FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2024: PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – Special Olympics athletes were out in their numbers for The Special Olympics National Cricket Games on Saturday 16th March 2024 held at Constantine Park, Macoya.

“Last Saturday, our athletes once again proved that they deserve a space in the local sporting environment. They displayed a high quality of skill and competitiveness, but what's more, their participation is declaring their desire to be off the sidelines and instead occupying the sports arenas and playfields,” said Ferdinand Bibby, National Director of the Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago.

One hundred and fifty athletes from 11 schools and organisations participated across two categories. In the Individual Skills Competition, athletes at a developmental level had the opportunity to test their technical skills in Batting, Bowling, Catching, Throwing and Fielding, while higher-ability athletes competed in T10 matches.

Following the National Cricket Games, participating athletes have the chance to be selected to represent the country in Beach Cricket at the 2024 Special Olympics Caribbean Regional Beach Games, which is due to be staged in Trinidad and Tobago in November 2024.

Mr. Darron Charles, Physical Education and Sports Officer II, brought greetings on behalf of the Ministry of Sport & Community Development to open the Games. Volunteers from the SOTT and corporate sponsors were on hand to support the smooth running of the event. Since 2012, the Digicel Foundation has been the corporate champion of Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago.

Last year, Digicel Trinidad and Tobago and the Digicel Foundation invested a total of TT$330,000 towards the 2023 SOTT National Games, the SOTT Delegation’s participation in the World Games in Berlin, and the year-round operations of the SOTT Secretariat at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium.