Sudbury to celebrate Sochi athletes at June 11 event

A community celebration initially scheduled for April will now take place next month at Bell Park.

A release from the city Wednesday said the June 11 event at the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre will celebrate local Olympians Rebecca Johnston, Meagan Duhamel, Devon Kershaw and Chris Del Bosco. The event includes a free barbecue and will start at 11 a.m.

“Wear red and white to show your Canadian pride and support for local Olympic athletes and their families,” the release said. “Four flags will be on site on the morning of the event to sign upon arrival. The flags will be presented to each athlete to say thank you for representing Greater Sudbury and Canada on the Olympic stage.”

Johnston (gold medallist, women's hockey) and Duhamel (silver in Team Figure Skating) will attend, along with their familites. Skiers Kershaw and Del Bosco likely won't attend and may be represented by family members.

Greater Sudbury Transit will provide free transportation to and from the celebration between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Anyone who plans to take advantage of the free ride should advise the driver upon boarding that you are coming to or from the event, and the fare will be waived.

For more information, call the city at 311.