When an individual is honoured with the key to a City, it means their impact in their chosen field is of the highest significance and must be recognized accordingly. As such, this honour is reserved for only the best of the best and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce certainly classifies as just that.
The five-time World 100m Champion was presented with a Key to the City of Kingston by the Kingston & St. Andrew Municipal Corporation on Thursday morning during a ceremony held in the Douglas Orane Auditorium at the Wolmer’s Trust High School for Boys, just across the road from her alma mater, the Wolmer’s Trust High School for Girls, where she spent seven years from 1999-2006.
The eight-time Olympic medalist expressed immense gratitude to the city of Kingston for the honour, calling it a “full-circle moment” before offering a powerful and encouraging message to the building filled with dignitaries, sponsor representatives and students cheering her every move.
“From Waterhouse to Wolmer’s to the World stage, I don’t think you understand the power of community and how much the journey that has been rooted in strength, faith and perseverance started here at Wolmer’s,” she said.
“I am beyond grateful for this honour. I don’t take this lightly because I believe in impact. I believe in making sure that the next generation that comes after me will understand the importance of trusting the timing of your life, of trusting that God is good and does good and he will, at the right time, make everything possible,” she added.
Fraser-Pryce was also surprised with a plaque from the Wolmer’s Trust commemorating her time at the school.
In keeping with her belief in impact and paving the way forward for the next generation, Fraser-Pryce surprised the many students on hand, as well as current Wolmer’s Trust High School for Girls Principal, Mrs. Colleen Montague, with a donation of US$50,000 which converts to almost JMD$8 million to the institution she credits with moulding her into the woman she is today.
“I walked into Wolmer’s for the first time in 1999 and it changed my life. Being here was a moment that, not only for me but for those who I’ve encountered, has always poured into me, from the nurse to the librarian to Mrs. Montague to Mr. Carr,” Fraser-Pryce said.
“Personality,” was the first word to come to mind for Montague when describing Fraser-Pryce.
“It’s hard to stay mad with her, even when she was in high school. Early on, we would say she channelled her enthusiasm into training and competitions but she certainly developed some characteristics that are exemplary. Shelly is unselfish in her nature and she has endeared everyone to her.”
Montague, who also serves as a director for Fraser-Pryce’s Pocket Rocket Foundation, continued: “Over the past 10 years, I’ve worked alongside others as directors for the Pocket Rocket Foundation. We support her passion and energy directed into initiatives such as her Christmas Treat, Six-a Side Football tournament and the Pocket Rocket scholarships, seeking to expand opportunities and improving the lives of children and families in the communities of Waterhouse and Ewarton.”
Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, described Fraser-Pryce as “a source of pride for Jamaica” during his address, also announcing that Ashoka Road in Waterhouse, where Fraser-Pryce grew up, will now be renamed to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Drive.
The five-time National Sportswoman of the Year was also showered with praise by representatives of her sponsors Digicel Jamaica and GraceKennedy, who she first joined forces with back in December 2008.
“We have watched her evolve from a young, promising sprinter to a global icon. Through every race, every triumph and even through difficult moments, she has represented the Grace brand with distinction,” said Mr. Frank James, Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy.
“A national treasure a global icon, the embodiment of perseverance and grace,” was how she was described by Digicel Chief Marketing Officer, Tari Lovell.