Page 30 - TRINBAGO2023 MAGAZINE

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Remarkable Step in
Remarkable Step in

Inclusive Direction
Inclusive Direction

Local Paralympic boss applauds CGF decision to integrate para-athletics in CYG

a new generation of para-athletes that will strive for
excellence like Akeem Stewart and Ayoshia Cain.
Even before the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities (UNCRPD) - the first international, legally “I really hope this is the catalyst to create … change in the
binding instrument setting minimum standards for the mindset of how we treat or deal with children with
rights of people with disabilities was adopted in December disabilities and hopefully be a driving force for the full
2006 -the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) had implementation of UNCRPD in this country and elsewhere
already integrated para-sports in the 2002 Manchester in the Commonwealth,” Ramessar said.
Commonwealth Games (CG).
The arrival of para-athletes for the Games must be
Prior to that athletes with disabilities were included at something of great significance. As it pertains to youth
the 1990 Auckland CG. So when the CGF decided to para-athletics (ages 14-18) and its importance, Ramessar
introduce para athletics to the seventh edition of their youth said that their aspirations showed a keen sense of
version, Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games participation. However, it takes time and patience to
(CYG), it was a natural progression in the movement’s life. develop para-athletes.

“This was the best news I heard, “ said Trinidad and What makes this event important for para-athletes is the
Tobago Paralympic Committee (TTPC) president Sudhir coming together of Commonwealth countries. We in the
Ramessar, ” To my knowledge, the Commonwealth Caribbean need much more involvement with each other
Games are the only international games that have and this also gives para-athletes the feeling that they are
incorporated some para-events. That (move) is inclusive part of a caring, inclusive society.
and allows for athletes, with or without disabilities, to
compete at the same Games.” The Trinbago 2023 CYG is the platform for future national
young sportsmen and sportswomen. As far as
Ramessar added it was a move in the right direction, para-athletes are concerned, this is a powerful opportunity
before commending the CGF for the bold decision. But to show the world that they are tough and resilient and are
he hoped one day for greater inclusion of para-sports to capable of attaining world-class performances.
increase awareness while dismissing stigmas surrounding
the paralympic movement. Proud that T&T had elected to It would be fitting if persons with disabilities and the public
demonstrate its capability and capacity to host the at large could grasp this opportunity and show full support
Games, Ramessar is also elated that the CGF will be to all the athletes who are representing their countries.
living up to the inclusive principles of the 2006 UNCRPD.
I'm reminded, as an advocate for the elderly and disabled,
“It is remarkable,” Ramessar noted, “I am more than that persons with disabilities have to strike the word denial
excited…and it gives me a sense of satisfaction and joy off their list of objectives. At no point should there be any
that we are moving towards that realisation.” From his end, thought of disbelief circulating. The time has come when
Ramessar admitted the difficulty - locally, children with the objective must be ‘we can make it if we try.’
disabilities take a longer time to get into the mainstream of
education, sports etc - he and the TTPC had in locating In conclusion, to all para-athletes and officials, this
an athlete to represent Team TTO at home for Trinbago opportunity is a blessing in disguise so use this space to
2023. The specific classification and the mobility show that there is nothing about you without you. Stand
and functionality of the athlete also had to be taken into up and be brave, let society know that you are somebody.
consideration. But they managed to find 17-year-old
Isaiah Williams, a South-based para-athlete who will In the spirit of growth
compete in the T37 category for the men’s 100m event. Anton La Fond
Ramessar hopes this Trinbago 2023 version will inspire An advocate for the elderly and disabled