Olympic Gold medallist Thea Lafond awarded $400,000; to receive Dominica Award of Honour

The Olympic Champion and the first-ever gold medallist of Dominica, Thea Lafond Gadson, received a cash gift of $400,000 from the Government for winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 and for lifting the name of the country on an international platform.

This announcement was made by the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, who stated that her gold medal in the triple jump at the Paris Olympics is not only a historical feat for a country but also a unifying moment that has inspired deep appreciation and pride among all Dominicans.

He added that they are honouring Thea for her strength, determination and resilience. PM Skerrit stated that with a gold medal around Thea Lafond’s neck and the national anthem played in Paris, every Dominica’s heart swelled with pride.

PM Skerrit asserted that Thea Lafond’s triumph is also a reminder of investing in youth, sports programs and in their communities. He continued to say that his government is extremely proud of all their investments over the years in youth initiatives, sports and education.

He also added that they are aware of Thea’s desire to have a facility that has opportunities for track and field athletes to develop their skills. He said that Thea’s desire remains their priority on their agenda for sports development in Dominica.

While shedding light on this facility, PM Skerrit noted that they have designed and have already identified an idea for the construction of a synthetic track. He assured all the Dominicans that they would proceed with the development of this facility, and upon its completion, it would be formally named Thea Lafond Gadson field track.

In addition to it, she has been appointed as the International Sports Ambassador as well as she will also be given with a diplomatic passport for both her and her husband. The Prime Minister added that Thea will also be bestowed with the highest national award i.e. Dominica Award of Honour at the Independence celebration where she will be the special guest of honour.

PM Skerrit remarked that Thea will also be presented with a parcel of land in Warner within the Maho constituency, containing 7459 sq ft in the location of the future housing project with spectacular sea and mountain views.

Moreover, the Prime Minister of Dominica also acknowledged other three athletes as well who represented the nation in Paris Olympics 2024. He announced to grant all three athletes, Dennick Luke, Warren Lawrence and Jasmine Schofield with $20,000 each.

The Prime Minister also extended gratitude to all the citizens of Dominica for turning out in such large numbers to celebrate their Olympic champion and golden girl, Thea Lafond Gadson.

Notably, Thea received a warm welcome from her nation following her return to the homeland. The authorities called it a historic moment as she made a record-breaking jump of 15.02 meters to win a gold medal in the triple jump in Paris.

In order to honour and celebrate her golden feat at the Olympic games, the Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit and the entire nation gave her a grand welcome and celebrated her international glory.

Thea Lafond was welcomed by the Acting Prime Minister, Denise Charles Pemberton, the Minister of Sports, Greta Roberts, other government officials, and members of the Dominica Olympic Committee at the Douglas Charles Airport in Dominica.

After reaching at the airport, the Olympic Champion met with all the officials, exchanging heartfelt hugs with the rhythmic beats of the drummers played in the background in order to give Thea Lafond, a memorable welcome.

Following that the citizens of Dominica joined the Golden Motorcade from Portsmouth to Windsor Park Stadium to celebrate their gold medallist. After that a celebration concert was held at the stadium in her honour and cheer for her to win a second gold medal in the next Olympics.

The Prime Minister called her the shining example of Dominica, who has brought glory to the nation.