KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaican Government will salute the Rio Olympic delegation with a three-day programme of celebratory activities designed to honour their achievements and demonstrate national pride in their performances.

The events will be held over Heroes weekend, October 14-16.

In a programme organised by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Rio athletes will be the guests of honour at a Sports Gala and Awards Ceremony to be held at the National Indoor Sports Centre on Saturday, October 15. At this event the Government will present cash awards to each member of the delegation, including coaches and other officials.

According to Minister Grange, the Gala will include a specially produced showcase featuring some of Jamaica’s internationally renowned popular artists, including Omi, Chronixx, Christopher Martin, Kevin Downswell, and Spice. Also sharing the spotlight will be the Wolmer’s Dance Troupe, the National Youth Chorale and specially choreographed dances by L’Antoinette Stines.

“On Friday, October 14, Prime Minister Andrew Holness will host a reception at Jamaica House. On Sunday, October 16 the Jamaica National Building Society hosts the JN5K Run/Walk in the streets of Falmouth, a charity event in collaboration with the Usain Bolt Foundation in which some of the Olympic athletes will participate,” Minister Grange said.

She added that “a gala will also be held for the Rio delegation in western Jamaica on Sunday evening hosted at the Melia Braco Village in Trelawny. This will afford citizens of western Jamaica the opportunity to participate in the Salute to the Rio Sports Ambassadors. The evening will also feature a live entertainment package”.

The planning and execution of the celebrations are the responsibility of a multi-disciplinary planning committee chaired by the minister.

Further details of the Government’s plans to honour the Olympic athletes will be announced at a press conference to be hosted by the ministry shortly, the ministry said in a news release Saturday.

The event will be broadcast live on television and streamed via the Internet.