KINGSTON – The Jamaican government has appointed two-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce as an Ambassador Special Envoy to the world.
Fraser-Pryce, who has five World Championships gold medals to her credit, received the instruments of appointment during a brief ceremony at the office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday.
Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for sports, Natalie Neita-Headley, described Fraser-Pryce as the perfect role model for young Jamaicans.
“Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is, of course, an excellent athlete who has done tremendously well, winning back-to-back Olympic gold medals and, of course, being recognised as the top female athlete in the world by the IAAF,” Neita-Headley told The Gleaner.
“In addition, she is well grounded and has displayed honesty and integrity in character.”
The Jamaican sprinter has also developed a local charity known as the Pocket Rocket Foundation, which has been raising funds and contributing to student athletes and less fortunate children.
Fraser-Pryce and her husband Jason Pryce have received diplomatic passports.
“I believe Shelly-Ann [Fraser-Pryce] has added significantly to Brand Jamaica and we are very proud to have her serve as Ambassador Special Envoy to the world,” said Neita-Headley.
“She would have received official passports; herself and her husband and will be treated with the courtesies that go with those.” (CMC)
