ST GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC) — World and Olympic 400 metres champion Kirani James has been officially appointed as a sport tourism ambassador for Grenada.

Ambassador James was presented with his documents including a diplomatic passport during a brief ceremony on the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA).

The 20 year old athlete left the island Monday following a weekend of celebrations attended by thousands paying glowing tribute to his historic feat of becoming the first Grenadian and OECS National to win Olympic gold.

"Kirani has always represented us and now we are going to make him a sports ambassador for tourism," said Prime Minister Tillman Thomas as he handed James his official documents.

"We believe that Kirani has done excellent and he has promoted Grenada. We want to wish him all the best as he continues both in his academic and sporting life," Prime Minister Thomas said.

James was showered with gifts during a weekend rally that climaxed a series of activities including a heavily attended round-the-island motorcade, and a red carpet homecoming at the MBIA.

He has received EC$500,000 in Government bonds, EC$100,000 from Republic Bank, EC$10,000 from local hotelier Sir Royston Hopkin, a parcel of land from a Grenadian family, and a quantity of jewelry including a necklace, bracelet, a ring and a watch from Columbian emeralds.

Also, an athletic stadium to be built by China will be named after him, and commemorative stamps will be published in his honour.

"I have always tried to be an ambassador for this country and represent us in the best possible way as I possibly can," said James after receiving his official documents as an Ambassador for Grenada.

"So for the Prime Minister to make this official, I know it's a huge responsibility, but I'm up for the challenge in terms of helping the world know a lot more about our country," he said.

James is resuming his undergraduate studies in Business at the University of Alabama.