Shawn Richards made the trip to Brazil for his first ever visit to an Olympic Games.

A welcome ceremony took place to mark his arrival, which was chaired by Leroy Greene, the Chef de Mission for the St Kitts & Nevis team.

Greene is also the assistant secretary general of SKNOC, while other members of the governing body, as well as athletes, were also present.

The visit demonstrated Richards' committment to athletes and sport in general, according to SKNOC.

He spent time with each of the athletes as well as touring training facillities and being available for photographs with the team.

“Olympic Team SKN deserve our admiration and praise for the hard work and dedication each athlete has put in the many months before getting to Rio," said Richards.

"I am happy to say that sport is high on the agenda in this Government’s administration, we are committed to national sport development and intend to put our full support behind all things Olympian now and in the coming years.”

The Caribbean country sent seven athletes to Rio 2016, with all of them competing in athletics.

Their most famous name is sprinter Kim Collins, who won the 100 metres world title in Paris in 2003.

In Rio, the 40-year-old reached the semi-finals but did not advance after coming sixth in 10.12sec.

SKNOC President Alphonso Bridgewater said: “The visit of the deputy PM offered a huge inspiration for the athletes and the support team.

"Government is an essential partner of any National Olympic Committee and the SKNOC has enjoyed a tremendously positive relationship with successive governments, illustrated by the presence of Prime Ministers and Ministers with responsibility for sport at the various Games.

"Deputy Prime Minister Richards’ visit and presence is a signal of his commitment to that legacy partnership and a robust desire to provide inspiration and encouragement to athletes performing on the world stage.”