Olympic Gold Medalist Keshorn Walcott receives keys to the city in S’do!

Hundreds turned out to see Olympic gold medalist Keshorn Walcott at City Hall, San Fernando, when he was recently presented with the key to the city by Mayor Dr. Navi Muradali.

Police escorts, Ministry of Sports vehicles, music trucks, moko jumbies and a steelband ushered Walcott and fellow Olympians Machel Cedenio, Roger Daniel, Andrew Lewis, Mikel Thomas and Reyare Thomas into the city.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Sport Minister Anil Roberts were expected to attend but did not show. Walcott passed out bandannas and key chains, signed autographs, posed for photos and met with members of the San Fernando City Council and Public Administration Minister Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan.

Although Walcott waved to the crowd and thanked them for their support, it was not until the cultural segment of the programme, when nine-year-old calypsonian Jeremy Rodriguez sang about being mistaken for the javelin thrower, that Walcott’s broad smile was seen.

Speaking with the press briefly after the ceremony, Walcott said his newfound fame was “OK.” He added that although the various appearances were tiring, he was happy to do it. “I’m a bit tired but things have been normal. I don’t mind. It’s for the people,” he said after shrugging his shoulders.

Walcott also received a plaque, a painting, and a wooden javelin painted partially in the national colours. Cedenio, Daniel, Lewis and Thomas were presented with plaques as well and gift bags with souvenirs of San Fernando from the corporation.
The Olympians were also expected to visit Couva and Chaguanas.

-T&T Guardian