Embassy of Grenada, Washington, DC congratulates Kirani James

WASHINGTON, D.C. July 23, 2010 - An invitation has been extended to Grenada’s world junior champion Kirani James to join the Grenada Nutmeg Network, a United States-based Grenadian youth outreach group.

The invitation was contained in a congratulatory letter to James from Grenada’s Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Mission to the Organisation of American States, Gillian Bristol.

James, 17, won the men’s 400 metres at the World Junior Championships of Athletics in Moncton, Canada on Thursday. It was his third gold medal in world championships after winning the 200 and 400m at the World Youth Championships in Bressanone, Italy in 2009.

The Grenadian diplomat said that the GNN is a community of young Grenadians who are studying in the United States, as well as the children of Grenadians who live in the United States.

“I invite you to join this initiative as we attempt to strengthen the bonds of family, friendship and nationhood.  We also hope to be able to welcome you to the Embassy in the near future and look forward to discussing this possibility with you,” the letter stated.

Ambassador Bristol used the opportunity to congratulate James on his most recent accomplishment.

“It is with a tremendous sense of pride that I extend to you, on behalf of the Embassy of Grenada and the thousands of Grenadians across the United States of America, our sincerest congratulations on your many achievements as an athlete and your consistent record-breaking performances on the track,” she said.  “We have been following your impressive career especially at the NCAA level in the USA and we extend to you sincere best wishes for continued success.”

The letter, which was dispatched to James’ training base at the University of Alabama, said that with his success, come responsibilities such as being a role model for other young aspiring athletes and young Grenadians everywhere.

“We are confident that you will continue to fulfill these expectations and serve as an exemplary “Ambassador” for our nation.”