Dominica to host reception for Olympic Gold Medalist Thea Lafond    

Dominica is all set to host a reception for honor Olympic Gold Medalist Thea Lafond at the State House Conference Centre on Wednesday. The reception will feature a gathering of people and supporters who will celebrate the history of Lafond at the global stage of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit who received a courtesy call from Thea Lafond with her husband and coach Aron Gadson. He shared glimpses on Facebook and congratulated her for her accomplishment.

PM Skerrit expressed honour to personally congratulate the Olympic Champion on her remarkable performance. The meeting also featured the discussion on their shared vision for advancing sports development in Dominica.

Now, the country will host the reception as part of the ongoing activities that are being hosted by the government of Dominica to celebrate the achievements of Thea Lafond. During the event, she will connect with the people and share her journey at the Paris 2024 Games.

Thea Lafond Gadson arrived at Dominica on Sunday and received grand welcome from the supports and government officials at Douglas Charles Airport. She was greeted by Melissa Skerrit- Minister of Housing, Denise Charles- Minister of Tourism and other government officials.

After that, she went for the motorcade rally and participated in the celebration concert to spread her joy with her fellow countrymen. During the event, she was also awarded with $400,000 and other facilities including allocation of 7459 sq ft land in the Warner Park and the National award of Dominica.

Prime Minister Skerrit lauded her capacity and called her pride of the country. In marking her achievement, the government will also develop a sporting facility which will be named Thea Lafond Gadson Track and Field Complex.

Besides this, she will also receive a diplomatic appointment as Sports Ambassador and get the diplomatic passport.

In the coming days, she will also participate in several other events including the visit to the primary and secondary schools. She is scheduled to visit the Mahaut Primary School, Castle Bruce Secondary School and the Dominica State College later this week.

Further, other three athletes who represented Dominica at 2024 Olympics including Dennick Luke, Warren Lawrence and Jasmine Schofield will each be awarded $20,000.

Thea Lafond Gadson won the gold medal in the Triple Jump at 2024 Paris Olympics Games and etched history. She won Dominica’s first-ever medal in the games.