NEWS RELEASE

Forimmediate release

Contact:  Mark Kerns 513-292-8789 event chair, or AnnMort 513-649-4506, media relations

August23, 2012

OLYMPIC GOLDMEDAL WINNER IN JUDO, KAYLA HARRISON, RETURNS TO MIDDLETOWN

OnTuesday, August 28, 2012, Kayla Harrison, the first American to win a goldmedal in Judo will return to her hometown, Middletown, Ohio, to celebrate hersuccess in London, England.

Herfirst day home since her Olympic experience in London, England, will be busywith visits to the Middletown City Schools where she attended through grade 10.

Inthe evening, beginning at 6 pm, Kayla, her family and her Middletown Schoolcoach Darlene Wolfe will be escorted through the downtown streets of Middletownin a motorcade consisting of a police escort, fire truck and marching band.  The motorcade will begin near the Post Officeat the corner of Reinartz Boulevard and Verity Parkway and travel south onVerity turning right on Central Avenue, right on Main Street and right into theCity Building driveway. Fans are encouraged to line the motorcade route withflags, signs and cheers.

MiddletownMayor Larry Mulligan said, “We want to invite anyone and everyone to join us inwelcoming Kayla home. Students from surrounding schools, people from othercommunities, judo athletes, and those who want to show their support for herhard won award are all invited to the gathering.”

Theevening program will begin at approximately 6:30 with Mark Kerns, chair of theWelcome Kayla Home event, introducing her to the guests on the Plaza.  The StartSkydiving.com skydivers will bringin a huge American Flag along with other flags to welcome her back toMiddletown.  The Middletown High SchoolMarching Band will play the Star Spangled Banner as the flags come into theplaza.

MiddletownMayor Larry Mulligan will introduce elected officials, representatives of thebusiness community, schools and others who will make presentations to Kayla.

Ms.Harrison will speak to the crowd for a few minutes before the closing of theday with a balloon release and the Middie Band. A few surprises and specialmusic will also be included in the evening of celebration.

Kaylaattended Middletown schools through 10^th grade when she moved to theBoston area for her last two years of high school and the judo training programavailable there.

Herparents and grandparents live in Middletown and are looking forward to hertriumphant return, as are her former teachers, classmates and thousands ofschool children and community friends and neighbors.

Guestsare invited to bring their own lawn chairs.

Incase of inclement weather, the evening celebration will move to Grace BaptistChurch near the I-75 Exit 32.

Noteto media:  A news conference with KaylaHarrison will be held at Middletown High School on Tuesday afternoon 2:45 to3:15 in the high school media center.  Ifyou are planning to attend, please email RMort@cinci.rr.com or call AnnMort 513-649-4506.  We want toaccommodate all media and need a count for seating.