Forbes awarded ‘Elite’ status

(CNS): Cayman’s 110 metre hurdler Ronald Forbes (left) was welcomed into the elite athlete’s programme on Friday night at an award ceremony honouring Cayman’s Beijing Olympic team. Forbes, along with CydonieMothersill, Shaune and Brett Fraser were also given financial assistance with their training and education from government.

The Ministry for Education Employment and Sports hosted the special event at the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman to welcome the athletes home and congratulate them on their achievements.

Cydonie Mothersill who along with Charles Whittaker and Kareem Streete-Thompson is already an elite athlete was given a financial contribution towards her training and the Fraser brothers whoa re still amateur swimming athletes were told that the ministry was making a contribution towards their tuition at the University of Florida. Forbes was also given a direct donation towards his training but was also welcomed into the special athlete programme which brings with it other financial benefits and support on an annual basis from government.

All four Olympians (left) also received a specially designed Olympic trophy and certificate marking their achievements at the diner in front of friends, family, well-wishers and government dignitaries. All the athletes made personal and nationals best time s during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Forbes made the semi-finals and Cydonie became the first Caymanian athlete to compete in an Olympic final.

The Governor, Stuart Jack (also left),  the Leader of Government Business Kurt Tibbetts and the Minister for Sport Alden McLaughlin all paid tribute to the Cayman Olympic competitors.

“Having competed with the world’s best athletes you have experienced the heat of Olympic competition, only you know what it is like to carry the hopes of a small nation where victory is measured in 100ths of a second,” said McLaughlin. “We are all extremely proud of you.”

The evening and awards ceremony was hosted by the Chief Officer in the ministry Angela Martins.