Flora Duffy Returns Home to Hero’s Welcome & Celebrations
Duffy Presented the Key to the City
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s Gold Medalist Flora Duffy has arrived in Bermuda this morning, she would remain at the airport until she and her husband Dan Hugo was given the Negative Test Result in order to commence the Motorcade.
Prior to departing, Duffy was met at the LF Wade international Airport by Her Excellency the Governor, Minister of Sports Dr. Ernest Peets, Aaron Adderly Airport General Manager and Norbert Simons, Director of Youth and Sport, as well as Judy Simons the President of the Bermuda Olympic Association.
Minister Dr. Peets said, “It gives me great pleasure to officially welcome home one of the most accomplished and outstanding athletes in Bermuda's history - our "Golden Girl", Flora Duffy.
This in incredible occasion for every Bermudian, here and around the world.
Flora, your accomplishment is nothing short of extraordinary, it was with great joy and pride we joined a global audience as you achieved Gold at the Tokyo Summer Olympics.
As a country, against the backdrop of the challenges that we’ve been living through, Flora you have truly given us tremendous joy and immense pride, and we salute your resilience and amazing achievement.
Not only have you inspired an entire country but you have proven what is possible, and you have left such a positive impression on so many young athlete who look to you as a role model.
You are a shining example of what can be accomplished with determination, commitment and dedication.
So Flora, today we honor you. I hope that you enjoy everything that this welcome home has to offer.
The accolades, the commendations, the recognition - savor it and take it all in.
Because you have earned it. You have worked hard for it.
You are a champion who carries herself with grace, humility, integrity and dignity, and we are so pleased that we are able to give something back to you, for all that you have given us.
On behalf of the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport congratulations again and I wish you nothing but continued success in the next chapter of your amazing journey.”
During a Ceremony at City Hall, Mayor of Hamilton Charles Gosling presented Olympian Duffy with the ‘Key to the City’. The formal presentation of a ‘Key to the City’ is a symbolic gesture of honor and respect bestowed upon trusted individuals. The tradition can be traced back to medieval times when cities were enclosed by walls and locked gates and required an actual key for entry. The key symbolizes the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave the city at will, as a trusted friend of city residents. In order to be eligible to receive a Key to the City of Hamilton, the individual, while having made an outstanding achievement in sport, community or humanitarian work, must also be in good moral standing in the community.
Addressing Flora directly during his speech, Mayor Gosling said: “The City of Hamilton is absolutely delighted to celebrate your Olympic gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympic Games in July. Like many Bermudians, my family and I watched with pride as you stormed to victory during the Women’s Triathlon. To watch you cross the finish line was an absolutely euphoric moment. And, in case you hadn’t heard, the entire island celebrated your victory!
