Paralympic Games President welcomes launch of Caribbean Adaptive Sports Alliance
PRESIDENT OFTHE INTERNATIONAL Paralympic Committee (IPC), Andrew Parsons, has praised the formation of a new regional umbrella body for para- sports, describing it as a “big positive” for the movement.
Speaking at the official launch of the Caribbean Adaptive Sports Alliance (CASA) on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the Radisson Hotel, Grenada, Parsons urged leaders of the region’s Paralympic Committees to invest time and energy into building the new organization, which he called “a vehicle to transport the sport beyond where it currently is.”
He assured the region of the IPC’s commitment to provide technical and other forms of support aimed at strengthening skills and capacity for athletes, coaches, and administrators.
Eight countries—Aruba, Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and St Vincent and the Grenadines—are the founding members of CASA.
Parsons emphasized that while sport is at the core of the Paralympic movement, the mission extends far beyond competition. “Paralympics is about ensuring that persons with physical challenges are given equal opportunities to participate fully in social and economic life, and most importantly, to be respected,” he said.
He highlighted the extraordinary performances of para-athletes worldwide, noting that the Caribbean has already proven itself on the global stage.
“Paralympics is more than gold, silver, and bronze—it is about the complete development of the athlete,” Parsons added.
Also attending the launch was Julio César Ávila, President of the Americas Paralympic Committee (AmPC), who described CASA as a powerful opportunity for the Caribbean to unite, access resources, and collaborate for the advancement of para sports. Ávila said the region has “tremendous potential” and pledged his support for CASA’s institutional growth.
Grenada’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Delma Thomas, officially launched CASA and called on Caribbean people to embrace the organization’s mission: “Uniting Abilities, Inspiring the Caribbean.” She said the mission challenges the region to work together to identify, nurture, and showcase talent at the highest levels of global competition.
Minister Thomas reaffirmed her government’s commitment to improving facilities and creating opportunities for para athletes, noting that she expects CASA to lead the charge in inspiring a vibrant Paralympic movement across the Caribbean.
President of the Grenada Paralympic Committee, Ray Roberts, described the launch as historic, highlighting the importance of pooling resources to strengthen development. He noted that the presence of both IPC President Parsons and AmPC President Ávila in Grenada was a demonstration of goodwill and support.
“President Parsons has shown, during his two terms of office, a real commitment to developing smaller Paralympic nations. We are confident he will be a strong partner in advancing CASA,” Roberts said.
The launch was accompanied by a two-day Governance and Sports Management Workshop, sponsored by the AmPC, aimed at strengthening the administrative arms of Caribbean Paralympic Committees.
As part of the week’s activities, IPC President Parsons also engaged directly with athletes, coaches, and administrators. He visited facilities, observed training sessions, and attended exhibitions in karate, badminton, table tennis, and boccia—all of which publicly announced their readiness to welcome para athletes. Track and field clubs, including Finish Line and St. David’s Track Blazers, also showcased their ongoing work with para athletes.
The Grenada Paralympic Committee, with support from the Ministry ofYouth and Sports, the National Sports Council, and the Grenada Olympic Committee, hosted the landmark event.
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