World champions Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraseryesterday received cheques for $8.9m (US$100,000) and $1.78m(US$20,000), respectively, from Digicel for their outstandingachievements at the Berlin World Championships last month.

Digicel's CEO Mark Linehan (centre) poseswith World champions Shelly-Ann Fraser (left) and Usain Bolt afterpresenting them with respective cheques for $1.78m and $8.9m at theCourtleigh Hotel in Kingston yesterday. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Digicel joined Jamaica in celebrating the phenomenalachievements and handed over the cheques at a press conference at theCourtleigh Hotel in New Kingston.

Mark Linehan, CEO of Digicel, said it was a pleasurerepresenting Digicel in acknowledging two of Jamaica's greatestsporting ambassadors.

Said Linehan: "Jamaican athletes are inspiration for allJamaicans, young and old alike. We all saw how communities across theisland were united in their support of the team and their quest formedal success in Berlin. So we at Digicel are very proud of ou****ociation with our athletes."

He added: "We're committed to ensuring that aspiringyoung sportsmen and women have access to the necessary support andtraining to pursue and realise their dreams."

Linehan said the diplomatic recognition bestowed on Boltis both deserved and timely. "We look forward to witnessing hisconferment... as Ambassador-at-Large, the Honourable Usain St LeoBolt," he said.

Bolt, who won the 100m and 200m in world record times of9.58 and 19.19 seconds in Berlin, Germany, thanked Digicel for stickingwith him through good and bad times.

Said Bolt: "Thanks to Digicel because they've been withme for a long time even when I was just starting out and when I gotinjured while going through a rough time. Thank you very much insupporting me through those times. I really appreciate it."

Bolt, who now has six global titles, also had high praises for fellow 100m champion Fraser.

He said: "Shelly, you came back and showed the world thatit was no joke and that last year's Olympic was not a one-year thing.We're ready and we're going to take over now. It is time for Jamaica.,"Bolt said to rousing applause from the small gathering.

"We showed the world that we train in Jamaica and thereare great coaches here that took us to the top and we will continuestaying on top. We work hard and will continue to stay focused," Boltadded.

As usual, Women's 100m champion Fraser was quick out ofthe blocks and thanked Digicel for its sponsorship and for not onlybeing the backbone of Jamaican athletics, "but being a family thatcares so much".

"Not only (do) they award us with incentives such asmoney, but they support us in whatever we do," said the ever-smilingFraser while singling out Digicel Sports Sponsorship Manager PaulaPinnock-McCleod for special mention.

Said Fraser: "She is that little angel on your shoulder.She's always calling before the races saying, 'Good luck tomorrow, wewish you all the best. Go out there and have fun', and stuff like that."

The little dynamo urged Digicel to continue to supportJamaica and to be that "beacon of light that is guarding and makingsure that you reach home".

At the end of the press conference, both Bolt and Fraser signed pictures of themselves for a few adoring fans.

Digicel has been Bolt's sponsor since 2004 and Fraser's since 2008.

"It's sponsorship like these that allow Digicel to giveback value to its customers and the wider Jamaica by helping to unearthand develop young talents across all levels in Jamaica," Linehandeclared.