Jerome Reynolds, Gleaner Writer

The government is to spend $57 million to celebrate the achievements of the nation’s athletes at the recent London Olympics and Paralympics.

About $20 million of that amount is to come from private sector sponsorship.

In making this announcement at a press conference, Minister with responsibility for Sports, Natalie Neita-Headley, said a series of events are to be held to recognize the athletes.

They include a church service, a cocktail reception hosted by the prime minister and a concert at the National Arena on Monday, October 15.

Neita-Headley says the government and the country are proud of the athletes and their achievements should be celebrated.

In addition to the celebratory events, the government is also to cash awards to the athletes and officials as a token of appreciation.

jerome.reynolds@gleanerjm.com