The Grenada Olympic Team was given the warmest of welcomes in the UK this weekend with two days of celebrations in Harrow and Horsham near London, within hours of reigning champion Kirani James claiming Gold in the 400 metres at London Diamond League 2012 on Saturday 14 July. The weekend provided a launch pad for Grenada Olympic House in central London as well as an opportunity for the UK Grenadian community led by The High Commissioner for Grenada, HE Ruth Elizabeth Rouse to forge new relationships and renew existing acquaintances.
On Saturday 14 July, the fourth annual Grenadian Heritage Day brought together hundreds of Grenadians and friends to enjoy tasty Grenadian cuisine; arts and crafts; culture; and live entertainment. The crowd welcomed L/Cpl Dr Johnson Beharry VC; Anthony C George, Designer of the Grenada Flag; and the Grenada Olympic Team led by Conrad Francis, Chef de Mission.
Highlights in Harrow included The Diaspora Youth Forum (DYF) UK corn-roasting stall and Grenadian-style snow ice, and the Diaspora Consultative Committee (DCC) UK fundraising for Educational Development in Grenada and raising awareness of the Homecoming Events, 5-18 August 2012.
On Sunday 15 July, eyes turned to Horsham in West Sussex – the home of the Grenada Olympic Team while the athletes train for London 2012. HE Ruth Elizabeth Rouse and the team attended a welcome reception held in the town to mark The Olympics and were presented with a commemorative carved stone plaque by Chairman of Horsham District Council, Cllr Leonard Crosbie to officially welcome the Grenadian Olympic Team.
The Grenada Olympic Team is currently in final training at Broadbridge Heath, Horsham and will hold an open training session on Wednesday 18 July, providing an opportunity for local people to meet the medal hopefuls.
Grenadians in the UK and other interested parties can support the Grenada Olympic Team at Grenada Olympic House, located at Arlington Conference Centre in Camden, central London. Free to enter and open daily 4pm-10pm, 4-11 August 2012 the Grenada Olympic House will show live TV coverage of all sports featuring the Grenada Olympic Team; showcase live music, poetry and writing; host an art and photographic exhibition; and welcome special guests including the Grenada Olympic Team.