LOYSE VINCENT
Sapphire Jackson, the Tobagonian who won a gold medal at the Special Olympics World Summer Games last week, returned to Tobago on Friday night to a special reception at the International Departure Lounge of the ANR Robinson International Airport, Crown Point.
Jackson, Tobago’s lone representative on the Trinidad and Tobago Special Olympics team, was greeted by Tobago House of Assembly (THA) officials, family and friends.
She mounted the podium at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on March 18 after emerging the winner in the Soft Ball Throw, Track and Field event. She also brought home silver in the 100M-Walk category.
At the ceremony, THA's Chief Secretary Kelvin Charles congratulated Jackson on her success and pledged the Assembly's continued support to the Happy Haven School for the Deaf, Speech and Visually impaired, which the Olympian attends.
Charles said his belief that "every child matters" drove him to include the Education Division in his overall portfolio as Secretary.
“We will continue to support our people to ensure that those who are less physically able can attain the best that they can and therefore realise their best potential,” he said.
Speaking at the ceremony, the school's principal Dianne Le Cointe congratulated Jackson. She also congratulated the Olympian's teachers for the role they played in the child's life.
She said Jackson did not always show an interest in sports, but her teachers encouraged her.
“Over the last four years, Sapphire excelled in every national special Olympic Games where she secured first and second places in the various events.”
During her speech, Le Cointe took the opportunity to ask Chief Secretary Charles for a new bus for the school.
Charles assured the school's principal that her request will be granted.
“I would have to ensure that you get your new bus as part of our involvement and support for the school,” the Chief Secretary said.
The Trinidad and Tobago Special Olympics team bagged 57 medals in the Special Olympic games which were held from March 14 -21.