LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter
FILE PHOTOS -
Paralympian gold medallist Alphanso Cunningham had a world record discus throw of 25.90 metres at this year's Paralympics in Athens, Greece.
PARALYMPIAN GOLD medallist Alphanso Cunningham has a lot on his mind and he will not hesitate to share with anyone who is prepared to listen.
He will entertain a conversation on any current topic but what he speaks of with conviction in his voice and pride in his eyes, is the recognition that disabled athletes have received in the past year.
Cunningham had a world record discus throw of 25.90 metres at this year's Paralympics in Athens, Greece. Battling an injury and ignoring heckling from his opponents, Cunnigham mustered inner strength that erupted into a record throw that cleared the previous mark by almost two metres. Cunningham's feat was significant as it marked the first Paralympic gold medal for Jamaica in 16 years Minette Wilson won discus gold in 1988 and subsequently sparked new interest in some of Jamaica's athletes who have gone under the radar.
Cunningham, 24, grew up in the Old Harbour and Tawes Pen communities of St. Catherine. He was born with a bone deformity in his legs which makes them brittle and unable to support his body. He moves around in a wheelchair but he is quick to assure you that that is the only difference between him and any other person.
EXPAND THROUGH SPORTS
"People might think our life is so different but the only difference is the way we move around. We face the same hardships, we have bills to pay too, we need love and affection too," he said. "But because people look down on us, we try to expand ourselves through sports and prove that even though we're in a wheelchair, we can be good at something."
Growing up, Alphanso quickly recognised the different lives he and his peers led, but never allowed his deficiency to hamper him. He started playing sports at age 12 and quickly excelled. He knew of other Paralympians before him such as Octavius Morgan and Sarah Newland, who won Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards in 1967 and 1965, respectively, and who motivated him.
Now he will inspire others.
"One reason why I do this is to show other disabled persons that there are things out there they can do. They'll realise that there is still life and hope," he said. "A number of them have called me since the Paralympics and I encourage them and let them know that they can do it too."
Cunningham is no stranger to taking home gold. He has won numerous medals, including at the Pan American Games and at the British Open, and he is also a part of Jamaica's wheelchair basketball team that has won the Caribbean title in the past two years.
Now his seven gold medals are competing for space at his humble home in Chesier Village, a small settlement just below the Sir John Golding Centre built for disabled persons.
ORTHOPAEDIC SHOEMAKER
Cunningham works as an orthopaedic shoemaker but looks to the day when he can earn a living outside of making shoes and live his dream of being a radio disc jockey. The enthusiasm with which he operates his sound system, 'Fire Flames', has naturally influenced him in his career choice.
"I'm the type of person that loves to give jokes and interact with people and I like the media. It was always my dream to be a radio disc jockey."
Alphanso also has other aspirations and speaks proudly of one day having a family: "Some people feel that from we're in a wheelchair, we're done for, everything disabled, but they are wrong."
He scuffs at persons who see it as unimaginable for disabled persons to be intimate and said his experience overseas has shown him that not everyone is the same.
"When I went to Athens, I saw other disabled persons with their mates in the park kissing and hugging and I was shocked when I saw it. Then I realised it is just Jamaica that has that mentality about disabled persons."
The Gleaner Company Ltd. has awarded Alphanso a Certificate of Merit not only for his gold medal, but for his inspiration to others.
"I feel wonderful," said Alphanso of his award, "because I see we (Paralympians) are getting our recognition and people are knowing that disabled persons can excel in sport and other areas of life also. I feel awesome."
