Castries Saint Lucia, August 7, 2012 – Saint Lucia`s main opposition United Workers Party extends congratulations to the many Caribbean athletes who continue to represent the region with distinction and great honor at the 2012 London Summer Olympics.
The gold medal winning performance by Kirani James of Grenada in the men`s 400 meters is a great achievement and source of great inspiration for the region`s youth.
James has shown that through discipline and dedication the Caribbean`s youth can achieve stardom.
The UWP also celebrates Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt for his triumph in the men`s 100 meter where he successfully defended his title in a new world record time of 9.63 seconds.
Bolt`s latest performance and continued committed to success tells the world in an emphatic way that the Caribbean`s athletes are second to none.
Usain Bolt is assured of the support of the United Workers Party and all Caribbean citizens in his quest for legendary status when he takes to the track as is anticipated for the 200 meters finals tomorrow.
Other members of Jamaica`s Olympic team including Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce and Yohan Blake are also deserving of commendation for their stellar performances at the games.
The UWP also joins in congratulating other Caribbean athletes who have medalled at the London 2012 Olympics.
These athletes all showed that with “fair” opportunity the Caribbean can hold its own in any arena.
The UWP hopes that the present crop of Caribbean Leaders relishes the opportunity to showcase and highlight their achievements and use them as role models to engage and motivate young people across the Caribbean in the spirit of unity and integration.
While there were disappointment for some of the region`s elite athletes they too must be celebrated for doing the region proud.
Qualifying for the Olympic Games is in itself a major accomplishment for which they should feel honored.
The United Workers Party also shares in the spirit of national pride and extends deepest appreciation to Danielle Beaubrun, Darvin Edwards, Beth Lygoe, Lavern Spencer, coaches and other members of Saint Lucia`s Olympic team.
Clayed in national colors the team brought smiles to the faces of many Saint Lucians during the opening ceremony of the games.
While team Saint Lucia has not been successful in its quest for a medal thus far, the performance of our athletes has shown that with requisite support they too can excel.
The UWP hopes the government of Saint Lucia recognizes the importance of sports and the youth and makes the necessary investments at the soonest to ensure our youth attain their full potential in various sporting disciplines.
Meanwhile the United Workers Party encourages all St Lucians at home and abroad to rally in support of Lavern Spencer on Thursday, August 9, 2012 from about 4:30 am when she attempts to raise the bar in London.
We encourage all loving Saint Lucians to wear their nation colours on that day in support for Lavern and Team Saint Lucia.
The UWP is proud of and confident in Lavern`s ability and we wish her all the best.
The United Workers Party also seizes the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the development and rekindling of sports on the island and the nation`s youth.