MIRAMAR, FL – The anticipated visit of Track & Field superstar and multi- decorated Olympian Dr. Usain Bolt, OJ, CD, OLY, to the City of Miramar in South Florida did not disappoint. His visit was the culmination of years of planning for a sculpture of his likeness erected at the Ansin Sports Complex as the first installation of the City’s Art-in-Public-Places initiative. The brainchild behind commissioning a sculpture of Bolt was Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis, who stated, “This statue of Usain Bolt will not only serve as a source of inspiration for our residents, but I believe it will also attract visitors from far and wide. As people come to witness the magnificence of this statue, they will discover the charm and vibrancy of our city, leading to increased tourism and economic opportunities for local businesses. The statue will become a point of pride for our community, a landmark that showcases our commitment to excellence, athleticism, and the celebration of human achievement.”
The whirlwind set of events started with a banquet on Friday afternoon with Jamaican Government officials including Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Ms. Olivia “Babsy” Grange and members of the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) sports fraternity. The Fundraising banquet had performances from comedian Johnny Daley, music artiste, Nadine Sutherland and Poet, Sharon Corinthian, with a silent auction benefiting two charities - the Usain Bolt Foundation and Do the Right Thing of Miramar, Inc., where Bolt memorabilia from his winning races were sold to the highest bidders.
On Saturday, with hundreds of well-wishers coming out to see him, Bolt held a mini-clinic with budding track stars, including those aspirants to the Special Olympics and taught them a little about their form and how to have a good start in a race.
At the Ansin Sports Complex, sirens blared signaling that lightning strikes were within a 5-mile radius. However, the profound moment was not lost on the patrons who said they would not leave but stay and witness the unveiling of the sculpture of the real Lightning Bolt.
Amidst cheers and screams of joy with the moment of the unveiling, Bolt was visibly proud and humbled to see the excellent work done by Master sculptor, Basil Watson, who created the masterpiece. A proclamation was given to Dr. Usain Bolt declaring Friday, July 14, 2023, Usain Bolt Day in the City of Miramar, and after which, he was presented with the keys to the City by Mayor Wayne M. Messam. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz was present at the conference and gave remarks.
A short press conference followed with representation of media from the local and foreign press, where Bolt responded to questions about his rise to legendary status: “You must believe in yourself and believe it is possible. Even when you don’t feel like getting up, you need to show up and work hard at your craft and in the end, it will pay off,” stated Dr. Usain Bolt in complete humility at the gesture of honor from the community.
