𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐒 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐎𝐋𝐘𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐒
Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, the Honourable Phillip Watts, has emphasised the importance of ensuring that persons with intellectual disabilities have opportunities to participate, compete and excel in sport.
Permanent Secretary Ms. Penelope Bradshaw-Niles delivered the message on the Minister’s behalf at the opening of the Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago (SOTT) 2026 Beach Games at the Maracas Beach Facility on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
“When we speak about sport for all, we must mean more than welcoming people in words. We must create opportunities for them to take part,” Bradshaw-Niles said, speaking on behalf of Minister Watts. “Inclusion cannot be an afterthought. It must be part of how we plan, how we organise and how we celebrate sport.”
The Games featured Aquathlon, Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Bocce, Open Water Swimming and Powerlifting, with organisers anticipating more than 225 athletes, coaches and volunteers.
The event also provided preparation for 20 athletes vying for selection to represent SOTT at the Special Olympics Caribbean Regional Beach Games, scheduled for November 18–22 at Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
SOTT, which pioneered the Beach Games in 2016, continues to provide year-round training and competition, creating opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to develop their talents and pursue their sporting goals.
The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs (MSYA) continues to support Special Olympics Trinidad and Tobago (SOTT) in promoting inclusion and creating opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to participate, develop their talents, and excel in sport.
