Celebrations being planned for Jamaica’s Olympians

KINGSTON—The Jamaica Government has announced plans to stage “scaled down” celebrations for members of the team which participated in the London Olympics last month. Sports Minister Natalie Neita-Headley says the celebrations will take place on the weekend of national heroes’ day around the middle of October. The Jamaican sports minister made the announcement while attending an official homecoming to welcome five Olympic medalists who returned to the island Monday. “We are going to be doing a cultural presentation. All of the best of what Jamaica has to offer. Entertainers from across the country have called to say that they are willing to give free performances to give that kind of appreciation to the athletes”

 

Neita-Headley said at the official welcome ceremony at the Norman Manley International Airport. “The Prime Minister will present special awards and every single participant who went to London will walk away feeling that they have been appreciated.”  Olympic 100 and 200 metres silver medalist Yohan Blake was among the returning athletes as well as Warren weir and Ansel Parchment who took bronze in the 200 metres and 110 metres hurdles respectively. Jamaica achieved its best ever performance at the Olympics winning four gold, four silver, and four bronze medals. “I just want to say thank you for all of this because this really meant a lot to all of us eight...you know coming back to this warm reception it has been good” Blake said on behalf of his colleague athletes. (CMC)