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Merle Jordan (left) shares a moment with Centanarian Ruth Frith.

Merle Jordan – dedicated ambassador for Barbados

11/29/2009

BARBADOS boasts of a very dedicated ambassador in senior athlete, Merle Jordan, who was the lone representative for her country at the Seventh World Masters Games which were held in October in Sydney, Australia.

Jordan was one of 35 000 athletes from 100 countries and 5 000 volunteers who participated at the games which were held in the stadia where the 2000 games were held.

Among the dignitaries attending the games was His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark, while among the oldest athletes who participated were Reg Trevin, 101 years, and centenarian Ruth Frith who are both Australian.

Jordan may not have won gold in any of the events she contested but cherished the many friendships she developed while promoting Barbados as the island paradise, and agrees that the games are ... “not only about winning medals but creating friendships with persons from all walks of Life”.

Competing in the 45 – 49 years age group, Jordan returned her best finish in the 4 x 100 relay in which she teamed up with three Australians to finish fifth, she also recorded a fifth place finish in the 4 x 400 relay teaming up with athletes from Brazil, returning a time of 4 minutes 25 seconds.

Jordan took a seventh place finish in the 400 metres clocking 1 minute 18 seconds, while she took a fifth place in the 200 metres heats, but failed to qualify for the final.

During her stay she took the opportunity to visit Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour and Manly Beach.

Jordan said that to be a part of the games was an awesome opportunity for her and especially being an ambassador for he country and expressed gratitude to the Honourable Justice William Gillard and his wife, Polly, for their warm welcome and hospitality in Melbourne.

She is also grateful to all persons who donated money to make her trip to Australia a reality, as well as those persons who offered words of encouragement and to all persons who supported her by purchasing the fishcakes she sold. A special thanks also goes out to Live Sound Entertainment, Sheraton Centre Mall, Marian Ellis (UK), Friends of USA including Jeffrey Thorne, Experteck, and Shirley’s Place.

Indices

as of close 9/15/2009


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