The Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Phillip Watts, and Permanent Secretary Mrs. Penelope Bradshaw‑Niles, attended the Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago National Cricket Tournament held on Saturday March 21st, 2026, at Constantine Park in Macoya.
The event, themed around the cherished Athlete’s Oath, “Let Me Win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt!”, brought together more than 200 athletes, an equal number of families, coaches, and volunteers, creating a vibrant atmosphere of unity, inclusion, and sporting spirit at the Constantine Park grounds.
Eight schools from Trinidad and three from Tobago, along with a team of Independent Athletes, competed in the tournament. Games featured both individual skills competitions for athletes still developing their cricketing abilities, as well as team matches where school sides clashed in spirited competition.
In his keynote address, Minister Watts placed Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago (SOTT) at the heart of the Government’s vision for inclusive development.
“SOTT holds a special place in my heart, and in the heart of our Prime Minister,” Minister Watts said. “The Prime Minister believes firmly in inclusiveness for all. That means every citizen, regardless of ability, age, gender, or background, deserves the opportunity to participate, to contribute, and to shine. That belief informs our whole‑of‑government approach, where ministries, agencies, and community partners come together to ensure no one is left behind.”
Minister Watts also spoke directly to the athletes present and to the wider public, urging society to see beyond disability.
“To our athletes here today, and to every person watching or listening: no disability can hold you back,” the Minister declared. “Your circumstances may shape your journey, but they do not define your destiny. Always dream beyond disability. Disability should never deter you from your dreams.”
The official opening ceremony was anchored by the ceremonial reading of the oaths. The Athlete’s Oath was delivered by Aeisha Tia Callender, the Coach’s Oath by Kishav Persad, the Volunteers’ Oath by Cherie Webster, and the Officials’ Oath by Cherylann Baird.
The ceremony was further elevated by the arrival of the Law Enforcement Torch Runners, who carried the symbolic “Flame of Hope.” The torch was then handed over to Officers Hazzard and Seemungal, before being passed to athlete Aeisha Tia Callender, underscoring the spirit of courage, resilience, and determination that defines the Special Olympics movement.
Participating schools from Trinidad included:
- Independent Athletes (IND)
- Lady Hochoy School Arima (LHSA)
- Lady Hochoy School Gasparillo (LHSG)
- Lady Hochoy School Penal (LHSP)
- Lady Hochoy Vocational Centre (LHVC)
- Memisa Centre (MEM)
- National Centre for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)
- Palmeras Learning Centre (PLC)
- The Speech and Language Impaired (TSFDSLI)
Participating schools from Tobago included:
- Happy Haven Special School (HH)
- Tobago School for the Deaf
- Tobago Technical Vocational Centre (TV)
Also, in attendance were Assemblyman Ian Pollard, Secretary, Division of Community Development and Social Protection, Tobago House of Assembly; Dr. Natalie Chaitan-Maharaj, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of the People, Social Development and Family Services; Mrs. Nirmala Maharaj-Sawh Director of the Disability Affairs Unit, Ms. Penny Gomez, CEO of the Digicel Trinidad and Tobago Foundation; and Ms. Ariel Taylor, Foundation Officer, Massy Foundation, whose continued support has been instrumental in advancing inclusive sports programming across the twin island Republic.
Today’s competition marks the first event on the 2026 annual calendar for Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago, with the National Games scheduled for May 2026, bringing together athletes from across the nation in a celebration of talent, teamwork, and triumph over adversity.
The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs reaffirms its commitment to creating platforms where every citizen, especially persons with intellectual and physical disabilities, can participate, grow, and succeed in sport and in life.
