Top Jamaican Olympians named UNESCO Champions for Sport

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has appointed triple Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt and Olympic and World Champion Veronica Campbell-Brown Champions for Sport. Director General of UNESCO Mr. Koichiro Matsuura in a letter to Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia `Babsy` Grange stated his decision to appoint Usain and Veronica UNESCO Champions for Sport.

usain bolt at Olympics winning Gold
Usain Bolt (photo by Doug Mills)

In his letter, Mr.Matsuura said the athletes’ achievements have helped to show the limitless potential of small island developing states and their ability to compete on a global scale in a variety of endeavours. He continued by saying Usain Bolt and Veronica Campbell Brown both possess the sporting prowess, values and ethics that discern UNESCO Champions for Sport.


Veronica Campbell-Brown (photo by Liao Yujie)

UNESCO Champions for Sport are outstanding sport personalities, such as Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher; football legend Pelé and the former number one tennis player Justine Henin. This family of world-class athletes carries UNESCO’s message all over the planet. By the same token, they reflect UNESCO’s concern to promote the values of physical education and sports with a view to building a better future for younger generations.