A contingent of managers and athletes of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) paid a Courtesy Call to Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen at King’s House this morning.
The Governor-General warmly welcomed the group and described their visit as “special” and “meaningful.” He congratulated the athletes for qualifying for the Games and presented each team member with tokens from his I Believe Initiative social programme.
“I will give you some tokens with the I Believe logo. I want you to believe in yourself and believe in your potential. The I Believe Initiative is about Using what is right with Jamaica to fix what is wrong with Jamaica. And, you are what is right with Jamaica,” Sir Patrick stated.
The Governor-General observed that “Jamaican athletes command the respect of all who watch the sport around the world. We expect you to do well.” He added, “You have the support of the entire nation. You have my support. Do well and keep the flag flying high as you are in Tokyo.”
While inspiring the athletes to continue unleashing their greatness and be ‘extraordinary’, The Governor-General reminded them to listen to their coaches, work hard, and be careful as the world is still in a pandemic.
Jamaican Olympic Team Manager, Ludlow Watts told The Governor-General that despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty regarding the Olympics, the team was able to complete preparation in time, and he is confident they will perform well.
“When it comes to the tracks we see ourselves as ‘war heroes.’ USA, Kenya, Jamaica is how it has been on the track and field arena of the Olympics. We are prepared,” Mr. Watts said.
Other Olympic Team Officials at the Courtesy Call were Coach Maurice Wilson, Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) 1st Vice President, Ian Forbes, and JAAA Management Team Member, Heleen Francis. The Jamaican athletic team members were Ramona Burchell, Tovea Jenkins, Rhonda White, Yanique Thompson, Tyquendo Tracey and Demish Gaye.
Several other members of the qualifying Tokyo Olympics team are now in Europe while others are in training camps in various locations. The athletes currently in Jamaican will depart for Tokyo on July 16 and 21, respectively.