Saladino hailed as Panama's hero at homecoming
22/8/2008 17:50
Panamanians yesterday welcomed home their national hero Irving Saladino,
who won the country's first Olympic gold medal.
"As I have always said, this
medal is yours," Saladino said to his Panamanian compatriots.
During a
ceremony at the Panama Canal Administration building, Saladino received a check
of US$50,000 from Panamanian President Martin Torrijos. He also gave the
President a medal with diamonds.
"Irving, in honor to your greatness and
achievements which we Panamanians consider as ours, we will name the Sports City
after you," Torrijos said.
Saladino won a gold medal in long jump with 8.34m
on Aug.18 at the Beijing Olympic Games. The silver and the bronze medal went to
South Africa and Cuba.
It has been 60 years since Panama's last glory in the
Olympic Games. In 1948 London Olympiad, sprinter Lloyd LaBeach won two bronze
medals in the 100m and 200m, the only two medals in Panamanian Olympic
history.
President Torrijos gave a-day holiday yesterday to those in public
offices and schools, so that they could attend the welcoming ceremony.
With
hands up in a sign of victory, Saladino was greeted by hundreds of Panamanians
who gathered in Panama City.
"It is worthwhile to keep on the efforts because
Panama deserves it," Saladino said, pledging to seek more triumphs for his
country.
During the ceremony, Saladino was moved to tears when Panamanian
Tourism Minister Ruben Blades, also a singer, sang the classic song "Patria"
(Homeland) to him.
Xinhua
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