By Dawn Plummer From Caribbean Life

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt makes his trademark gesture during a lap of honor at the end of the World Athletics Championships in London Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017. Associated Press / Matt Dunham, file

Usain St. Leo Bolt, the world’s fastest sprinter, made history once again last Saturday evening in the city of Miramar, Florida where a statue of the sprint legend was unveiled at the Arisin Sports Complex. The bronze statue is the first monument erected for “Art in Public Places” and “Arts in the Park” initiated for the city of Miramar, which is home to one of the largest groups of the Jamaican population in the world outside of Jamaica.

The statue is erected displaying Bolt in the kneeling pose that he has done from time to time. The idea for this statue was championed by Miramar’s Vice Mayor, Alexandra P. Davis, who organized the Saturday evening event. According to Ms. Davis, she noticed that Miramar lacked “art in public places,” and she hopes the statue will serve as a constant reminder and an inspiration to all aspiring athletes.”

Engraved at the statue’s base is Usain Bolt’s famous quote. “Anything is possible. Don’t think limits.”  The statue is the work of the world-renowned Jamaican sculptor, Basil Watson. Watson commended Bolt for the inspirational support Bolt gave to him as he sculpted the statue. “It is an honor to be in the city of Miramar, for the city to embrace Usain Bolt and embrace my work,” Watson stated.

Bolt also received the key to the city of Miramar at the Usain Bolt Fundraising Banquet, which took place prior to the unveiling of the statue on Friday, July 14. During this fundraising event held at the Miramar Cultural Center, there was a silent auction to raise funds for two exceptional causes, The Usain Bolt Foundation and Do the Right Thing Inc. These are works in progress being done by the sprinter. The funds are raised to help build character strength of kids. Bolt was on hand to do his usual branded pose, meeting and greeting supporters, and also shoot starting pistols during an event at the Sports Complex.

For more on this story go to: Caribbean Life