In a year when many countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, recorded their best Olympic Games ever, the same is true for our Caribbean neighbour Grenada. The brave and talented track star, Kirani James sprinted his way into the history books, cementing Grenada’s place as the smallest country to have ever won an Olympic gold medal. The accolades keep rolling in for this young man who is the Spice Isle’s first ever Olympic medallist, a feat unto itself.
Kirani James is also credited with bringing an unparalleled spirit of humanity and true sportsmanship to the London 2012 games as the world took notice of him swapping his Olympics tags with double amputee, Oscar Pistorius of South Africa. He stands as a perfect example of true Caribbean class and is a role model of the people of this region, particularly our youth.
As part of ‘Team Caribbean’, Trinidad and Tobago share in the absolute joy that comes with victory as we, too, celebrate our own victory with 4 Olympic medals. This unity will extend far beyond Kirani’s impressive 43.94 seconds of glory as it embodies the ideals that CARICOM seeks to foster and promote.
In recognition of his athletic performance and spirit of fair play Kirani James is to be awarded the Caribbean Spirit of Sport Award 2012. James will arrive in Trinidad on 27 December accompanied by his parents and will attend the Spirit of Sport Awards red carpet gala on 28 December to receive the award.
According to the Honourable Anil Roberts, Minister of Sport, who will be on hand to welcome the Olympic gold medallist, “Kirani James is an outstanding talent who has not only made his country proud and made history as the youngest 400m gold Olympic medallist, but also demonstrates humility and gratitude on the track towards his competitors. That is the mark of a world-class athlete from whom we can expect many more Olympic medals in the future. Grenada has every right to be supremely proud of this young man and his family.”
The media is invited to cover Kirani James’ arrival in Trinidad at a reception to be held on 27 December 2012 from 2pm at the VIP Lounge, Piarco International from 2:05pm.
