Grenada’s new athletic stadium to be named after Kirani James
ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) – Grenada’s newly built athletic stadium is to be renamed after Kirani James, the sensational quarter-miler responsible for the country’s two Olympic medals.
The Grenada Government announced on Tuesday that it has “started the process” to name the US 40 million dollar Chinese funded facility in honour of the 23-year-old James.
James failed in his bid to repeat as 400 metres champion but clinched silver in Sunday night’s final at the Rio Olympics, four years after capturing the Gold in London.
“I think it is most fitting to say that based on most recent performance of Kirani James and recognition of the people’s desire, I think the time has come for us to give serious consideration,” announced health minister Nickolas Steele during the post cabinet news briefing.
“I know that my colleague minister in sports has started the process to name our athletic stadium after Kirani James”.
The government announcement comes amid lingering calls for the 8000 seat capacity stadium; built in 22 months by approximately 120 Chinese and Grenadian laborers, to be named after the Grenadian Olympian.
The stadium, which has already hosted a number of top local and regional sporting events, including the 45th edition of CARIFTA Games, and the CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 football tournament, was opened in January.
James’s bid to repeat as Olympic 400 metre champion sparked a massive outpouring of support with thousands defying inclement weather by journeying to his west coast home town of Gouyave on Sunday to view the race on a giant screen.
Another Grenadian, Bralon Taplin, finished seventh in the 400 metre making it the first time two Grenadians appeared in a final of an Olympic track event.
“We also look forward to have here soon in Grenada all of our Olympians,” said Steele, hinting at a national home coming being planned for the country’s seven-member team to the RIO Olympics.
“So that we can celebrate and give them the recognition that is due to all of them for participating and making us proud as a people”.
