Special Olympics has been Odette Nicome's life's passion and she has been involved with it since its inception in1982. For the last twenty years she has served as Special Olympics basketball head coach, using, no doubt some of the skills she learnt from her years of playing netball for Marvellites Club.

Odette Nicome (front row, third from left), Sr Bertille (left) and basketball players

As a staff member of the Lady Hochoy home and as coach she has come to be known as “Miss Odette,” but also simply as “Mama.”

On Thursday, July 28, family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers gathered at the Lady Hochoy Home in Cocorite to celebrate a retirement Mass in her honour. Her official retirement date was June 30, having served a dedicated and committed 37 years at the

Home. She has travelled extensively with the Trinidad and Tobago team when they participated in the International Games held every four years.

Fr Reginald Hezekiah officiated at the Mass which began at 11.00 a.m. Among those in attendance were the sisters of the Lady Hochoy Home, family members, friends, co-workers and a number of Special Olympians.

The congregation sang to their hearts delight as Fr Hezekiah led the congregation in praise and worship to God. Odette received a special blessing from Fr Hezekiah.

Odette is indeed a mother to the special athletes. She has never refused anyone a place on her team – there was always space to squeeze one more athlete on the basketball team. Sr Bertille Dean, Manager of the Lady Hochoy Home shared that Odette accommodated all late-comers, even those who were at first rejected.

She made herself available to anyone who needed her assistance. She exemplified the characteristics of a genuine coach - caring, patience and understanding. Her dedication to the athletes and to the basketball competitions remains unquestionable.

Physio staff

“Miss Odette” never missed a game or a practice session. She never failed to prepare her athletes mentally, physically and spiritually for every game competitive or otherwise.

Her organisational skills were testimony to her professionalism both as a staff member and coach. In many ways she continues to be “special”, especially to her athletes.

After lunch there were more outstanding tributes, among them the present Director of Special Olympics, Norma James, former Athletics coach Ken Marin and a few of the athletes themselves. The day's activities ended with a few presentations to “Mama”, who in turn expressed her appreciation and gratitude. It was indeed a joyous occasions.

On behalf of the sisters of the Lady Hochoy Home, special thanks to all who attended – the residents, staff members, friends and Olympians. We pray that Almighty God will continue to pour out his graces and blessings on “Miss Odette”. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

Be blessed!