Just under half the tickets to be made available as of today for the cultural event and presentation ceremony honouring Jamaica's 2012 Olympians and Paralympians on National Heroes Day are to go to high-school children and members of the public.

"The celebration, which will see the nation recognising the athletes, is a public event and we are ensuring that it will be a memorable opportunity for young people to be inspired by the accomplishments of our sportsmen and sportswomen, and to be motivated to pursue their own goals and dreams," Natalie Neita-Headley, minister with responsibility for sports in the Office of the Prime Minister, said yesterday.

Of the 6,000 tickets available, 500 will go to students from high schools attended by the athletes; 2,500 will go to youth organisations, athletes and their families, sports officials, the diplomatic corps and sponsors.

Another 2,000 tickets are for general distribution to the public through LIME and Digicel stores islandwide. These tickets are free, and distribution will begin promptly at noon today.

Neita-Headley implored members of the public to be patient with, and understanding of the LIME and Digicel stores staff who will issue no more than two tickets per person on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Takes place on monday

This historic musical tribute, 'Jamaica's Musical History Honouring our Olympic Journey', will take place at the National Arena on Monday, starting at 7 p.m. It will be broadcast live by the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica, starting at 7:15 p.m. and on TVJ starting at 7:45 p.m., in addition to being streamed on the Internet and on the Jamaica Information Service website at www.jis.gov.jm.

Members of the public are being encouraged to gather with friends and family and follow the show and presentation ceremony in their homes, sports bars, and at community gatherings. Arrangements for large-screen public viewing of the show have been made for Half-Way Tree Square, St Andrew, and at Dump Up Beach in Montego Bay, St James.