Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
JAMAICAN OLYMPIANS Sherone Simpson, Usain Bolt and Jermaine Gonzales were presented with Olympic solidarity scholarships earlier this week.
The trio signed their agreements at the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) office, Cunningham Ave, in Kingston.
The scholarship grants are to assist the athletes in their preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games in China.
Like any agreement, there are requirements but, according to Don Anderson, vice-president of the JOA, all the athletes have to do is maintain their standards.
"The objective is to make sure they get to the pinnacle of the Olympic Games and therefore this is all about ensuring and giving them the opportunity to do very well," Anderson said.
Anderson said with the athletes' help, the JOA will have to submit monthly reports on their progress to the International Olympic Association (IOC) solidarity movement.
The athletes were delighted with the assistance.
Gonzales said: "I am really grateful, and I'm sure this will go a long way in my development."
A GREAT HONOUR
Bolt, the World Junior 200m record holder, said: "It's a great honour to be chosen out of many athletes to be one of the persons to receive a sponsorship. I am really thankful and grateful," he added.
Simpson said she was "privileged to be awarded this scholarship. I just hope I can continue to train hard and perform well at the 2008 Olympics."
Two other scholarships, for swimmer Alia Atkinson and decathlon athlete Maurice Smith, could soon be signed, Anderson said.
