LAUDERHILL – On Saturday, October 25 world record holder Usain Bolt, along with gold medalists Michael Frater, Melanie Walker and silver medalists, Sherone Simpson and Rosemary White were honored at a Gala at the Sunrise Ballroom in Fort Lauderdale.
The event to honor the Jamaican athletes was organized by community associations in South Florida spearheaded by the Jamaica United Relief Association (JURA) and several alumni associations including Dinthill, Cornwall College, Rusea’s, Jamaica College, Vere Technical, along with Partners for Youth Foundation and Douglas Chiropractic Center.
The athletes were presented with proclamations from the Commissioner of Lauderdale Lakes / State Representative elect, Commissioner Hazelle Rogers, Lauderhill Commissioner Dale Holness and from Jamaican-based community organizations.
Representatives for JURA will be in Jamaica in a few weeks to present the events’ proceeds to the JAAA.
JURA is in the process of launching their “Run for Jamaica ” fund raising drive, an effort to raise $5,000,000 by 2010 for presentation to the JAAA sports programs in preparation for the 2012 Olympics in London.
Highlights From Gala
Melanie Walker receives a warm welcome
A standing ovation to welcome Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt receives a key to the city of Miami Dade County; Melanie Burke (r) of JURA made the presentation on behalf of Miami Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez .
Usain Bolt receives a Proclamation from Commissioner Dale Holness
L-R: Michael Frater, Hon. Sandra Grant Griffiths – Consul General of Jamaica, Hugh Osborne-President JURA, Melanie Walker, Rosemary White and Usain Bolt
(All Photos Courtesy of: Picture Tek)
