On Saturday, 10th June 2017, Jamaica’s Racers Grand Prix held a valedictory International Invitational event aptly titled “Salute to a Legend” – Usain Bolt’s final competitive race on Jamaican soil.
Many of the world’s top athletics superstars participated in the ‘invitation only’ event, including Britain’s Mo Farrah, South Africa’s Wayde Van Niekirk, Jamaica’s Yohanne Blake, Australia’s Sally Pearson and Kenya’s David Rudisha and among these super athletes were three Nigerians: Margaret Bamgbose (Women’s 400 Metres Dash), Stephen Moza (Men’s Shot Put) and Tosin Oke (Men’s Triple Jump).
As expected, the 35,000 seater stadium was full to capacity, with thousands more outside watching the events live-streamed on screens set up outside the stadium.
The Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Most Hon. Michael Holness, the President of the IAAF, Lord Sebastian Coe, cabinet ministers and all diplomatic missions were fully represented at the event, which saw Dr. Usain Bolt honoured for his contributions to the world of Athletics prior to his slated retirement 2 months hence.
In fitting style, Dr. Usain Bolt won the final race of the evening – the 100m dash- a victory that heralded an explosive fireworks display that lit up the warm Kingston sky for several minutes, the noise of which competed with the frenzied, uncontrolled screams of joy from the capacity crowd. In typical Jamaican style, an immediate party erupted on the pitch, with the great man himself singing along with some of Jamaica’s music stars.
Nigeria’s Margaret Bamgbose earned bronze in the finals of the Women’s 400 Metres Dash and Tosin Oke came joint 3rd in the Men’s Triple Jump, whilst Stephen Moza was amongst the finalists in the Men’s Shot Put, making Nigeria very proud with their performance. Ghana’s Nadia Eke also won bronze whilst South Africa’s Wayde Van Nierkerk gave an outstanding performance.
The participation of so many top athletes further highlighted the exceptional performance of Nigeria’s athletes at the event.
Attached are some pictures from the event, including pictures of the Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria in Jamaica, Ambassador Lilian Onoh with Dr. Usain Bolt and with Nigeria’s Mr. Tosin Oke, Nigeria’s Margaret Bamgbose as well as some members of the diplomatic community in attendance at the games.