Shauna-Kay Hines is targeting becoming a member of the IPC Governing Board ©Lima 2019

Jamaican Para taekwondo player Shauna-Kay Hines is targeting becoming a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board.

Hines, the first Jamaican to win a medal at an international Para-taekwondo event, said she hopes to help with the development of the Paralympic Movement.

"I want to be one day on the board for IPC - I want to spread my wings," she said.

"I realise sport transforms lives in a positive way, especially for persons with a disability and generally."

The Jamaican star, who won Parapan American Games bronze in the women's 58 kilograms division in Lima last year, also called on her country's development to further support Para sport in the country.

"My next passion is to grow Para sports in Jamaica, I personally want to see our country and Government give the community a lot more support," she said.


Asked what sports she would like to see develop in the Caribbean country, Hines added: "Rowing, powerlifting, swimming definitely - all the disciplines. 

"If we can cover all the disciplines and participate in all of them that would be great for us.

"We don't only have to perform or participate in athletics, we have other disciplines and that we can widen our medal [scope]."

Hines said she was taking the positives from the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, rescheduled for 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The delay has meant Para taekwondo players have to wait a further year before the sport makes its debut at the Games.

"[The postponement] is not a major disappointment - its just more time and preparation," she said.

"Our health and our safety come first. 

"It will give athletes more time to prepare mentally, physically, emotionally."