YardFlex.com: Olympic Stars Wind Down Under The Stars of Strawberry Hills

October 05, 2008

Olympic Stars Wind Down Under The Stars of Strawberry Hills

By: Elizabeth Smith
From strawberries in the garden salad to the accolades and general aura - everything was sweet and sensational for Jamaica's Olympic athletes on October 3, 2008 when they wound up a long day of celebrations with the nation at an intimate dinner party in the gardens of Strawberry Hill Resort - Luxury Mountain Spa in Irish Town.

It was an opportunity for the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) to reach out for additional sponsorships that would facilitate propelling the association and subsequently the athletes further. Scotia Bank and other sponsors along with members of government, sports officials and many more, gathered to have a bite at this fundraising effort and to rejoice together for the wonderful gift of national pride that the Olympians - who did remarkably in Beijing - have bestowed on Jamaica.

The short dinner party started at around 8:00pm and presentations were succint while filled with joy and satisfaction for the athletes' achievements. Dubbed, 'Dining With Stars Under The Stars' the evening was a perfect ending to day one of a series of activities planned in honour of the athletes by the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports.

With an ambience that has been likened to a mountaintop oasis; the esteemed presence of the Jamaican Olympic Team and some solid entertainment - there was a sense of euphoria everywhere.

Guest speaker was Mr Kendal Minter, attorney-at-law and Director for the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA), who is attorney to an impressive list of celebrities. Born in Jamaica, New York, he spoke of his love for Jamaica and emphasized how important it was for the business sector to use the victories of the Beijing Olympics that over one billion people watched, as an opportunity to brand Jamaica.

President of the JAAA Howard Aris OD, reminisced on Jamaica's Olympic history in reflecting on Arthrur Wint and his 1948 gold medal win in London, for the 400 meter, that gave Jamaica its first Olympic gold ever. He focused also on the future, saying his hopes were for sponsorships to be maintained and even increased with more resources made available for training athletes as they look forward to 2012.

The I Threes entertained along with C Sharp Band and both were on target. Lauding praises on the athletes Marcia Griffiths, Rita Marley and Judy Mowatt made one of their rare appearances together, dropping their usual smooth harmonines with a graceful yet rigorous style.

"We're here to celebrate oneness...it is a feeling of love, nationalism and patriotism with our nation," Judy Mowatt stated with an infectious exuberance. She spoke about the blessings being poured on the island and the excitement in Jamaica at this time of celebration; mentioning not being able to find black, green and gold material in any of the local area stores. As a result of the massive celebrations honouring these well disciplined, strong and determined Beijing Heroes, Jamaicans had depleted supplies of black, green and gold cloth everywhere. "You excellent, you represent and you full of strength," Judy Mowatt exclaimed.

Chanting some of reggae music's greatest hits, the I Threes infused the spirit of Bob Marley, with whom they once sang harmony. "He's A Legend" was suitably touching, since the legendary status has once again been bestowed to Jamaicans with the amazing athletic standards set.

Etana and Tarrus Riley were also featured and they put the icing on top of a glorious night under the stars for which patrons forked out J$10,000 to J$15,000 each
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Veronica Campbell-Brown