THE EDITOR, Sir:
EACH YEAR, the opening ceremony at the Special Olympics Jamaica National Games takes your breath away. This year, May 26, it went to higher heights as it showcased a range of rising stars. While I would want to focus on the one of the rising stars, Brian my son, who this year had the honour of lighting the Olympic Torch which signalled the opening of the games, there was an even more incredible rising star.
Several of us adults in the audience and on the platform had a clear generation gap between ourselves and our athletes. Few knew who Chris Martin, the Digicel Rising Star, was. However, our over 600 athletes from across the island were quite clear. And when he took to the floor to entertain us, the athletes went wild with excitement and proceeded to 'bring the house down'. Half way through his first item, one of our athletes was beside herself with joy, she rushed out, threw both arms around Chris and was clearly not about to let go.
LONG EMBRACE
I know, if we are honest, some of us adults waited a bit hesitantly, would he rip her from him, perhaps ungraciously and leave her with another sense of being 'rejected'. I think we let out a sigh of relief when her coach/caregiver came out and sought to take her back to her seat. Then the moment nothing prepared us for, Chris Martin sent them back to their seat and allowed the embrace to continue. When she felt she had truly hugged her hero, she disengaged. Chris proceeded to perform and through another two items his hand was locked in hers.
Chris Martin rose in our eyes. He did not do what so many people do with persons with intellectual disability, he did not step away, push her away, he embraced and he engaged her and brought her into his space. Thank you Chris and Digicel, you definitely have a rising star.
I am, etc.,
MAUREEN WEBBER
Board Member
Special Olympics Jamaica and Special Olympics Caribbean
