Kirani is now Ambassador James

Grenada appoints 400m champion as sports tourism icon

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada (CMC):

World and Olympic 400 metres champion, Kirani James, has been officially appointed a sports tourism ambassador for Grenada.

Ambassador James was presented with his documents including a diplomatic passport during a brief ceremony on the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA).

The 20-year-old athlete left the island on Monday following a weekend of celebrations attended by thousands paying glowing tribute to his historic feat of becoming the first Grenadian and OECS national to win Olympic gold.

"Kirani has always represented us and now we are going to make him a sports ambassador for tourism," said Prime Minister Tillman Thomas as he handed James his official documents.

"We believe that Kirani has done excellent and he has promoted Grenada. We want to wish him all the best as he continues both in his academic and sporting life," Prime Minister Thomas said.

James was showered with gifts during a weekend rally that climaxed a series of activities, including a heavily attended round-the-island motorcade and a red carpet homecoming at the MBIA.

He has received EC 500,000 dollars in government bonds, EC100,000 dollars from Republic Bank, EC 10,000 dollars from local hotelier Sir Royston Hopkin, a parcel of land from a Grenadian family and a quantity of jewellery including a necklace, bracelet, a ring and a watch from Columbian Emeralds.

commemorative stamps

Also, an athletic stadium to be built by China will be named after the athlete and commemorative stamps will be published in his honour.

"I have always tried to be an ambassador for this country and represent us in the best possible way as I possibly can," said James after receiving his official documents as an ambassador for Grenada.

"So for the prime minister to make this official I know it's a huge responsibility, but I am up for the challenge in terms of helping the world know a lot more about our country."

James is resuming his undergraduate studies in business at the University of Alabama.