Grange says athletes will be feted in October
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, in welcoming Jamaica’s athletes back to the island, has pledged a list of activities in honour of them bringing glory to the country.
She said that her ministry will recognise and celebrate the achievements of all members of Team Jamaica in a special programme of activities next month, around Heroes’ weekend.
“I just want to assure the nation that we are planning something special,” she told several members of Jamaica’s contingent to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games who arrived at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston last night.
The delegation included: Elaine Thompson, Christania Williams, Shericka Jackson, Stephenie Ann McPherson, Megan Simmonds, Julian Forte, Coach Stephen Francis, physiotherapists Collin Turner and Damion Rowe, and Assistant Manager Aundre Edwards.
At the welcome reception for members of the delegation, Grange said: “This outstanding group — and indeed all members of Team Jamaica at the Rio Olympic Games — return home in glory and to the love of a grateful nation. Each member of the team, in his or her own way, brought glory and honour to Jamaica.
“Our athletes, coaches and support staff did very well and I know the country expects us as a Government to do what is appropriate to ensure that they continue to feel appreciated and supported,” she said.
She also noted that the ministry would be focusing on initiatives to ensure that Jamaica continues to unearth, nurture and promote world-class athletic talent at all levels
“We can’t give our athletes money enough to really compensate for the glory and the honour that they’ve brought to Jamaica. Athletes want to see that their work is recognised by us creating a legacy that will be lasting; that we provide better infrastructure; that we provide better support for them; and that we ensure that the nursery of young athletes coming out of the basic schools, the primary schools, secondary schools — that we would have ensured that they have better facilities and better opportunities. I know that’s what you want. And that you don’t have to fly out to go and get treatment when you need it, but that we will work towards providing first-class facilities for our first-class athletes,” she stated.
Grange also indicated that members of Jamaica’s Paralympic team, who are presently competing in Rio de Janeiro, will also be included in the Salute to the Rio Sports Ambassadors programme of activities in October.
