Thomas, Jordan McLean, Jose Reyes, Julius Smith, Kanza Bodden, Lewin Solomon, Matthew Javier, Shanike Ebanks, Rasheed Lawrence, Tessa Terry and Tivon Garraway.
Taking place every four years, the Special Olympics World Games are the world’s largest inclusive sports event, where thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities compete together in 26 sports. SOCI will be sending 16 athletes to compete in three sports including swimming – both pool and open water swimming -, athletics and powerlifting.
Speaking about the team announcement, Jennifer Powell, Head of Delegation commented: “We are incredibly proud of the athletes that have been selected to represent SOCI at the upcoming World Games in Berlin. They have each shown a huge amount of dedication and training in their chosen sport and we wish them all the best in their individual competitions.”
A number of fund raising activities have taken place over the past few months and are still taking place in an effort to raise funds to cover the costs of sending the athletes to the World Games in Berlin. The recent Ryde-a-thon in Camana Bay selected SOCI as its recipient charity this year raising over $150,000, the upcoming Flowers Sea Swim has also announced that SOCI will be the beneficiary of funds raised from its gala dinner taking place on 15th June and its Walk and Watch taking place on 17th June.
Speaking about the fundraising efforts, Adrian Lynch, Chairman for SOCI commented: “There has been an incredible amount of local support for our athletes, without which none of this would be possible. On behalf of SOCI and our athletes, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our World Games Gold sponsors Cayman Islands Stock Exchange, Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, London & Amsterdam Trust Company Ltd., Cayman Private Aviation, Tortuga, Rotary Club of Grand Cayman, Trevor Neckles and Friends, and our supporters Ryde and Flowers Group.
To find out more about the team of selected athletes representing the Cayman Islands at the World Games and how to get involved in the various fundraising efforts visit www.soci.ky
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