Dominica celebrates Olympic heroine Thea Lafond-Gadson with Award of Honour and cash gift
Key Points(5)
- Dominica has awarded its first-ever Olympic gold medallist, Thea Lafond-Gadson, the country’s highest national honor, The Dominica Award of Honour, following her historic triumph at the Paris Olympics.
- Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit made the announcement on Sunday night during a public ceremony at Windsor Park Stadium, highlighting the nation's pride in Lafond-Gadson's remarkable achievement at the Paris Olympics.
- He also revealed that the government would grant her a cash reward of EC$400,000 (approximately US$148,000), a parcel of land, and the appointment as Dominica's international sports ambassador, a position that comes with a diplomatic passport for both her and her husband-coach.
- “The government of Dominica has decided to grant you a cash gift of EC$400,000, appoint you as international sports ambassador, along with a diplomatic passport.
- The courtesy of the diplomatic passport will also be extended to your husband,” Prime Minister Skerrit stated.
Dominica has awarded its first-ever Olympic gold medallist, Thea Lafond-Gadson, the country’s highest national honor, The Dominica Award of Honour, following her historic triumph at the Paris Olympics.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit made the announcement on Sunday night during a public ceremony at Windsor Park Stadium, highlighting the nation's pride in Lafond-Gadson's remarkable achievement at the Paris Olympics. He also revealed that the government would grant her a cash reward of EC$400,000 (approximately US$148,000), a parcel of land, and the appointment as Dominica's international sports ambassador, a position that comes with a diplomatic passport for both her and her husband-coach.
“The government of Dominica has decided to grant you a cash gift of EC$400,000, appoint you as international sports ambassador, along with a diplomatic passport. The courtesy of the diplomatic passport will also be extended to your husband,” Prime Minister Skerrit stated. Additionally, he announced that Lafond-Gadson would receive The Dominica Award of Honour during this year’s Independence celebrations in November, where she will be the special guest of honor.
Greeted by enthusiastic crowds
Lafond-Gadson, who returned to Dominica on Sunday, was greeted by enthusiastic crowds as she participated in a grand motorcade from Portsmouth to Roseau. Hundreds of Dominicans gathered to celebrate her success, which has brought pride to the nation.
Prime Minister Skerrit also addressed Lafond-Gadson’s desire for improved facilities for track and field athletes in Dominica. He assured her and the public that the government has plans for the construction of a synthetic track, which will be named the Thea LaFond-Gadson Track & Field Complex upon completion.
“As you return home to the embrace of your people, we are proud to call you our own, and we will forever cherish this moment in our history,” Skerrit said. “Your country stands with you, always. Thank you for being a shining example of Dominican excellence.”
An honor and a privilege
Reflecting on Lafond-Gadson's gold medal victory in Paris, Skerrit noted the emotional impact it had on the nation. “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. In that moment, you embodied the very best of us—our determination, our tenacity, and our unwavering faith in the power of dreams.”
During the event, Lafond-Gadson, who was walking with crutches due to a recent surgery following a minor injury before the Olympics, expressed her gratitude to the people of Dominica. “I have always said it is an honor and a privilege to represent you, and seeing all your faces along the route today has only increased my motivation to do well by you,” she told the cheering crowd.
In recognition of the efforts of Dominica’s other Olympians, Skerrit announced that Dennick Luke, Warren Lawrence, and Jasmine Schofield would each receive grants of EC$20,000 as a gesture of appreciation for their participation.
