Deeply humbled: Sterling-Humphrey, Dodd proud of national duties

Jamaican netball player Shamera Sterling-Humphrey and Jamaican rugby player Naomi Dodd have been selected as baton-bearer and flag-bearer for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC) Games, respectively.
Sunshine Girls’ Sterling-Humphrey will carry the King’s Baton for Jamaica at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games while Lady Crocs’ Dodd will carry the flag for Team Jamaica at the CAC Games.
Sterling-Humphrey, who was also selected as team captain, said she is honoured to have been selected as Jamaica’s baton-bearer.
The upcoming Commonwealth Games will be the first time that each participating nation will have their own baton which they were tasked to customise to represent their cultures.
At the Games opening ceremony, set for July 23 at the OVO Hydro Indoor Arena, all 74 batons will be reunited.
“I just want to say how truly honoured and deeply humbled I am to accept the responsibility of serving as baton-bearer and captain for Jamaica at the Commonwealth Games,” Sterling-Humphrey said.
“This moment means more than just leading a team on to an international stage. It represents the true strength, the resilience, and the spirit of every Jamaican who dares to dream, or even works tirelessly and who believes in excellence.”
Sterling-Humphrey also sent a message to her fellow athletes and coaches, inspiring them to do their best while wearing the black, green and gold of Jamaica.
“Last but not least, to my fellow athletes and coaches, the support team, this journey is ours. Each of us has sacrificed strength and persevered to be here. As we step on to the global stage, let us give nothing, but our very best, and not just for the medals, but for the pride of representing Jamaica and for the legacy we continue to build.”
‘ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS’
While Sterling-Humphrey will carry the baton for Jamaica in Scotland, Dodd will wave the flag for the island at the CAC Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Dodd, who was named Jamaica’s female rugby player of the year, said it is a dream come true to be selected as the team’s flag-bearer.
Dodd said she had watched for years of several of Jamaica’s best athletes carry the flag, and is proud to follow in their footsteps.
“Honestly, it’s a privilege to be honest. I’m very humbled and grateful for the opportunity,” she explained.
“I’ve always seen it happening and I’ve always dreamt about it. To be able to bear the flag for all the Games, I’m so excited for it and I’m grateful.”
Dodd said her selection is more than just a personal achievement, but a massive step forward for women’s rugby.
She is the first female rugby player to be chosen as flag-bearer, and is hopeful this can draw more attention to the growing sport.
“This is definitely one for the history books. I think the men did it once and now it’s time for a female to do it so I think it’s a big step for us to be recognised as well. We’re a small sport growing in Jamaica so I think that’s something that will be recognised and will be taken more notice of.”
The Commonwealth Games will run from July 23 through to August 2 while the CAC Games will run from July 24 to August 8.
gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com