School children rally for Marion
It takes some imagination to make dozens of public appearances and still keep the message fresh… but in her short time in Belize Marion Jones has proven that the term “World’s Fastest Woman” also refers to her quickness of mind. This morning she starred at a rally for school children held at the Belize City Centre.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
They came from as close as Holy Redeemer to as far as Hattieville. Different schools, one aim… to see Marion Jones.
The students sharpened their talents to leave an impression befitting of Queen Marion. Raisa Staine of All Saint’s welcomed her.
Raisa Staine, All Saints Primary School
“Today’s programme gives us the opportunity to give just a little back to her. Our presentations have been especially prepared and are dedicated to our honoured guest Ms. Marion “The Fastest Woman in the World” Jones.”
St. Luke Methodist’s presentation reminded us that there’s strength in diversity.
The lady of the hour, Olympic champion Marion Jones had a message of hope for all the boys and girls present.
Marion Jones
“When I was about your age, believe it or not, things didn’t always go well. Although I went to Sydney, Australia and won, yes five medals, I had my ups and downs, my problems. Not every morning I wanted to go to school, but I did. Not every morning when I woke up I wanted to wear what my mom picked out for me, but I did. Not every morning going to high school did I want to go to everyday of practice, but I did and I has paid off.”
And with five medals from the Sydney Olympics it has certainly paid off. And school children we more than eager to pay back Marion with kind words.
Child #1
“I’ve always wanted to meet Marion Jones because I was watching the Olympics on TV and there she was. I saw her holding up the Belize flag and it was like(pulls in breath)man she loves us and I was really happy about that.”
Child #2
“It is good that people should experience the gold that Marion Jones had achieved, so all the people who want to be athletes can achieve those gold once they have confidence in themselves.”
Child #3
“I know that she’s a great athlete and I feel very proud that she came to Belize. I feel very proud of Marion Jones because she’s one of the best athletes and she’s the fastest runner in the world.”
Child #4
“Marion Jones is a very important Olympic star to us and she represents Belize all over the world.”
Child #5
“We have a great opportunity at seeing Marion Jones face to face, a superhero that she is. I place her as my role model because I think she’s a very great girl in all that to be here at Belize is a great excitement for me to see her face to face.”
Child #6
“When she went to the Sydney Olympics she won three gold medals and two bronze and she’s visiting Belize right now.”
Child #7
“I’m excited to be here today because I came to see Marion Jones who’s a great female runner, who had the world record at this time.”
Child #8
“Marion Jones is a famous person and she’s won a lot of Olympic gold medals and it’s kind of exciting to see her.”
Child #9
“She’s a great athlete for one, and she has a strong personality. That’s one of the things I admire most, the way she carries herself.”
Ann-Marie Williams
“Are you excited to be here and why?”
Child #9
“Well it’s a real privilege to have here her in Belize for all the children around to see her. I feel especially proud knowing that she’s a Belizean and through it all we just look at her and she’s just a Belizean girl.”
Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
