Naomi Osaka, the first Haitian-Japanese woman to ever win the U.S. Grand Slam title, received a hero’s welcome in the land of her father’s birth – Haiti.
The Haitian government extended the warm invitation to the 21 year old tennis champ, who chronicled her 5-day journey (which began on Tuesday) via her Instagram.
On her arrival, she was welcomed at the diplomatic lounge of Toussaint Louverture International Airport by Haitian government officials, including Ministers – Bocchit Edmond (Foreign Affairs), Marnatha Irène Ternier (MHAVE), Edwing Charles (Youth and Sports), Pierre Michel Rabbit (Culture) and the Mayor of Tabarre, Mrs. Nice Simon.
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The Minister of Foreign Affairs Edomond Bocchit tweeted his happiness at hosting Osaka.
Happy to receive in Haiti the US Open Champion @naomi_osaka_ responding to the Haitian government invitation. She is an inspiration for the young Haitian tennis players. Welcome, Bienvenue Naomi. pic.twitter.com/6rX4PzraLJ
— Bocchit Edmond (@BocchitEdmond) November 6, 2018
During her stay, she visited her father’s hometown of Jacmel, historical sites, schools and various sports institutions across the country to promote tennis and chat with young tennis players. There was also a small reception, held in her honor at the Japanese Embassy.
Haiti’s Chancellor Edmond, stated “The country is proud of you Naomi Osaka. On behalf of the Haitian Government and the President of the Republic Jovenel Moïse in particular, we wanted to show you this warm welcome in recognition of your achievement.”
Je viens de nommer Naomi Osaka Ambassadrice de Bonne Volonté pour la promotion du sport haïtien. J’en ai profité pour lui remettre une plaque d’honneur, au nom de la République d’Haiti, en signe de notre reconnaissance. pic.twitter.com/177XogMIne
— Président Jovenel Moïse (@moisejovenel) November 8, 2018
Naomi is bringing awareness to the beauty, talent and overall warmth of the people of Haiti. Her celebrity appearance, in this heightened political climate, definitely gives Haiti the recognition it deserves.
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