by Ann Mort
MIDDLETOWN TO WELCOME OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST KAYLA HARRISON HOME WITH RED, WHITE AND BLUE
When, Kayla Harrison, the first American to ever win a gold medal in the Olympics for judo, returns to her hometown, the plan is that she will see a lot of red, white and blue - flags, signs and clothing on her fans. She will be in her hometown, Middletown, for a day of celebration on Tuesday, August 28. This will be her first day home since winning gold in London, England.
Kayla attended Middletown City Schools through 10th grade when she moved to the Boston area to finish high school and train for the Olympics. Her day will be full of visits with Middletown school children and then an evening of celebration with the community.
In the evening, beginning at 6 pm, Kayla, her family and her Middletown School coach Darlene Wolfe will be escorted through the downtown streets of Middletown in a motorcade consisting of a police escort, fire truck and marching band. The motorcade will begin near the Post Office at the corner of Reinartz Boulevard and Verity Parkway and travel south on Verity turning right on Central Avenue, right on Main Street and right into the City Building driveway. Fans are encouraged to line the motorcade route with flags, signs and cheers while wearing red, white and blue.
The evening program will begin at approximately 6:30 pm with music, skydivers, presentations and surprises.
Ms. Harrison will speak to the crowd for a few minutes before her day of celebration ends with a balloon release.
Guests are invited to bring their own lawn chairs.
In case of inclement weather, the evening celebration will move to Grace Baptist Church near the I-75 Exit 32.
Note to media: A news conference with Kayla Harrison will be held at Middletown High School on Tuesday afternoon 2:30 to 3:00 in the high school media center. If you are planning to attend, please email RMort@cinci.rr.comor call Ann Mort 513-649-4506. We want to accommodate all media and need a count for seating.
