Castries – St Lucia’s Olympic champion Julien Alfred became an instant millionaire on Friday after being gifted EC$1 million by the government for her exploits at the Paris Olympics.
The 23-year-old fittingly received the monetary award on Julien Alfred Day, the national holiday named in her honour, after she copped gold in the women’s 100 metres and silver in the 200 metres at the Olympics, becoming the first St Lucian to medal and win gold at the prestigious event.
During a special concert held at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre also announced that a section of the Millennium Highway would be renamed after Alfred and a monument in her honour erected on the roundabout along that stretch of road.
The sprinter will also receive a parcel of land totalling 10 720 feet, in commemoration of her national record time of 10.72 seconds, which won her gold in the 100 metres.
She will also have a stamp designed in her honour and a series of exercise books bearing her picture will be released.
During the ceremony, several corporate sponsors donated to the Diamond League 100 metre champion, Central American and Caribbean Games gold medallist, and Caribbean Games title holder.
M&C and Massy Stores each presented Alfred with $30 000, Unicomer promised $30 000 worth of gym equipment, Chreiki & Sons pledged $50 000, Landings came through with $10 000 per annum and 758 Adventures awarded her $25 000.
On Thursday, Alfred received $75 000 from the St Lucia Olympic Committee.
Friday’s concert capped off a week of celebrations that included a six-hour motorcade, two school rallies, a flotilla, a cocktail reception, and the unveiling of a mural at Ciceron RC Primary, Alfred’s alma mater. (CMC)
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