Michael Frater, Olympic and World Championships gold medallist, has apologised his action last week.
Frater, who many believed should be more responsible, was not present to collect his award at the Courtney Walsh Awards for Excellence ceremony at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel last Thursday.

An apology was tendered saying he would not attend because of injury, but was later that night photographed at a party also in Kingston. Frater is also third vice president of the Jamaica Administrative Athletics Association (JAAA).

He issued the below statement.

"Michael Frater sincerely apologises for accepting an invitation to attend an event which was extended to him subsequent to the Courtney Walsh Awards for Excellence ceremony, where earlier that evening an apology was tendered on his behalf owing to his ill-health.

"Mr Frater unreservedly admits that in acquiescing to the invitation he committed an error of judgement, which understandably has been interpreted as being disrespectful, in particular, to His Excellency, Ambassador the Honourable Courtney Walsh, the Courtney Walsh Foundation, CHASE Foundation, the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, Prime Minister of Jamaica, former Prime Minister, the Honourable Percival J. Patterson, stakeholders and persons in attendance at the award ceremony."

It continued: "Prior to the award ceremony, Mr Frater unfortunately suffered a leg injury for which he was then and still is receiving medical attention and which, regrettably, was exacerbated by his contracting the chikungunya virus. He acknowledges that given his ill-health and in light of the apology tendered for his absence at the award ceremony, he should, properly and respectfully, have declined the invitation.

"He deeply regrets the events and wishes to give the utmost assurance that his respect for the award, its benefactor, Ambassador Walsh, the Courtney Walsh Foundation and the people of Jamaica, who continue to support and inspire him, is abiding.

While recognising his imperfections as a human being, he fully accepts responsibility for this indiscretion, continues to be inspired by the love of family, friends and the people of Jamaica and is committed to the enduring values of humanity.

"Mr Frater has already issued letters of apology to relevant parties and personally responded to his fans on his Facebook page,"

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here