COMPANY Road Primary School student athlete, nine-year-old Akella Dover was given a hero’s welcome on Monday by her teachers and the Regional Education Department of Region Four after her Gold medal exploits at the recently concluded National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships.

The occasion, which was a red carpet affair for Akella and her parents, were as a result of her exceptional performance at the Meet which was held at the National Track & Field Centre at Leonora, West Coast Demerara. Akella, running in the U-10 category, convincingly won her four races, which were the 100M, 200M, 400M and 1000M events which earned her the Champion Girl title in the U-10 category.

The young lady who was greeted with screams, shouts and applause from teachers and students, was evidently surprised by the event which included champagne and a number of gifts.

 Her father, Michael Dover, said that his daughter’s discipline and determination are the primary reasons for her success. He pointed out that himself and her mother, Carol Adams, support the young athlete in many ways and remains committed to her talent, which he revealed was discovered since she was in nursery school.

“When Akella was in nursery school, her teacher told us that this child can really run and that we should support her. We decided to do that and she has been training every day as she recognises that hard work will pay of,” he said.

Her father disclosed that her regiment included going to school and after school, attending lessons after which she would go to training, thus returning home very late many nights.

 “Sometimes she would reach home from Georgetown after training until 10:30pm and next day she returns to do the same thing, but she understands that if she will do well that she needs to train every single day, and that is what we have been instilling in her; so, as her parents, we are very proud of what she and her coach have done, because I can tell you that this is just the start, as I see my baby going very far,” he boasted.

Head teacher of the school, Ms. Arita Stephen-Mc Kenzie, was almost emotional as she expressed congratulations and thanked the petite nine-year-old for what she said was letting people know that talent abounds at Company Road Primary.

She thanked the parents for providing the environment and support so that the young lady can excel at the championships, urging them to continue giving their support in every way possible.

 “We at Company Road Primary are exceptionally happy as we are very impressed and overwhelmed by the performance of Akella. We are confident that she will continue to excel and that is why we are proud to say ‘thank you’ to her and her parents, because they have once again highlighted that this school possesses some great talent and come next year, I am confident that this young lady would increase the gold medal tally,” she confidently said.

Meanwhile, Regional Education Officer (REDO) Ms Tiffany Favourite –Harvey said that she is still very elated over the energized and electrifying performances of the young lass who left many in awe with her performances. She said that the region is very proud that young Dover represented them very well and the region felt obligated to make a meaningful contribution to her for her stellar performances. As such, she was presented with a significant financial contribution towards her educational pursuits while her school presented her with a similar contribution for her to spend during the Christmas holidays. The REDO also announced that Dover will also receive a major book award which will see her having money to purchase several books, while she was also presented with a trophy on behalf of the Region.

“Performances like these tell a great story, as it shows that irrespective of who you are, anyone can do great things; all you need to do is to believe in yourself and to work very hard towards achieving it, whether it’s athletics, cricket, football, academics, you name it, you can do well once you are determined and decide that you will work diligently and sincerely towards your goals; so I want to see more Akella Dovers coming out of this school.

Next year when I return I must see more Akella Dovers being honoured, because you have decided that you will work equally hard and be dedicated to whatever you choose to do, as you all can do great things, because in each of you there is greatness,” she assured the very attentive students.

After the presentation of trophies, gift basket and monetary awards, young Akella Dover, along with her parents, REDO and teachers of the school took a toast in recognition of her performance. The REDO also made a disclosure that a large poster of the young girl’s achievement would be erected within the school compound to serve as motivation for other students.