St. George’s, July 15, 2012 – A senior member of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) is urging nationals to intensify the public display of support for the country’s athletes who will be participating in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.
“Let us show our national pride and fervor as an act of appreciation to our young men and women who will be carrying the Grenada flag in London,’’ NDC Public Relations Officer, Arley Gill, said on Saturday.
He made the comment after World 400 meter champion, Grenada’s Kirani James, won a Diamond League race in London.
James powered his way to the finish line in 44.85 seconds in the race, which occurred just three weeks before the start of the Olympics.
The 19-year-old Grenadian beat Chris Brown of the Bahamas into second place, while Tony McQuay of the United States was third.
Former Olympic 400 meter champion, American Jeremy Wariner, was fifth.
“On behalf of the National Democratic Congress, I want to congratulate Kirani on his fabulous victory on Saturday,’’ PRO Gill said. “Getting to the Olympics is tough for any athlete; winning a medal is even tougher. What I would like us to all do, though, is to step up our public display of support for our Olympians, pray for them, and wish them the best of health and luck.’’
James will be part of a Grenadian contingent of track and field athletes, as well as representatives from swimming and taekwondo, that will be participating in the Olympics.
Gill commended calypsonian, Quako, for singing a tribute to James. The selection will be played by the St. John-based, Pan Ossia, at this National Panorama competition on August 11.
The NDC PRO who, like James, is a resident of St. John, also congratulated Grenadian journalist, Michael Bascombe, for his regular features and updates on the athletes and which are posted on his blog, mikebas.blogspot.com
“Let us all do whatever we can to support these outstanding young men and women who are headed for the Olympic Games,’’ Gill reiterated.