Recognition for Kirani and Rondell

Recognition for Kirani and Rondell

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Details: Parent Category: Oct 2011; Category: Week ending Oct 22nd, 2011; Hits: 649

Grenada’s Prime Minister Tillman Thomas has announced a recognition and reward package for the island’s international athletes, World 400M Champion, Kirani James, 400M specialist Rondell Bartholomew, and Janelle Redhead, who all had world class performances in Daegu, South Korea, last month.

In a nationally televised address last Thursday, the Prime Minister also indicated that former world indoor 400 metre runner, Alleyne Francique will also benefit from the reward package.

The Grenadian leader said the athletes “demonstrated great prowess on the world track.

Following is the full text of the Prime Minister’s statement:

“Fellow Grenadians, during the past weeks, our international athletes have demonstrated great prowess on the world track and field circuit, bringing a sense of immeasurable pride and joy to all Grenadians, as well as the wider Caribbean.

Their outstanding performances on the track both in Daegu and Europe have also brought incredible recognition to us as a small island developing state.

The exploits of our athletes today, is due to the collaborative efforts of a number of stakeholders, particularly during the last 25 years.

In this context we acknowledge the contributions of the Grenada Olympic Committee, the Grenada Athletics Association, the Secondary Schools Principal Association, the Grenada Track and Field Coaches Association, the Grenada Union of Teachers and Speed Zone, in the development of these athletes.

For small countries like ours, opportunities to celebrate athletic excellence of this magnitude are very few. Therefore, when such an unprecedented opportunity like this one presents itself, it must be embraced with gratitude and duly rewarded.

As a result, based on the recommendations of some of the aforementioned stakeholders, together with the timely guidance of the National Sports Policy, the Cabinet of Grenada has decided on a reward and incentive package for our athlete’s world class performance at 2011 World Athletics Championship in Daegu, South Korea.

These are as follows:

* Renaming of Lagoon Road to Kirani James Boulevard

* Provision of a parcel of land to both Kirani and Rondel

* Provision of a home for Kirani’s family

* Provision of housing assistance to Janelle’s parent

* Provision of housing assistance to coach Joseph

* Appointment as Sports Ambassadors with Official Passport

* Commissioning of a commemorative stamp with Rondell and Kirani

* Issuance of an invitation to Alleyne Francique to attend the ceremony and the naming of the roundabout at the top of Lagoon Road in his name.

In due course the special committee will inform the nation as to the plans for our athlete’s home coming.

As we forge ahead with our new vision and road map for sports development; the implementation of our sports policy, lighting of major playing fields, formation of parish sports councils, the implementation of Physical Education in the curriculum in Primary and Secondary schools, a playing field maintenance programme, and the re-construction of the athletics and football stadium.

We are convinced that more of our athletes in all sporting disciplines will emerge to take centre stage on the world circuit.

In closing, I leave these words of encouragement to our sports administrators, coaches, trainers and athletes from author J.J. Goldwag: “the greatest source of success is the belief that it can happen and your will to do the work to make it happen.”

May God continue to bless our nation!