At last:
In our last issue, dated October 23, Adrenalin highlighted the fact that the country's first Olympic medallist, Rodney Wilkes, is virtually unknown and has been living in obscurity for the last 40 years since he brought home two medals - a silver and a bronze.
On Monday, Sports Minister Gary Hunt responded by giving his word that he will explore "all existing programmes that are available to assist Mr Wilkes". He also said that he will seek to honour the Olympian in a "more susbtantial and lasting way".
The Minister, a sportsman himself, revealed that his ministry plans to hold a recognition ceremony for all past Olympians in the coming fiscal year. "We have not forgotten our past heroes," he said. "They should be respected, and we want Mr Wilkes to be publicly honoured in such a way that young athletes coming up can look to him for inspiration and learn from him how to rise above all adversity."
We had asked readers to join us in a campaign to have the Government properly recognise the achievements of the former weightlifter, who is now 83 years old. The response was overwhelming. We received more than 60 emails from outraged and saddened citizens. We thank all of you who took the time to write in for responding and supporting this campaign. Here is what some of you had to say:
