KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, has described Olympic and world sprint record holder, Usain Bolt, as a national inspiration, who has transformed athletics.
“Usain you confound us, but we love it because you give us hope; you are a national inspiration (and a) patriotic Jamaican. You have transformed track and field; you have transformed athletics, and what really makes it great is that Usain is Jamaican born, Jamaican raised, Jamaican trained – he is a home boy,” Miss Grange said, during a press conference, held at the Terra Nova All-Suites Hotel in Kingston, on September 14, as part of Usain Bolt’s scheduled activities on his arrival in the island.
The Minister noted further that Usain exemplifies hard work and the best of Jamaican talent, adding that the nation “celebrates the return of the most successful athlete we have produced and the greatest the world has ever seen. Usain, we are very proud of what you have done for Jamaica.”
Leader of the Opposition, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, echoed the sentiments of the Minister, noting that the historical performances by Usain Bolt, “have given the country more reason to celebrate than any other recent set of events.”
“Usain’s athletic prowess has held enthusiasts and observers alike spell bound as he rewrites record books over and over again, while an ecstatic world watches in amazement and celebration. In moments like these, it will be easy for us to focus only on the victories, we must however, take the time to acknowledge the processes that make these victories possible,” Mrs. Simpson Miller said.
She said it is clear that Usain is a product of a strong family background – one in which the virtues of discipline, respect and humility have been instilled in him by his parents and relatives. She also praised his teachers for preparing him well and his coach and manager for sharpening his skills and talents.
The Opposition Leader also lauded the “world class” performances of the nation’s athletes during the recent International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), World Championships, in Berlin, Germany.
“As a country, we can be proud of our consistent support for the development of sport as an integral part of national growth and development. We must now make the necessary investments, legislation and international treaties to ensure that our athletes do not only enjoy the winning of medals, but also in the business opportunities generated by their hard work and performance,” Mrs. Simpson Miller said, adding that this consistent investment could also reap success in other areas of national life.
Prime Minister, the Hon. Bruce Golding (2nd right), greets World and Olympic sprint double champion and record holder, Usain Bolt (2nd left), on his arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston from Europe, on September 14, following the completion of his 2009 athletics season.
Usain Bolt’s manager, Norman Peart, said that Usain’s schedule for the next six weeks is a mixture of rest, relaxation, and some committed events, aimed at consolidating his brand in the local, regional and international markets.
He noted that the management team and Turn Key Productions are to collaborate to stage a super party from December 3 to 5, that will be used as a major contributor to a few of the charities Usain Bolt supports.
Mr. Peart informed that Usain’s management team launched the athlete’s official website: www.usainbolt.com in early July and that the response has been tremendous. He further informed that the management team has been boosted with the introduction of sports journalist, Carole Beckford, as a publicist.
