Grange to use ‘best effort’ to support national award for Atkinson
Sport Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange said that two time RJRGLEANER Sports Foundation national Sportswoman of the Year, Alia Atkinson, is deserving of a national award.
Grange said that while she wants to make it happen for the swimmer, the situation is not entirely in her hands.
“Well, she is deserving of a national award but the national award is determined by a committee of Cabinet,” Grange told STAR Sports. “I certainly would be very happy if she is given such an award, and I will do everything possible to ensure. But protocol dictates that I can’t say she will get an award, but what I can say is that I will use my best efforts,” she said.
Grange said that she would not be surprised if Atkinson was able to win the national Sportswoman of the Year Award for the third time in her career. “I am looking forward to more winning medals and more achievements from Alia, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she is able to win the Sportswoman of the Year Award for a third time,” she said.
Grange praised Atkinson for her determination and focus as it relates to her discipline of swimming as well as her willingness to share her knowledge and experience.
The ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards takes place annually on Heroes Day in October at King’s House in St Andrew. National senior men’s football team head coach and former national midfielder Theodore Whitmore received the Order of Distinction at last year’s ceremony.