Training Has Officially Resumed, Fun-Time Is Over!
I had a chance to sneak in a couple of weeks break. Actually it was fun! Sadly, fun-time is now over, it’s back to business! The post Olympic celebrations in Jamaica was something else; I definitely received a taste of what was going on in Jamaica while my fellow countrymen and women and myself were completing in the “Bird Nest,” the out-pouring of love was warm and certainly appreciated. It was great to celebrate with the two million plus people who supports us throughtout our athletic pursuits. The country celebrated in numerous ways from Motorcades, to Alma-mata visits to Galas and Receptions, many awards were presented including keys to the city and not to mention the National Awards given to various members of the Beijing Olympic team. I must say that I am honored to have being one of the awardees of the Order of Distinction in the Commander Rank. I also like to mention how much I appreciated the designation of the UNESCO Champion for Sports, (Usian Bolt was also designated), this is prestigious and unique! Other athletes to previously receive the UNESCO Champion for Sports designation includes: “Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher, football lengend Pele, Olympic Judo Champion David Douillet, Olympic Champion in pole-vaulting SergiyBubka, the legendary hockey player Viatcheslav Fetisov, the Ukrainian Boxing Champions vitaliy and Wladimir Klitschko and the current WTA number one tennis player Justine Henin.”
Additionally, I was pleased to return to Jamaica a week after the celebration ended to give back to both my primary school and my high school by donating computers, printers and mattresses. During that time, I also attended two memorable events, an Induction event (Heroes Walk Outameni Experience) and a Luncheon. The Induction event was held in my parish of birth, Trelawny, I was one of four inductees ino the Heroes Walk (others were Usian Bolt, the late Louise-Bennett-Coverley, Jamaica’s folklorist, writer, and artiste (“Miss Lou”), and Bob Ras). It was tremendous fun to declare Heroes Walk officially open and unveiled a live-size image of myself. The Luncheon was a fun experience as well, it was held in my honor by Grace Kennedy Food, a company with which I have a long-standing relationship. It was an exciting event and there were many teary eyes as all the wonderful speeches that were given in my honor unfolded. Among those giving speeches were, The Most Honorable Portia Simpson-Miller, Leader of the opposition, The Honorable Olivia Basby Grange, Sports Minister, Coach Brauman, Mr. Don Anderson, Chef de Mission Jamaica Olympic Association and of course the company’s Chairman and CEO, Mr. Douglas Orane, an execellent citation was both read nd presented to me by Mrs. Fay McIntosh, Chief Financial Officer (one of my mentors). My husband, parents, siblings, former teachers, coaches, mentors and friend who have all supported me over the years were in attendance, which added to the wonder of the event.
Finally, my husband and I enjoyed a week in the beautiful Island of Bahamas compliments of Super Club. It was a relaxing experience for us both, we had fun and enjoyed our first anniversry together as man and wife.
Now, it’s back to the most challenging part of the training season, as coach Brauman and I will work towards conditioning my body to tackle the 2009 season. With God by my side I can do anything!
PS: I have been working on an inspirational book for sometime now and thanks be to God, in a few days my work will be done, it will be available via my website. I was driven to write this book because something tells me that there are many people whose lives will be touched by it. I have to play my part in life, I have only one life to live and I must fullfill my purpose before I depart this earth.
God bless you all,
Veronica
