The Jamaica Paralympic Association gave awards to Theador Subba and Sasha-Gaye Thompson ©JPA

Para-judo player Theador Subba and wheelchair racer Sasha-Gaye Thompson received top awards from the Jamaica Paralympic Association in recognition of their achievements in sport and education.

Subba was named 2020 Paralympic Hero after securing a bronze medal in the 100-kilogram class at the 2019 Parapan American Games in Lima in Peru.

"I strive for excellence not only on the mat in judo and in the circle in javelin but also in the classroom for learning is power and knowledge is empowering," said Subba who is also studying public policy and management at the University of the West Indies.

"There is life and a greater purpose after competition."

Thompson secured the 2020 Paralympic Heroine award after winning this year’s Sagicor Sigma wheelchair road race.

She is also a third year student in education at the University of Technology.

Para-judo player Theador Subba won bronze at the 2019 Parapan American Games ©Jamaican Judo Association
Para-judo player Theador Subba won bronze at the 2019 Parapan American Games ©Jamaican Judo Association

"Being a part of a team and having people support you is one of the best feelings one could have," said Thompson.

"Sport builds my perseverance which has helped me not just in my sporting life but overall.

"Sport helps me to see my true potential as an athlete despite my disability and to me that's more than a reason to keep me going."

The JPA celebrated the end of the year at the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre.

JPA President Christopher Samuda said he continued to be proud of the achievements of Para-athletes.

"Our athletes are admirable examples of character and personal aspiration for they battle with all sorts of challenges and at times discrimination, yet they always emerge as heroes and heroines," said Samuda.

"We instil in them that whatever the circumstance the spirit in them must arise and rise with confidence and pride."