As the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda finalizes preparations for two high-stakes regional and global Special Olympics competitions, the country’s top sports official has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to standing behind its neurodiverse and disabled athletic contingent.
Sports and Creative Industries Minister Dwayne George issued the formal assurance of ongoing support during a working meeting held Tuesday with Joy-Ann Harrigan, who holds dual roles as national director of Special Olympics Antigua and Barbuda and a special education lead within the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
The talks took place against a key backdrop: Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation is already gearing up to compete at the 2026 Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games, scheduled to run November 18 to 22 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Following that regional event, the country will send a team to the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games, taking place October 16 to 24 in Santiago, Chile.
During the discussions, Harrigan provided Minister George with a comprehensive overview of the local Special Olympics program’s ongoing work, detailing its deep partnership with the Adele School for Special Children and multiple other public education institutions across the country to engage aspiring disabled athletes.
She also acknowledged the backing the program has already received from key national stakeholders, including the Antigua and Barbuda government, the National Olympic Committee, and the Antigua and Barbuda Athletic Association. That existing support has included granting the team access to the YASCO sports facility for regular training sessions, a critical resource for the athletes as they build fitness and skills ahead of competition.
Harrigan used the meeting to submit a formal appeal for targeted financial support from the ministry, specifically to cover the cost of air travel for athletes and delegation staff traveling to the Caribbean Beach Games in Jamaica. In response, George directed Harrigan to submit all required formal documentation outlining the funding request to his ministry, confirming that the government will move forward to process and provide the assistance once the proper paperwork is completed.