Minister of Local Government, Community Development and Sports and Prime Minister designate, Portia Simpson Miller (third left), poses with members of the Jamaica contigent to the XVIII Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, on their arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. From left: Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Asafa Powell and Michael Frater (right). Errol K. Miller (second right), vice-president, corporate affairs and corporate communications at Cable and Wireless Jamaica Limited, looks on. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
MEMBERS OF Jamaica's record-breaking track and field contingent at the XVIII Commonwealth Games returned to the island yesterday.
The members, all MVP athletes, landed at Norman Manley International Airport and were greeted by Minister of Local Government, Community Development and Sports and Prime Minister designate Portia Simpson Miller and Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) president Howard Aris.
The athletes, all gold medallists - headed by Asafa Powell and Brigitte Foster-Hylton, were each given gift baskets.
Foster-Hylton said it was a special occasion.
"We always feel special when occasions like these arise. I am glad we made you all proud," she said. Foster-Hylton broke the Commonwealth Games' 100m hurdles record by running 12.67 in the semi-finals.
Apart from Powell, who won the 100m gold, and Foster-Hylton, Michael Frater, Ainsley Waugh and Winston Smith, all members of the victorious 4x100m relay team arrived, along with their MVP coach Stephen Francis.
In welcoming the athletes, Simpson Miller, speaking on behalf of the Government, said: "I want to extend to them (athletes) our congratulations and to thank them for again ... showing Jamaica's golden value."
Overall, Jamaica won 10 gold, four silver and eight bronze medals, a record haul.
In a short speech, Powell first thanked God for getting them back home safely, then said: "Thanks to everyone who cheered me on. I am glad that I was able to make everyone proud and I will continue to make you proud."
The second batch of Jamaican track and field athletes is scheduled to return to the island today.
