The Trinidad and Tobago Paralympic Committee (TTPC) hosted the first national Paralympic School Day at Jean Pierre Complex on Friday 18 May. The day was the first of what is to become a regular annual fixture, and forms part of the TTPC’s efforts to increase awareness and appreciation of Paralympic sport, and to open sport for all.

Kees Diefenthaller thrilled the children during the day’s opening ceremony with his Olympic song, ‘We are Conquerors’, which he sang while participants completed a lap of the arena, led by International Inspiration Young Sport Leader, Anthony Kipps. Kipps, 14, from St Jospeh Secondary School, is set to do Trinidad and Tobago proud in August, when he heads to London to carry the Paralympic torch for a short way on it’s journey to the Olympic stadium.

MC Errol Fabien expertly led the children through a series of Paralympic sporting events and activities, including a relay race, seated volleyball and, a big crowd pleaser, archery. Children from homes and special schools across the country showed more than just enthusiasm; they showed raw talent and proved that given access to sport, Trinidad and Tobago has the potential to develop a large cadre of elite Paralympic athletes, one of the TTPC’s major goals in advance of the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio De Janeiro.

Friday’s event was delivered by the Trinidad and Tobago Paralympic Committee with support from almost 100 secondary school Young Sports Leaders from London 2012’s International Inspiration. TTPC President, Kenneth McKell, said, “I am proud to see such a large complement of International Inspiration Young Sport Leaders turn out in a spirit of volunteerism, which we encourage others to adopt, not just for those they are supporting, but for themselves. Volunteering not only has a meaningful and positive impact on your community, but gives you new skills and a personal sense of achievement.”