Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Delma Thomas and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry Senator Hon. Seville Francis and members of the Grenada Olympic and Paralympic Committees welcomed home Grenada’s paralympic team from the Paris2024 Paralympics.
The Grenada team of athletes Tyler Smith and Ishona Charles, coach Bassanio Nicholas and Chief of Mission Alvin Clouden returned to Grenada Tuesday afternoon from France.
The ministry held a special welcome ceremony at the MBIA VIP lounge, expressing Government’s congratulations and appreciation to the team for their efforts in the Paris Paralympic Games which attracted 168 nations.
Both Smith and Charles achieved their personal best during competitions in the Paris. In the Men’s Shot Put F63, Smith achieved a personal best of 8.07 metres, thus establishing a Paralympic Record in that class in Grenada. His previous best was 8 metres. Smith had to compete in the F63 class as there were not enough qualified competitors in the F42.
Ishona Charles in the Women’s Javelin F46, recorded a personal best 30.66 metres. Her previous best was 30.06. She also surpassed her previous personal best 8 metres in the women’s Shot Put F46, in all 3 attempts — 8.18, 8.74, 9.30 metres.
In a brief address, Minister Delma Thomas reiterated her passion for the work and support activities that contribute to integrating people into mainstream society. She said she was proud to see on TV our athletes distinguishing themselves on the global stage with great confidence. Minister Thomas said the Grenada policy for sports will treat both para and able-bodied athletes equal, noting the objective is to ensure incentives and rewards are available for athletes who excel at the highest level.
King Charles, in a message to Governor-General Dame Cecila La Grenade, congratulated the Grenada Paralympic team for its performance in Paris. The message was read by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Kim Fredrick at Tuesday’s welcome home ceremony.
Quote: “My wife and I send our warmest congratulations to those who represented Grenada at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
The Grenadian team’s participation at the Games truly embodied the wonderful spirit of the Paralympic movement. I feel certain that the people of Grenada shared my joy in witnessing the team’s skill, courage and determination on the track and field.
Competing at the Paralympic Games is an outstanding achievement, and I am full of admiration for each and every athlete’s remarkable strength and dedication. I look forward to witnessing the athletes’ continued successes for what I hope will be many years to come.”
President of the Grenada Paralympics Committee Ray Roberts expressed thanks and appreciation to the ministry and minister for recognising and taking time off from her schedule to meet the members of the team on arrival.
Roberts said it sends a positive message to para-athletes and the organisation that they are supported and respected. Looking to the future Roberts said Paralympics wants to see more citizens’ supporting para-sports in various capacities — volunteers, coaches, and administrators. He said the 2024 Paris Games were a massive showcase that disability isn’t inability, noting the impressive times, jumps and throws recorded by para-athletes.
In brief remarks Tyler Smith described the Paris games as a great learning experience and is looking forward to maximising his potential in para sports. Ishona Charles said she was pleased with her achievements in Paris. Both athletes thanked their coach Bassanio Nicholas and everyone who supported them.
Chief of Mission Alvin Clouden who managed the Grenada delegation said the athletes and the team together lived up to the high expectations, noting they proudly represent this country.
Senator Francis presented a bouquet of flowers to Tyler Smith and President of the Grenada Olympic Committee Bernard Wilson a bouquet to Ishona Charles.
China topped the medal table winning a total of 220 medals which included 94 gold, 76 silver and 50 bronze medals during the 11 days of competition involving representatives from 168 nations. Great Britain finished second with 124 medals, 49 gold, 44 silver, 31 bronze followed by the USA with 105 medals — 36 gold, 42 silver, 27 bronze. The Netherlands placed fourth with 56 medals — 27 gold, 17 silver, 12 bronze and Brazil 89 medals — 25 gold, 26 silver, 38 bronze. Cuba was the best performing Caribbean nation with 10 medals — six gold, three silver and 1 bronze followed by Trinidad and Tobago with one silver.
Grenada Paralympic Committee
