Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 29, 2023 (SKNIS): St. Kitts and Nevis’ delegation returned from the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin on Wednesday (June 28, 2023), having completed a successful campaign where 11 of the 14 athletes turned in medal-winning performances.
Special Olympics St. Kitts and Nevis (SOSKN) won nine medals, five gold and four bronze. Lamar Johnson and A’sharia Whyte won two gold medals in Tennis; Shakir Stapleton and Jamoy Bryan won bronze in unified doubles; Kazia Belle and Sandy Richardson captured two gold medals in Athletics, while Shane Nisbett won a bronze medal in Cycling. Additionally, Ashton Mills, Deslyn Hobson, Alisha Flemming, and Joseph Mason won gold during a Swimming relay, while Ashton Mills won bronze in 50-metre freestyle, and Deslyn Hobson won bronze in the 25-metre freestyle.
Special Olympics SKN Team
Charles Morton, Assistant Head of the SOSKN delegation, said that the athletes performed creditably. He also commended the coaches for their dedication to the athletes in preparation for the World Games and during the June 17 to 25 competition.
Chair of the SOSKN Board of Directors, Clarice Cotton, welcomed the team back at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport. She congratulated the medalists for achieving success on the global stage and shared words of encouragement for the other athletes.
“Those who did not get a medal but placed fourth or fifth, we are proud of them too because they did their best, and that is all we ask of them because the Special Olympics oath says, “Let Me Win and If I Can’t Win Let Me Be Brave in the Attempt.”
After leaving the airport, the delegation headed to Olympic House, where government officials including Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, Minister the Honourable Konris Maynard, and Minister of State the Honourable, Isalean Phillip, welcomed the athletes, coaches and officials. Ambassador in the Ministry of Sports, His Excellency Kenny Douglas, was also present.
Ambassador Douglas applauded the team and made particular mention of the number of young women who competed at the Berlin Games.
“Sports is a language that everyone speaks, and despite your limitations, you stood tall at the Berlin Games …,” he stated. “I want to let you know that you inspired a Federation that rallied behind you all the way. Your achievements carry powerful messages about commitment, inclusiveness, and never giving up.”
The ambassador pledged that the government would work with sporting associations, non-governmental organizations and other partners to enable more achievements across the Special Olympics sphere and to level the playing field so that they are afforded equal opportunities to develop their sporting abilities.
