Welcoming home our Olympians
published: Sunday | October 5, 2008



Gleaner photographers Norman Grindley and Peta-Gaye Clachar captured scenes from the motorcade which paraded Jamaican Olympians who participated in the recent Beijing Games through the streets of the Corporate Area on Friday, as well as from the sports gala held in their honour at the National Stadium yesterday. At that event, several athletes and sports administrators were conferred with national honours.

The events formed part of Government's 11-day homecoming celebrations for the Olympic heroes. The Jamaican contingent won 11 medals at the Games.

Awardees:


Order of Distinction
(Commander rank):

Howard Aris

Usain Bolt

Veronica Campbell-Brown

Glen Mills

Asafa Powell

Donald Quarrie

Order of Distinction
(Officer rank):

Shelly-Ann Fraser

Nesta Carter

Bridgette Foster-Hylton

Michael Frater

Danny McFarlane

Dwight Thomas

Melaine Walker
FROM LEFT:

(1) Prime Minister Bruce Golding (left) greets the fastest man on Earth, Usain Bolt, during Friday's welcome celebrations.

(2) Olympic 100 metres gold medallist, Shelly-Ann Fraser, is being conferred with the Order of Distinction, officer rank, by Governor General Professor Sir Kenneth Hall.

(3) Prime Minister Bruce Golding (left) greets Dwight Thomas, Olympic sprint relay gold medallist, while Minister of Information, Culture and Sports Olivia Grange looks on.

(4) Mayor of Kingston Desmond McKenzie presents the key to the city and other gifts to Olympic 200-metres champion Veronica Campbell-Brown.

(5) Olympic record holder in the 100 metres, Usain Bolt (right), chats with Olympic sprint relay gold medallist, Asafa Powell, before the start of the gala national awards at the National Stadium, yesterday.

(6) These fans went to great lengths to get a view of the Olympians.

(7) Enthusiastic fans greet the Olympians along motorcade route.