Dominica presents highest national award to first ever Olympic medallist

ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – The Dominican government has presented the country's first ever Olympic gold medallist, Thea Lafond-Gadson, with the country's highest national award, the Dominica Award of Honour, following her exploits at the Paris Games.

In addition, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, addressing a public ceremony at the Windsor Park Stadium on Sunday night, said that the triple jumper would be provided with a parcel of land, and would be appointed as the International Sports Ambassador providing both her and her husband-coach with diplomatic passports.

“The government of Dominica has decided to grant you a cash gift of EC$400,000, appoint you as international sports ambassador, along with a diplomatic passport. The courtesy of the diplomatic passport will also be extended to your husband.

“Bestow upon you Dominica's highest national award, The Dominica Award of Honour during this year's Independence celebrations (in November) at which you will be our special guest of honour,” Skerrit said.

Lafond-Gadson, who  arrived home on Sunday, took part in a grand motorcade from the northern town of Portsmouth to the capital, Roseau, on Sunday, where hundreds joined to celebrate in her achievement.

“We are aware of your desire for a facility that provides opportunities for track and field athletes to develop their skills, and this remains a priority on our agenda for sports development in Dominica. The government of Dominica has the designs and has already identified a location for the construction of a synthetic track,” Skerrit said.

“I give you and the people of Dominica the assurance today that we will proceed with the development and construction of this facility and upon its completion, it will be formally named the Thea LaFond-Gadson Track & Field Complex.

“Thea, as you return home to the embrace of your people, we are proud to call you our own, and we will forever cherish this moment in our history. Know that your country stands with you, always. Thank you for being a shining example of Dominican excellence. And thank you for reminding us that with hard work, no dream is too big, no goal is too high, and no accomplishment is out of reach,” Skerrit sad.

“As you stood on that podium in Paris, with the gold medal around your neck and our national anthem playing, every Dominican's heart swelled with pride. And I can attest personally that there were some tears. I believe that in that moment, you embodied the very best of us - our determination, our tenacity, and our unwavering faith in the power of dreams…and in God,” Skerrit added.

LaFond-Gadson said she was pleased to have represented Dominica at the Olympics and that prior to the games she had suffered a minor injury which now requires surgery, hence her walking with crutches.

“I have always said it is an honour and a privilege to represent you and let it be known that seeing all your faces along the route today….has only increased my motivation to do well and good by you,” she told the crowd.

Skerrit said that Dominica's three other athletes, Dennick Luke, Warren Lawrence and Jasmine Schofield would receive grants of EC$20,000 each.

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