Sports Minister, the Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange made the announcement at the press launch of the Law Enforcement 5K Torch Run for Special Olympics Jamaica held at the Commissioner’s Office today, April 19, 2016.

“Through the Sports Development Foundation, the Government will be committing J$2.5 million to Special Olympics Jamaica. This donation speaks to our commitment as a Government to give full backing for the 2017 World Winter Games in Austria and beyond” the Minister said. 

In acknowledging the need for greater support, Minister Grange urged “more state agencies and private corporations to come on board this fantastic movement with a view to increasing awareness and certainly adding to the coffers of Special Olympics Jamaica”.

Referring to the performance of the Special Olympics team at last year’s Worlds Summer Games, where they won 10 Gold, 11 Silver and 8 Bronze medals, Minister Grange said “This movement is too great not to have more corporate support from within our country.”

The Minister also used the opportunity to laud the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and other partners for the level of dedication they have demonstrated over the years.

“Their commitment is unquestionable and Special Olympics Jamaica’s success over the years, in my view, is a direct result of their hard work and dedication in helping our athletes reach their goals,” she said.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is aimed at increasing awareness and raising funds for the Special Olympics movement; Jamaica has been participating in this initiative for the past 30 years.