LAUDERHILL – The enthusiasm to honor the record breaking Jamaican Olympic team continued last weekend as scores of Jamaican nationals and friends of the Diaspora turned out to share in a line-up of events across the South Florida community.
With screams of excitement and congratulations, patrons greeted world record holder Usain Bolt, along with gold medallists Michael Frater, Melanie Walker and silver medallists, Sherone Simpson and Rosemary White at a Gala at the Sunrise Ballroom in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday (Oct 25). The team was accompanied by Mr. Howard Aris, President of the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association and Mrs. Aris.
At other events hundreds of enthusiasts attended a church service at the Pentacostal Tabernacle in North Miami and a ‘Fun Day at the Park’ in Sunrise.
The events were organised by community associations 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.
Speaking at the Gala, Consul General Sandra Griffiths praised the athletes for bringing distinction to Jamaica and the Caribbean, as the island, in particular, became the focus of attention at the 29th Olympiad.
Three of the eleven gold medals, received by the Jamaican team, were achieved in record-breaking style but the others resonated greatly as well, she said. “We can attest to the career commitment, and fixity of purpose that culminated in the defining moments in Beijing for Usain and fellow Olympians,” she added to great applause for the athletes.
As communities in the Diaspora and those at home continue to celebrate the achievements of the Jamaican Olympic team, Mrs. Griffiths also praised them for the “excellence of ‘Brand Jamaica’ in the forum provided by sports, to euphoric heights by their magnificent accomplishments and the sense of even greater possibilities.”
The athletes were presented with proclamations from the City Commissions of Lauderdale Lakes and Lauderhill by State Representative elect, Commissioner Hazelle Rogers and Commissioner Dale Holness respectively. The group received other presentations from other Jamaican-based community organizations.
The following day (Sunday, Oct. 26) the members of the sports delegation were guests a thanksgiving service at the Pentacostal Tabernacle Church, officiated by Jamaican national, Pastor Robert Stewart.
Later that day, they were feted to a fun day in the Sunrise Park, as they greeted by nationals and friends of the Diaspora, posing for photographic opportunities and signing autographs. They then shared the stage as they were honored by City and public officials of several South Florida communities, before departing for their return flight to Jamaica.
Proceeds from the activities will go towards the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association and the Jamaica Olympic Association to be utilized for projects enhancing sports programs in schools and community youth groups throughout the country.
Earlier, last week, several Olympic teammates including Michael Frater, Sherone Simpson, Nesta Carter and Trinidadian Olympic silver medallist, were honored at similar “Meet and Greet” events in Fort Lauderdale and North Miami, hosted by the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board and several community associations and sponsors.
