Kingston 4 May 2019 – Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, and the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, have hosted the national Special Olympics team at a special reception at Jamaica House on Friday (3 May 2019).

Minister Grange said the reception “was about showing support, love and appreciation for our Special Olympics team that did so well at the World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi in March.”

The Jamaican team won 14 gold, 10 silver and 8 bronze medals in Abu Dhabi, which represents our nation’s best showing at the Special Olympics World Games.

Minister Grange said the team deserves special accolades for their performances.

According to the Minister, “I cannot think of another team that tries as hard, that overcomes as much, that inspires us as much as our Special Olympians do. They deserve all our praise and all our support.”

Minister Grange also used the opportunity to announce that a member of the team — Badminton player Travis Ebanks — had been awarded a scholarship to complete tertiary studies.

“Our special athletes are succeeding in every area of life — including academics. Tonight we especially celebrate Travis Ebanks. Travis is in his final year as a law student at the University of the West Indies, but it has been a challenge for Travis. When I heard that he was having financial difficulty and was in danger of dropping out of the programme, I made the decision that must never happen.

I’m proud to say that he has been awarded a full scholarship; he will continue his programme; he will overcome another challenge; and he will graduate from law school.”

Minister Grange thanked the Principal of the UWI, Mona Campus, Professor Dale Webber; Mrs. Arlene Supersad; and Dr. Denise Eldemire Shearer for helping to secure a scholarship for Travis Ebanks.

Each member of the Special Olympics team was presented with a certificate at the Jamaica House reception.