Dominica Rewards Thea Lafond-Gadson with Cash, Diplomatic Status, and National Honors

The Dominica Government has recognized Thea Lafond-Gadson‘s outstanding achievement as the 2024 Paris Olympic Gold Medalist by presenting her with several prestigious awards. Lafond-Gadson was honoured during a series of celebrations that began with a grand welcome ceremony at Douglas Charles Airport, where she was greeted by her husband/coach and parents, Anestine and Dorian Lafond.

Following her arrival, a motorcade travelled from Portsmouth to Roseau, culminating in a cultural event at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium‘s Forecourt. Hundreds of Dominicans gathered to celebrate Lafond-Gadson’s historic win in the Triple Jump. During the event, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed the nation’s pride in its youth development, sports, and education investments. He emphasized that the government is committed to further enhancing these areas, particularly by developing a synthetic track and field facility, which will be named the Thea LaFond-Gadson Track & Field Complex.

In addition to the honors bestowed on Lafond-Gadson, Prime Minister Skerrit announced that Dominica’s other Olympic athletes—Dennick Luke, Warren Lawrence, and Jasmine Schofield—would each receive grants of EC$20,000 in recognition of their efforts and representation of Dominica at the Paris Olympics.

Prime Minister Skerrit also revealed that the government would grant Lafond-Gadson a $400,000 cash prize, a diplomatic passport, and Dominica’s highest honour, the Dominica Award of Honour (DAH). The government has also allocated a plot of land in Warner for her, with stunning sea and mountain views. This recognition reflects the people of Dominica’s deep pride and admiration for Lafond-Gadson’s achievement.

Lafond-Gadson, who has been recovering from a minor injury requiring surgery, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from Dominicans. She remarked that the encouragement she received from the public only strengthened her motivation to continue representing her country with distinction.

Prime Minister Skerrit concluded by emphasizing the significance of Lafond-Gadson’s victory for Dominica, highlighting that her success inspires all Dominicans to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.

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