Book Description
Jamaica is a tropical island famous for sun, sea and surf yet they produced one of the most popular teams in the history of the Winter Olympics.
Support? They didn’t have any. Many people laughed at them and thought they were a joke.
Money? They didn’t have any. They sold T-shirts to raise the funds they needed.
Equipment? They didn’t have any. They rented an old inferior sled in order to compete.
With dogged determination and a belief in themselves and each other they did the impossible by qualifying as the members of their nation’s first Winter Olympic Team. With personal and national pride on the line these underdogs competed fiercely at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary, Canada . The awesome foursome did not win a medal but they won the heart of the entire world. They have taught us that we can still succeed against seemingly insurmountable odds if we believe in ourselves and say “Yes, I Can!”
Reviews:
Inspirational & Fun!, – Karen Rue
This is an excellent read for kids and adults. The story is inspirational with a powerful message about courage, drive and determination. It teaches both children and adults the importance of staying true to your heart, your goals and what winning really means. Winning is not measured in a 1st place prize rather in self-esteem, courage and teamwork. The book is colorful, energetic and easy to read. Definitely add this one to your collection.
Powerful – Judy Feather
This is a feel good book about an incredible story with amazing people. They dream big and accomplish their dreams through hard work, lots of teamwork and a strong focus. Even through a rough crash they finish the race in a very powerful way. The book shares the message that if you put your mind to it you can do it. It’s great.
About the Author
Devon is no stranger to adversity. He was born in poverty and raised in a violent ghetto environment. While most of his peers dropped out of school at an early age, despite ridicule and hardship, Devon remained in school, excelled in track & field events, and graduated with honors. With much persistence, Devon received an appointment to the Officer Corp of the Jamaica Defence Force and was selected to attend the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, in England.
At the suggestion of his commanding officer, Devon tried out for and was selected to join Jamaica’s first Olympic Bobsled Team. Since then he has participated in three Winter Olympic Games, including the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada about which Walt Disney based the popular movie, Cool Runnings.
Devon currently tours the United States as a motivational speaker – often visiting schools and youth groups offering a message of inspiration and hope. His personal philosophy, like that of the Jamaican Bobsled Team, is that he will not permit others to define the limits of his success.
Biographical Notes
Born Christmas Day, 1964 Raised in Kingston, Jamaica Enlisted in the Jamaica Defence Force, Officer Corps. Graduated from the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, England Member of Jamaica’s first Olympic Bobsled Team – competed in: 1988 Winter Olympics ‚ Calgary, Canada 1992 Winter Olympics ‚ Albertville, France 1998 Winter Olympics ‚ Nagano, Japan
