Fraser urges Wolmerians to 'believe'

Anthony Foster, Gleaner Writer

On a visit to her alma mater, World and Olympic 100m champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser urged students at Wolmer's Girls to believe in themselves while exercising patience.

Fraser, who backed up her 2008 Olympics 100m victory with gold at last month's Berlin World Championships, told the students that they were the future.

"The next Olympic champion or the next prime minister could be any one of you sitting right here in the audience," she pointed out.

"Believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams and goals ... even though it might seem farfetched.

"It's going to come through one day, but all it takes is patience and hard work. Just continue to be sweet young ladies, and there is nothing in the world to run down," she added, while emphasising the importance of patience.

Work hard

Continuing, she implored: "Just work hard, stay focused and be humble.

"Try to make sure at the end of the day you are focused on all your goals and dreams ahead."

Fraser, who won the World Championships 100m in 10.73, a new national record, visited the school as her sponsors handed over $400,000 to go towards its sports programmes. She reassured the students that "... this (Wolmer's) is my home, and I will never stop visiting."

The money, representing $100,000 for each of Fraser's Olympics, World Championships, National Record and World Champs 4x100m accomplishments, is to assist in the deve-lopment of other young athletes, according to GraceKennedy Ltd.

Douglas Orane, chairman of GraceKennedy Ltd, said his company was committed to giving back to Fraser's alma mater.

"I am looking forward to seeing all of you at Champs next year, especially those who will be following in Shelly-Ann's footsteps," Orane said.

The school's Principal, Mrs Coleen Montaque, remembered Fraser as a little girl running around the track and praised her for the determination which led to the success she has had in her professional career.

A worthwhile venture

Montaque also praised the school's girls team, which finished joint fourth at Champs earlier this year, then stated that "more of you girls need to go out for track and field ... . it is worthwhile."

Fraser thanked GraceKennedy for its support, as well as the teachers at Wolmer's for instilling discipline in students, urging them to continue supporting the young girls as "they are the future".

Konshens and Cameal Davis, the latter the first female Digicel Rising Stars winner, were on hand to entertain the audience.

Davis performed her first single, Believe, and told the students to "keep the dream alive and don't give up".

Konshens performed the Taurrus Riley song, Good Girl Gone Bad, in which he is featured.