29 Years of Dedication to Athletics, Education and Youth Development Recognised with the Meritorious Service Award

The athletes, parents, and entire Pioneers Athletics Club family extend heartfelt congratulations to our Head Coach, Dr. Cedric J. Harris, on receiving the prestigious Meritorious Service Award during Dominica’s Independence Observance Ceremony on November 3, 2026.

This national honour recognises Dr. Harris’s outstanding contribution to sports, education, youth development, and nation-building over the past 29 years.

For the Pioneers Athletics Club family, this recognition is a proud and deeply meaningful moment. It celebrates not only the achievements of an exceptional athlete and coach but also the dedication of a man who has invested much of his life in helping young Dominicans realise their potential.

From Olympian to Mentor: A Legacy of Excellence

Dr. Harris holds a special place in Dominica’s sporting history.

In 1996, he became the first Dominican track and field athlete to compete at the Olympic Games, representing the nation in the men’s 800 metres at the Atlanta Summer Olympics.

His journey from a young athlete training with limited resources in Dominica to competing on the world’s greatest sporting stage remains an inspiration to aspiring athletes throughout the country.

However, his greatest contribution may well be what he chose to do after his competitive athletic career.

Rather than focusing solely on his personal accomplishments, Dr. Harris dedicated himself to developing the next generation of Dominican athletes.

Building Champions On and Off the Track

As founder and Head Coach of the Pioneers Athletics Club, Dr. Harris has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for young people to develop their athletic abilities while building confidence, discipline, resilience, and leadership skills.

Through his coaching and involvement with several secondary schools across Dominica, he has helped young athletes understand that success is measured not only by medals and personal records but also by character, education, and the ability to contribute positively to society.

For many athletes, Dr. Harris has been more than a coach. He has been a mentor, motivator, teacher, and guiding influence during some of the most important years of their lives.

His commitment extends beyond training sessions and competitions. He encourages academic achievement, personal responsibility, respect for others, and perseverance in the face of challenges.

These values remain at the heart of the Pioneers Athletics Club.

A Special Thank You From Our Athletes and Parents

Today, we celebrate a man whose contribution cannot be measured simply by the number of races won or medals earned.

It is reflected in the confidence of young athletes who once doubted their abilities, the discipline developed through early morning and afternoon training sessions, the friendships formed, and the opportunities created for young Dominicans to represent their country with pride.

As athletes and parents, we recognise the personal sacrifices, patience, dedication, and countless hours that Dr. Harris has invested in the development of our children.

We also recognise that behind every athlete’s success is a coach who believes in their potential, challenges them to improve, and encourages them to keep going when the journey becomes difficult.

Dr. Harris has been that coach for so many young Dominicans.

His Meritorious Service Award is therefore not simply recognition of 29 years of service. It is a celebration of the lives he has touched and the lasting contribution he continues to make to Dominica.

A Well-Deserved National Honour

The presentation of the Meritorious Service Award during Dominica’s Independence celebrations is a fitting tribute to Dr. Harris’s patriotism, commitment, and contribution to national development.

His journey demonstrates that representing one’s country is not limited to wearing the national colours at international competitions. It also means returning home, sharing knowledge, creating opportunities, and helping future generations achieve even greater success.

We hope this recognition will inspire other athletes, coaches, parents, and community members to continue investing in sports and youth development throughout Dominica.

Congratulations, Coach Harris!

On behalf of the athletes, parents, and supporters of the Pioneers Athletics Club, we extend our warmest congratulations to Dr. Cedric J. Harris, Meritorious Service Award Recipient 2026.

We thank you for your leadership, mentorship, dedication, and unwavering belief in the potential of Dominican youth.

We are proud of your achievements, grateful for your service, and privileged to have you as our Head Coach.

Your legacy is not only in the history books or on the Olympic track. It lives in every young athlete you have inspired to dream bigger, work harder, and believe in themselves.

Congratulations, Coach Harris. This honour is richly deserved!

With pride and appreciation,

The Athletes, Parents and Supporters
Pioneers Athletics Club Dominica