From left to right, ABPC member Anne Harewood George, Paralympian Jamol Pilgrim, ABPC Ambassador Governor General Dame Louise Lake Take, ABPC patron Sir Vivian Richards,  honorary ABPC member Kirsy Rijo-Kullman and ABPC Vice President Nigel Pigott
 

Dickenson Bay, March 14, 2012 - A wide range of individuals from the business and sporting community gathered at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa to witness the official launching of the Antigua and Barbuda Paralympic Committee (ABPC) on Thursday, March 15.   

Sprinting sensation Jamol Pilgrim was lauded as the nation’s only Paralympic athlete and Sir Vivian Richards who has been named as the organization’s patron, was on hand to commend ABPC for rallying behind Pilgrim. 

“This is a historic event and when I met this young man, I knew that I had to get involved so I urge the private sector to come forward by giving us your financial support because as we can appreciate, a substantial amount of money is required if we want an athlete of this caliber to perform at the international level,” commented Richards. 

President of the Olympic Committee Senator Chet Greene echoed the national hero’s sentiments and noted that athletes with physical disabilities will now have an organization that caters to their needs.

 

Pilgrim met the “A” Standard International Paralympics Committee time for the men’s 100 meters at a meet in Miami last year, which included the eight fastest amputees in the world in his class. 

With no Paralympic Committee at that time, the single leg amputee was faced with the possibility that he may not be able to compete at the 2012 London Paralympics.  Thanks to the formation of the Antigua and Barbuda Paralympic Committee, Pilgrim is set to compete for Antigua and Barbuda in London. 

“I am thrilled and honoured to be in this position and I would not be here without the love and support of my parents, Ann-Marie and Nigel Pilgrim because they have been instrumental in the creation of the ABPC. 

I also recognize the significance of this achievement so I will do everything in my power to bring home the gold,” said an elated Pilgrim.  He acknowledged the presence of Her Excellency, Governor General Dame Louise Lake-Tack, who is an ambassador of the ABPC.

 He also introduced the invitees to 12 year old Spadicia  Harris.  Harris is a single leg amputee and a very talented equestrian rider. In his remarks to the audience, Junior Minister of Sports, Winston Williams Jr. emphasized that the Ministry of Sports would give Pilgrim their full support and ensure that he has the required resources for his Paralympic bid. 

Pilgrim is the only sprinter from the Caribbean who will be participating in the London 2012 Paralympics.