PM Roosevelt Skerrit and Thea Lafond discuss strategies to elevate Dominica’s sports sector

Roseau, Dominica: The Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit exchanged significant dialogues with the gold medallist, Thea Lafond Gadson on their shared vision to develop sports sector of the nation to greater heights.

While sharing the glimpses of his meeting with the first ever gold medallist of the country, PM Roosevelt Skerrit stated that he had the privilege of receiving a courtesy call from Thea LaFond-Gadson. She was accompanied by her husband and coach, Aaron Gadson.

PM Skerrit stated that it is truly an honour for him to personally congratulate the Olympic Champion on her remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics. He shared that they discussed advancing sports development in Dominica and giving the island nation its own identity on the international platform.

Moreover, PM Skerrit also shed light on hosting a reception for Thea Lafond Gadson as a part of ongoing activities to celebrate her achievement. He added that it would be conducted in her honour at the State House Conference Center on Wednesday.

Recently, she also received a warm welcome by the Government of Dominica and was awarded $400,000 for winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. Along with this, she was also announced as the International Sports Ambassador, a role in which she will represent Dominica on the global stage.

The Prime Minister stated that Thea’s accomplishment is a historical feat for the country which has immersed deep appreciation and pride among all the citizens of Dominica. He called Thea, the Golden Girl whose victory has made every Dominica’s heart swelled with pride and happiness.

Apart from becoming the International Sports Ambassador and winning $400,000, she will also be provided with a piece of land in Warner containing around 7459 sqft with spectacular views of the sea and mountains.

She will also be bestowed with the highest National Award i.e. Dominica Award of Honour and a sport facility will also be constructed under her name. PM Skerrit stated that Thea’s triumph is a reminder to the Government of Dominica that they need to invest more in their youth and sports for the welfare of the community.

During the meeting between PM Roosevelt Skerrit and Thea Lafond Gadson, they shared their views on several facilities and the ways it can be utilized for advancing sports sector. He called Thea, an inspiration for all the younger athletes who aspires to represent Dominica on the international platform.

He continued to say that Thea’s achievement is a reminder than no dream is too big, no goal is too high and no accomplishment is out of reach. He stated that his celebration sends a message to all of Dominica that they can also become the next gold medallist.

Also, while emphasising on the reception, PM Skerrit stated that it is another way of celebration Dominica’s golden girl. Following the reception party, Thea has been scheduled to visit the Mahaut Primary School, Castle Bruce Secondary School and the Dominica State College later this week.

Her visit to the schools would be a great way for all the students to be inspired by her achievements and learn something innovative.