ELEUTHERA, The Bahamas - Complete with a Junkanoo rush-out, a motorcade to the Wemyss Bight Park, a welcome ceremony, and school visits, Eleuthera's number one sports hero is back home, and once again, basking in the spotlight.
Chris 'The Fireman' Brown was warmly received by a most grateful people Wednesday evening at the Rock Sound International Airport, here in South Eleuthera. Despite grand celebrations following Olympic silver in 2008 and Olympic gold in 2012, this time around carried special feelings for Brown in that it was his first time home in nearly two year; the first time back since winning individual silver at Sopot World Indoor Championships, and he had the pleasure of bringing his wife and two daughters along for the ride this time.
Brown, who tries to come back home at least once a year, said that he embraces every opportunity he has to return to the island of pineapples, specifically the serene settlement of Wemyss Bight, Eleuthera.
"It's a great feeling to be back home," said Brown yesterday. "I thank God for allowing me to stay healthy and be alive to see this wonderful day. You know, once you get on the school grounds and see the excitement of the kids, it's such a wonderful feeling. It's a blessing and I thank God for it."
The people of South Eleuthera certainly love having him, and his presence back home is so significant that it was covered by local and international media, specifically the International Association of Athletic Federations' (IAAF) 'Day in the Life' Team, featuring journalists from The Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Grenada just to name a few.
It was just last month when Brown ran to the silver medal in the men's 400 meters (m) at the IAAF World Indoor Championships. He ran a personal best time to collect a record extending fifth individual medal in the event, a silver. Also, at age 35, he became the oldest ever to run that fast indoors.
Brown now has five individual medals at the world indoors, four relay medals from the world outdoors, and gold, silver and bronze from the Olympics. He was also twice fourth at the world championships, and twice fourth at the Olympics, and is largely regarded as the greatest track star out of Eleuthera.
It is in that vein that Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Dr. Danny Johnson vowed to construct and dedicate the Chris Brown Sports Academy in Eleuthera, at a cocktail reception on Wednesday night.
On Thursday here in Eleuthera, it was all about the school visits, and out of that, came a commitment from Chris Brown, through one of his mentors Michael Coakley and sponsor Adidas, to one-day construct a suitable track facility in the southern part of the island. Coakley is the local coach who got Brown re-interested in the sport, after he considered quitting at a very young age.
"These kids are so valuable to our future in The Bahamas," said Brown. "I'm looking to have an impact to where not just one Chris Brown could come off the island. Seeing some meaningful infrastructure here on the island is very important to me. It's a goal of mine to see something tangible created right here in South Eleuthera. I think that will go a long way in inspiring the next generation."
Also on Thursday, while at one of his alma maters Preston H. Albury, Brown through Adidas, donated running shoes to the school's track and field team.
In total, Brown visited five Eleutheran schools on Thursday - Preston H. Albury Senior High, his primary school Wemyss Bight Primary, Emma Cooper Primary and Central Eleuthera High both in Palmetto Point, and finally Governor's Harbour Primary. He along with his wife and two daughters were given the red carpet treatment at each one.
He is set to visit three more schools today - the Spanish Wells and Harbour Island All-Age Schools, and the North Eleuthera High School.
Brown's general message to the many youngsters on Thursday was consistent throughout, that is to always strive for greatness and never quit on your dreams, no matter how high the obstacles are that might be in your way. He also gave assurance that he has no plans of hanging up the running shoes anytime soon. At an age when most are slowing in track and field, Brown seems to be as strong as ever. He ran a personal best at the world indoors this year.
"You know when I hear out there that I am slowing down and that I should retire, that does something to me," said Brown. "I'm one of the most competitive guys you would find. The negative stuff just encourages me to go out there, by the grace of God, and keep producing the times that I am producing. I feel good, and I'm looking to go strong into Rio in 2016."
The 2016 Olympic Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Brown said that he might hang up the running shoes after that event, but he admitted that he could very well continue beyond that as well.
Back here in Eleuthera, the island's local hero also opened the Chris 'The Fireman' Brown One Eleuthera Primary Schools Track and Field Meet, at the Preston Albury Track, in Rock Sound. The meet, which will conclude today, features 13 primary schools across Eleuthera.
As for Brown, from the moment he disembarked the Bahamasair Dash 8 Jet here in Rock Sound, to the departure of IAAF 'Day in the Life' Team on Friday, Brown and his family were showered with gifts and affection. He is truly loved here in Eleuthera, and it was evident by the numbers who greeted him at the airport, the long line of cars on the motorcade, the fans who waved from their homes and on the side of the road, and, of course, the outpouring of love he got at the various schools.
Whilst this weekend is all about the return home of the pride and joy of Eleuthera, next month will be all the world relays, and Brown said that, along with his teammates, he is looking forward to coming home and putting on a good performance.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian