St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred and Switzerland’s Mujinga Kambundji in motion throughout the ladies 100m on the Diamond League, Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland on Sept. 5, 2024.
REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
Caribbean Group governments proceed to have fun and honor athletes who gained medals on the current Paris Summer season Olympics, with St. Lucia on the brink of roll out the purple carpet for international dash queen Julien Alfred later this month following related high-energy occasions in neighboring Dominica and Grenada not too long ago.
Alfred beat a star-studded subject to win the 100-meter dash race and got here again hours later to choose up a silver medal within the 200 meters, bringing glory to the idyllic Japanese Caribbean island nation as the primary nationwide to ever win an Olympic medal, a lot much less two at a single Olympic race assembly.
This week, Prime Minister Phillip Pierre introduced plans for a nationwide vacation on Sept. 27 for Alfred, 23, because the nation reveals gratitude for her historic performances on the Olympics.
“Julien Alfred Day” can be celebrated with a free live performance on the Daren Sammy Cricket Floor on the night of the vacation, with St. Lucians being inspired to come back out in giant numbers to honor their nationwide icon,” a authorities announcement acknowledged.
Asserting the rollout of celebrations and ceremonies for the nationwide heroine, the federal government acknowledged that aside from the nationwide vacation, Ms. Alfred will arrive on the island on Sept. 24 to a motorcade from the principle airport within the north, snaking alongside the east coast. The next day, there can be nationwide college rallies on the Soufriere Mini Stadium and La Useful resource taking part in subject to have fun her unbelievable victory on the highest ranges. Her mural can be unveiled at The Ciceron Major College on Sept. 26, adopted by the free live performance on the Daren Sammy Stadium on the vacation.
PM Pierre urged St. Lucians to come back out in giant numbers to have fun the island’s most interesting hour on the worldwide stage regarding sports activities. Alfred, who has been competing within the present Diamond League athletic championships in Europe, can be prone to be awarded a diplomatic passport as has been the case in Dominica, the place triple jumper Thea LaFond Gadson introduced residence gold for the Emerald Isles, whereas Grenada did likewise for Lindon Victor who carted away a bronze on the decathlon and Anderson Peters who nabbed a bronze within the javelin throw.
In the meantime, Alfred, who had publicly mentioned she was drained and deliberate to take a vacation after nationwide celebrations at residence, will doubtless settle for a proposal from the Jamaica-based Sandals Resort for per week of complimentary keep on the luxurious resort.
The chain provided to all Caribbean athletes who had medaled in Paris for relaxation at Sandals or Seashores Resort. “The Olympic Video games are at all times a particular time for us right here within the Caribbean. Our athletes are extremely proficient, and we’re thrilled to witness their wins and record-making performances. On behalf of our whole Sandals household, we excitedly have fun with our Olympic medalists, and we look ahead to internet hosting them for a soothing trip at Sandals,” mentioned Govt Chairman Adam Stewart.
