CAULDRON PETALS GREETS JAMAICAN SHORES FIRST

The cauldron which was designed by Thomas Heather wick and described as one of the best-kept secrets, until it was lit during the 2012 summer Olympics and Paralympics ceremony instead of the regular Olympic torch. Neither its design nor location, nor who would light it, had been revealed up to that point. For the Olympics it comprised 204 individual ‘petals’, and for the Paralympics 164, one for each competing nation symbolizing the warmth and friendship among those 164 nations that were in participation two years ago. It has made its first stop on the shores of the land of Wood and water, and a host of great Olympians and paralympains.

A team from the Jamaica Paralympics Association ( athletes and directors along with minister responsible for sports Natalie Neita-Headley, was among the unveiling party at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) departure lounge on Friday.

“Indeed, you will recall that in 2012 our Paralympians were celebrated in the very same light as their counterparts who had participated weeks earlier at the Olympic Games. Their prizes and awards were exactly the same,” Natalie Neita-Headley, minister with responsibility for sports, said during her keynote address.

“As minister with responsibility for sports, I am committed to the cause for equality of opportunity and privilege within the sporting fraternity. I am committed to building new beginnings and new horizons and invite your support in this labour of love.

“The petal which we unveiled will stand from this day into the future as a symbol of the Paralympic glory – the grit, determination, character, mettle and success of our athletes of whom we are proud,” the minister told the gathering.