Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Top-flight national athletes Veronica Campbell, Usain Bolt and Michael Frater, became the first ever recipients of the 'Key to the City' of Falmouth yesterday when they were honoured at a ceremony in Water Square, Falmouth.

Drawing on the ceremonial city status, which was recently accorded to Falmouth by the United Nations, a beaming Mayor Jonathan Bartley said the athletes - all natives of Trelawny - were most deserving of the honour as they have all represented Jamaica with distinction at the highest level.

"These three athletes have made us extremely proud and we are happy to use this opportunity to say a big public thank you to them," Mayor Bartley said. "This is also our way of saying to them that they have made us proud."

Shouted praises

In the ceremony that was staged by the Trelawny Chamber of Commerce, the athletes were first taken on a motorcade around the town of Falmouth, during which residents came out in large numbers to wave at them and shout praise and encouragement.

Addressing the crowd in Water Square, businessman Dennis Seivwright, president of the Trelawny Chamber of Commerce, said the success of the athletes was yet another clear indication that Trelawny is a nursery for top athletes and truly deserved the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium.

"Trelawny wants to make a statement to the world that we are a parish of champions, a parish that produce gold, silver and bronze medal winners at the Olympic and World Championship levels," said Seivwright. "The success of these athletes shows that this parish is a factory for top athletes."

Presented equipment

Anderson and Omar Brown, who have also represented Jamaica internationally, were also honoured. Tributes were paid to the athletes in the form of cultural presentations from the Waldensia Primary School, Granville All-Age School and William Knibb High School.

A smiling Bolt presented a set of athletics equipment to his old school, William Knibb. In so doing, he encouraged the current crop of athletes to strive for excellence n the hope of emulating the successes he and the other awardees attained.

Frater expressed gratitude to the people of Trelawny for their support over the years and promised that he and the other athletes - who were further honoured at a Gala Dinner at the StarFish Hotel last night - would continue to make them proud.