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ON BOARD
CONGRATS!Prime Minister David Thompson (left) shaking the hand of World Championship 110 metre hurdles gold medallist, Ryan Brathwaite, on his arrival at Kensington Oval yesterday. (photo by Sandy Pitt)
Published on: 9/18/2009.
Government is fully on the Ryan Brathwaite bus to the next Olympic Games.
And, according to Prime Minister David Thompson, Barbados’ 21-year-old superstar will be given whatever his heart desires when it comes to preparing for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.
“Ryan Brathwaite has won us back our pride,” a beaming Thompson told the nation and a packed Kensington Oval last night at a welcome home party for the 2010 World champion hurdler.
“We are determined that in your quest for Olympic gold, you will want for nothing. You have raised our flag before a world-wide audience, and for that, we are grateful.”
The Prime Minister also revealed that Government would today set up a special board of trustees to be in constant contact with the United States-based Brathwaite and his coach at Barton Community College in Kansas, Matthew Kane, to ensure his every need is handled as he prepares to try for the island’s first Olympic gold medal.
Government, according to the PM, would be moving with haste so as to complete a national sports policy and a national youth policy within the next 12 months, so no talented Barbadian sports people would be left on the wayside.
Thompson also took the opportunity to officially dub Brathwaite, the youngest world champion in his pet event, an official ambassador for the country, and said Government would be using the new star to enhance not only the island’s sports tourism product, but Barbados’ entire sporting industry in the years to come.
“Barbados will forever be grateful to you. You have shown what a mighty punch a little country like Barbados is capable of landing,” the Prime Minister added.
“There are many more Ryan Brathwaites out there, and we are dedicated to doing all that is humanly possible to help their maximise their full potential. We want them to take a leaf out of Ryan Brathwaite’s book.” (BA)
And, according to Prime Minister David Thompson, Barbados’ 21-year-old superstar will be given whatever his heart desires when it comes to preparing for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.
“Ryan Brathwaite has won us back our pride,” a beaming Thompson told the nation and a packed Kensington Oval last night at a welcome home party for the 2010 World champion hurdler.
“We are determined that in your quest for Olympic gold, you will want for nothing. You have raised our flag before a world-wide audience, and for that, we are grateful.”
The Prime Minister also revealed that Government would today set up a special board of trustees to be in constant contact with the United States-based Brathwaite and his coach at Barton Community College in Kansas, Matthew Kane, to ensure his every need is handled as he prepares to try for the island’s first Olympic gold medal.
Government, according to the PM, would be moving with haste so as to complete a national sports policy and a national youth policy within the next 12 months, so no talented Barbadian sports people would be left on the wayside.
Thompson also took the opportunity to officially dub Brathwaite, the youngest world champion in his pet event, an official ambassador for the country, and said Government would be using the new star to enhance not only the island’s sports tourism product, but Barbados’ entire sporting industry in the years to come.
“Barbados will forever be grateful to you. You have shown what a mighty punch a little country like Barbados is capable of landing,” the Prime Minister added.
“There are many more Ryan Brathwaites out there, and we are dedicated to doing all that is humanly possible to help their maximise their full potential. We want them to take a leaf out of Ryan Brathwaite’s book.” (BA)
11 comment found!
No Good Athlete Left Behind (NGALB) : 9/20/2009
I am elated to read about the govenment's commitment to Ryan and the young athletes who will follow. It's about time that this happens. As a matter of fact, it's way overdue. I say this because I have seen athletes like Janelle Inniss and Sherlene Williams fall by the wayside. I know that if these two young ladies were afforded the right opportunities, they would have done our country proud on the international scene. What a waste of talent!!!!
Congrats to Ryan! : 9/18/2009
Is the comment I just read serious? I reside here in NY and when Usain Bolt had won several times all different cities have celeberate his victoriously so many times, saying it's enough about the wonderful & gifted young man is a slap in the face. Other cultures take tremendous pride in promoting their fellowmen. I agree with the person that commented about getting the BILLBOARD to represents how much more BARBADOS is proud of him. I also agree with a comment that Bajan athletes do not get enough financial support overseas and the govt/sports industry needs to look into that for improvement. WE'RE PROUD OF YOU RYAN FOR YOUR GREAT DEDICATION TO THE SPORT& BRINGING HOME THAT GOLD! May GOD continue to protect & bless you in all your endeavours. KEEP MAKING BARBADOS & YOUR FAMILY PROUD & LOOKING FORWARD FOR 2012. Love from NY.
MULTI-DIMENSIONAL : 9/18/2009
Congratulations to the 13:14 Committee for spearheading a wonderful celebration and expression of Bajan Pride and Achievement. Let us not forget that with athletic sholarships, the student also has the oppurtunity to pursue their academic goals.
RYAN'S PERMANANT TRIBUTE : 9/18/2009
CONGRATS ryan and the more coverage the better less we forget .I have an idea for the government place a permanent bill board along the ABC highway encaption 13:14 with the photo finish picture enlarge.the jamaica gov name a highway after usain bolt. A permanent bill board will also pay tribute.Howabout it 13:14 committee
On Board - Our Native Son : 9/18/2009
To the remarks from the third person - Just imagine this was your child or a member of your family -- I am sure you too would have been swollen with pride each time you saw a headline. It is not too often this happens and it stands to encourage others to strive for better and continue to represent Barbados positively. I am many, many miles away and I have already passed around the comments so that the staff members here can see one of our great accomplishments. Congratulations and best of luck to you Ryan and may God's light continue to shine on you.
Ryan : 9/18/2009
Thanks Ryan. We are proud of you here in Turks and Caicos Islands.
ryan : 9/18/2009
congrats my son, keep on moving, Johovah's blessings and continued health baje in toronto
LET US ALSO TAKE CARE OF OUR BARBADIAN SCHOLARS : 9/18/2009
It's a wonderful thing that the Government of Barbados is reaching out to Ryan Brathwaite. I sincerely hope that is it not only lip service in the moments of a great celebration.Whatever was done for Ryan yesterday he deserve and more. He has made all Barbadians around the world very proud. I would like to take the opportunity here to say to Prime Minister Thompson, that the Government of Barbados should also do a lot more for the young Barbadians Scholars. More poor Barbadians are winning Barbados Scholarships. When these bright young people win these scholarsfips and go overseas to study, many of them find it very difficult to servive, because the Government only pays the tuittion fees. Let us the people of Barbados take better care of our young intellectuals, they are our future. A student who is under financial pressure can not perform at his her best. Many of these young people can't even afford to eat a proper meal each day. This should noot be. I hope that something will be done very soon to rectify this situation.
: 9/18/2009
Congrats again to you Ryan. Can the country get back to work? enough already, every headline. My goodness nation news. Over coverage here or what. What will you print tomorrow?
: 9/18/2009
wonderful!
: 9/18/2009
Congratulations Ryan! The PM could not expressed it better in his speech at the Oval yesterday, on behalf of the Nation. You made Barbadians very proud. Please continue to carry the torch with pride. Barbados loves you and we are very proud of your achievements. May God continue to Bless you and your family. Blessings from a patriotic Barbadian
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