By Carlisle Jno Baptiste
The Government of Dominica has expressed its “joy and admiration” for 2024 Paris Olympic Gold Medalist Thea Lafond-Gadson by bestowing several awards to her for her achievement.
Lafond-Gadson was given a grand welcome ceremony on her arrival to Dominica along with her husband/coach and her parents Anestine and Dorian Lafond.
After a grand motorcade from Portsmouth to Roseau where hundreds joined to celebrate the achievement of Thea culminated with a cultural event at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium’s Forecourt, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in his address stated that the government is proud of its investments over the years in youth development initiatives, sports, and education and is committed to “doing even more.”
“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,” Skerrit said.
“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.”
He continued, “In addition, for your historic performance at Paris 2024, winning Dominica’s first Olympic Medal, the Government of Dominica has decided to; grant you a cash gift of $400,000.00 and appoint you as Sports Ambassador along with a diplomatic passport. The courtesy of a diplomatic passport will also be extended to your husband. Bestow upon you Dominica’s highest honour, the Dominica Award of Honour, (DAH) during this year’s Independence celebrations. A lot in Warner containing 7,459 square feet in the location of the Future Housing Project with spectacular sea and mountain views.”
“Thea, 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. Know that your country stands with you, always. Thank you for being a shining example of Dominican excellence. And thank you for reminding us that with hard work, no dream is too big, no goal is too high, and no accomplishment is out of reach,” the Dominican leader stated.
“On behalf of the government and people of Dominica, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to you, Thea. Your gold medal in the Triple Jump at the Paris Olympics is not only a historical feat for our country but also a unifying moment that has inspired deep appreciation and pride among all Dominicans, here and abroad.”
“To your family, your coach, your mentors, and everyone who supported you along the way—including Mr. Billy Doctrove and his team at the Dominica Olympic Committee and the Dominica Amateur Athletics Association- we extend our deepest gratitude. Your love, guidance, and belief in Thea played an essential role in her success. This victory is yours as much as it is hers.”
“Thea, we honour you today for your strength, determination, and resilience and for lifting the name of Dominica to the global stage. Your victory comes after years of dedication, hard work, and a strong belief in yourself. We know that your journey to this moment was not an easy one. You experienced some lows and may have even considered throwing in the towel, but you remained focused and driven, with your eyes set firmly on the goal of becoming a World and Olympic Champion.”
“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,” Skerrit posited.
According to him, Thea showed the world that despite our size, despite our challenges, Dominica is a nation of champions. Dominica is a place where dreams can come true if we are willing to work diligently to make it happen.
“You demonstrated to our young sportsmen and women that anything is possible, and I believe this will be your greatest legacy – having inspired our people to dream big, giving us a reason to celebrate, to come together, and to believe in the greatness within each of us. Your triumph is also a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in our youth, in our sports programmes, and in our communities. Welcome home, Olympic Champion! Dominica celebrates you!,” Skerrit stated.
LaFond-Gadson said she was pleased to have represented Dominica at the Olympics and that before the games she had suffered a minor injury that had now required surgery hence the reason for her walking with crutches.
“I have always said it is an honour 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,” she told the crowd.
Skerrit said that Dominica’s three other athletes, Dennick Luke, Warren Lawrence, and Jasmine Schofield would receive grants of EC$20,000 each.