Dominican triple jumper Thea LaFond has received the nation's highest honor and special rewards after winning the country's first Olympic gold.
Dominican triple jumper Thea LaFond-Gadson has been honored with the nation’s highest accolades after securing Dominica's first-ever Olympic gold medal at the recently concluded Paris Olympics.
Thea's exceptional performance has not only brought immense pride to the Caribbean nation but also led to unprecedented rewards from the Dominican government.
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During a grand ceremony held at Windsor Park Stadium, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced that LaFond-Gadson would receive a cash gift of EC$400,000 ( Ksh19.8 million), along with a parcel of land, and a prestigious appointment as Dominica's International Sports Ambassador.
"The Government of Dominica has decided to grant you a cash gift of EC$400,000, appoint you as an international sports ambassador, along with a diplomatic passport. The courtesy of the diplomatic passport will also be extended to your husband," said Prime Minister Skerrit.
Thea LaFond-Gadson was also bestowed with the Dominica Award of Honour, the highest national award, which will be formally presented during this year’s Independence celebrations in November, where she will be the special guest of honor.
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The triple jump champion, who arrived in Dominica to a hero's welcome, was celebrated in a grand motorcade from the northern town of Portsmouth to the capital, Roseau.
Hundreds of Dominicans lined the streets to honor their national hero and to celebrate this historic 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," the Prime Minster added.
"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.
"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."
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LaFond-Gadson, who has been nursing a minor injury that now requires surgery, expressed her gratitude to the people of Dominica.
"I have always said it is an honor 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."