Jefferson was paid homage by senior citizens and the Ecuadorian Press 
ECUADOR, 04/11/2004. A few days ago Jefferson was visited by a group of senior citizens, belonging to a support group known as Rebirth in the city of Quito, who came to Cuenca to pay homage to our champion for all of the work displayed during his entire sports career and especially for his dedication in preparing for the past Olympic Games at Athens.
The members of the group (about 50 persons) came to Jefferson’s home at night, a big surprise which Jefferson had not anticipated, and the moment they began singing the first song, both the champion and his family were moved and immediately came out onto the patio of the house to intensity feel each of the songs presented by the musical group.
After the homage one by one the members of the group asked for autographs on papers, photos, clothing that they had brought at the request of their children and grandchildren, there were even those whom asked Jefferson to autograph the clothing the had on at the moment. Finally, after Jefferson thanked them, the senior citizens left to return to Quito.
In another vein, the “Day by Day” program of Teleamazonas did a special of more that one hour going over all the 30 years of Jeff’s life, in addition to his long and difficult road to the Athens Olympic Games.
This program in formed the public about all of the work that went into Jeff’s preparation for the Olympic Games, the long workout sessions, the training at altitude in El Cajas, the rain, the intensity of the sun, all that formed part of the preparation by our athlete, work that was reflected on the race course at Athens, and even though he did not get a medal, he did get perhaps a more important prize, the recognition of his countrymen, who in the wee hours of two nights were witnesses to the effort, sweat and tears our athlete gave in his country’s honor.
On his part Jefferson stated that “These recognitions are very special, as they are carried in one’s soul, and to feel the affection of the people is unique and marvelous.” These are the examples that all of us should imitate and express to all the athletes who go to a world event in search of much more than medals
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