Double Olympic bronze medallist Lalonde Gordon is set to receive more honours from Tobago. Gordon became the first Tobagonian to medal at the Olympic Games when he crossed the line third in the men’s 400m finals, at the 2012 London Olympic Games on August 6. The Tobago House of Assembly announced the Lalonde Gordon Sports Development Fund will be established with the an initially input of one million dollars to follow annually with the THA matching dollar for dollar any private or corporate donations. THA chief secretary Orville London made the announcement at a cocktail reception last week in honour of the Tobagonians who competed at the London Olympics.
Gordon is among five Tobagonians who were selected on the national team, Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Semoy Hackett, Renny Quow and Josanne Lucas were the others. Baptiste became the first national woman to qualify for an Olympic final when she was sixth in the women’s 100m finals in 10.94. Baptiste will receive $150,000 ($75,000 in Unit Trust Shares, $75,000 in cash). Hackett became the second national to run in a women’s finals finishing eighth in the 200m dash in 22.87 and will also receive $150,000. Quow and Lucas did not compete due to injury. Both will receive $50,000 and financial assistance with ongoing rehabilitation efforts. Gordon got additional rewards: a lot of land at the Courland Estate Development and $525,000 ($175,000 in Unit Trust shares and $350,000 in cash). The five will also collect a commemorative plaque with special Olympic plaques.
Source: www.guardian.co.tt