JAMAICA Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda has praised the athletes at the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, saying they continue to make sacrifices for the country while exemplifying Olympic attributes and values.

Jamaica had won 12 medals — five gold, two silver and five bronze — up to Friday, while the senior women’s netball team has qualified for the semi-finals. Sabrina Lyn has also qualified for two individual swimming finals and was part of the 4x100m mixed medley relay team that broke the national record twice.

Samuda said the athletes continue to demonstrate resilience, fortitude and determination.

“My respect for our sportsmen and women will continue to abide as they continue to make sacrifices for our country while exemplifying the Olympic attributes and values of resilience, fortitude and determination which are defining of character.”

He also said putting athletes at the centre of planning and execution is a recipe for success.

“Athlete centricity is imperative to any successful strategy of sport development, not only because it enables matriculation of talent to the regional and international stages but [it is also critical] in enabling the self-actualisation of citizens of a sporting fraternity.

“Citizenship in sport must be a focal strategy of sports development as we pursue the infrastructural development and financial viability of a sector.”

Jamaica Olympic Association President Christopher Samuda (centre) with triple jumpers Shantae Foreman (left) and Ackelia Smith at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, on Thursday..