Photo by Janet Silvera
Former Olympians Vilma Charlton (left) and Lindey Headley were engrossed in the outcome of the 100-metre sprint of the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, while watching the race at the Jamaica Pegasus Olympic Village on Thursday night.

Flags of the world. Chinese emblems - balls and mascots. Four big screen plasma televisions. Veteran Jamaican sprinters mingling. That is the vibes that surround the lobby of The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston as it seeks to create the ambience of an Olympic Village.

The Olympic Village is a respite for Jamaicans to enjoy the games with good company, while dining on an exquisite buffet, said Nancy McLean, hotel manager.

On Thursday night, former Olympians sipped on wine and were fed on hors d'oeuvres as they watched the track and field heats inside the polo lounge.

When Jamaicans Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell cruised across the finish line in their individual races, there were sounds of "good race, good race."

Fun watching the Games

The hotel's Olympic Village opened last Monday and the festivities have continued with 'Golden Dayz' inside the polo lounge nightly and daily until August 24.

The Olympic Village was staged after the first successful one was organised during the 2004 Athens Olympic games.

"We are all not over there (in China), but being at home we can still have fun watching the games, while learning about China," said McLean.

Visitors to the Olympic Village are able to view the medals won by the late Jamaican sprinter Herb McKenley, who was a member of the 4x400 metres gold medal winning team at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. There is also a mounted display of photographs celebrating the life of the runner.

Designs by Puma (the official gear of the Jamaican Olympic team) are also on show inside the lobby of the hotel.

Photographs and pamphlets

Another feature of The Jamaica Pegasus hotel's Olympic Village are photographs and pamphlets showcasing different sites of Beijing.

Apart from what's on view, the Olympic package at the hotel offers sporting forums, live broadcasts and Chinese cuisine and delicacies. On August 24, the chefs will be whipping up a champagne brunch.

This morning, as Jamaican athletes compete in the men's 100-metre final in Beijing, celebrated Olympians and a few business executives will be inside the village at the hotel, said McLean.

"That's where the whole vibes is, right here," said McLean. The breakfast today at the hotel is $750, inclusive of taxes and service charge, for a serving of the country's national dish, ackee and saltfish, served with fried dumplings.