Bermuda Paralympian Jessica Lewis has penned her final Newsletter for 2021.
Not quite sure how we are at the end of another year already but here we are! While 2021 continued to bring many different challenges for the world I hope that you were all able to stay safe and find enjoyment in the little moments.
Since coming back from Tokyo I have been in Bermuda. I really enjoyed having that first month off to recharge the batteries and deal with a lot of the different emotions I was feeling (post-games blues are a real thing!).
Last year I was asked if I would be a part of the Candlelight Service that the Christ Anglican Church Devonshire hosts every year in December, by reading a lesson. It had to be canceled last year but I was excited to be invited back to join it this year. It was a beautiful service and I am so thankful to them for their very generous recognition and donation to the Bermuda Paralympic Association.
Our Christmas seemed to be extra special this year as the kids are starting to understand more about Santa. They definitely bring back the more magical side of the season.
As I sign off now I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all the amazing people who made this year bright.
Thank you so much to Coach Curtis, Coach Lisa, and teammates Austin, Nan and Isaiah for another amazing year of being your teammate and friend. My life is so much richer with you all in it.
While it was difficult and disappointing to have a lot of the year spent connecting virtually as I was home in Bermuda I am grateful for the love and support you continue to give me.
Thank you to Coach Curtis family, especially my Canadian mom Karen, for all they have done for me this past year (like making sure I had groceries while in my 2 week quarantine back in June :) )
Thank you to Ann Lindroth, Jeni Southern, Leatrice Oatley, my Mom, and all the board members of the Bermuda Paralympic Association for another great year. It is a small organization but we manage to achieve a lot. We are also really looking forward to connecting and working more with the Bermuda Olympic Association in the future.
Thank you to Sergio at Positive Results Gym for helping me get stronger and stay motivated towards my goals while navigating the challenges.
A BIG thank you to my sponsors Renaissance Re and Butterfield & Vallis (who I have just partnered with for the next 4 years heading into Paris 2024!) While I couldn’t get to a lot of competitions this year I am so grateful that they continued their support of me so I could continue to train for and compete in Tokyo.
Thank you to my family and friends who I have had more time to spend with this year. It’s been an absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to be more involved in my nieces and nephew's lives. They are growing so fast and I am so proud of the young people they are all turning into.
And as always thank you to each and every one of you for continuing to follow along and for your words of support and encouragement.
While my plans for the 2022 racing season are still being put together (and some still up in the air due to the ongoing pandemic) it is my hope that I will be able to attend a training camp in California in February, compete in Switzerland in May/June and have some local meets in Canada throughout the summer.
Unfortunately it looks like our World Championships which were supposed to take place in Kobe Japan at the end of August have been canceled so there won’t be a major event.
World Para Athletics have announced that the next World Championships will take place in Paris in 2023 which will be a great test event for Paris before the 2024 Paralympics.
Happy New Year!! I wish you all nothing but the best for 2022!
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