Details Of ‘Flora Duffy Day’ Celebratory Events
Some of the events to celebrate Flora Duffy Day will include a motorcade, the renaming of the National Sports Centre’s South Field Stadium to the Flora Duffy Stadium, the renaming of Corkscrew Hill to Flora Duffy Hill, a special recognition by the Bermuda Post Office, an artistic mural announcement, and a Flora Duffy statue being commissioned.
In addition, the Government also confirmed that a bronze bust of Bermuda’s first Olympic medalist Clarence Hill will be commissioned to “celebrate his achievement as part of Bermuda’s Olympic success.”
A Government spokesperson said, “On October 11th, Bermuda’s first Olympic Gold Medalist, Flora Duffy finally returns home to Bermuda after enjoying a championship triathlon season overseas.
“As the public is aware, October 18th has been designated a public holiday in recognition of Flora’s extraordinary success at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“Today the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport offered a brief update on the celebration and recognition events planned for Ms. Duffy [October 11th and 18th] to honour her historic achievements.
“It should be stressed that these events will be in keeping with the current health and safety guidelines in place.
“Some of the events and activities include a motorcade for Ms. Duffy, including a meeting with local dignitaries for a special presentation.
“There will also be the renaming of two local landmarks.
- The renaming of the National Sports Centre’s South Field Stadium to the Flora Duffy Stadium; and
- The renaming of Corkscrew Hill Devonshire to Flora Duffy Hill.
“Other special events include:
- A special recognition by the Bermuda Post Office;
- An artistic mural announcement;
- A Flora Duffy statue will be commissioned; and
- An open air Tribute Concert.
The Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr. Ernest Peets said, “We hope to see the Island participate in these celebratory events in a safe way. We will also make sure that we provide live streaming for many of these activities so that the public can tune in and celebrate Flora in real time. All the events will be recorded and shared soon after via the Department of Culture’s website and via CITV.
“We’re also inviting the public to send us their video tributes of congratulations so that we can run them all day long during Flora Duffy Day. We will share more details shortly on how the community can participate.”
Minister Peets concluded, “During such a challenging time, seeing our own on the world stage performing like no one before had the effect of bringing us together as a community and as a people. That same unity and togetherness is needed now more than ever.
“We very much look forward to welcoming Flora back home so that we can celebrate with her and share in our national pride for her achievement.”
A spokesperson said, “As an added note, the Ministry recognizes that while Ms. Duffy is the first Bermudian to ever win an Olympic gold medal, she is the second Bermudian to earn an Olympic medal, after Mr. Clarence Hill won a bronze medal for heavyweight boxing in 1976. In that regard, the Government will also commission a bronze bust of Mr. Hill to celebrate his achievement as part of Bermuda’s Olympic success.
“As it relates to the full schedule of events for Ms. Duffy, the Ministry advised that it will issue more details in the coming days.”
Great news. Let’s celebrate and congratulate.
Good job by the government, and very well deserved Flora.
And Clarence.
Congratulations Flora!!! You are my Hero!!! So proud of what you have accomplished yourself and for Bermuda!!! You have made us all PROUD TO BE BERMUDIAN!!! I will be celebrating your greatness on Hero’s Day 2022!! xxx