Join the York community on First Friday, July 7th at 6 PM in downtown York as we celebrate Loretta Claiborne and the York County Special Olympics Program. After having been named a USA Today Woman of the Year in February, Loretta competed this month at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin and won the Gold medal in the women’s singles tennis. She also earned a Bronze medal in women’s doubles tennis with her doubles partner. This was Loretta’s first appearance at the World Games as an athlete in 14 years and her first time competing in tennis. She turns 70 in August.
Next Friday, participants are asked to line the sidewalks on both sides of the 200 block of S. Beaver St to cheer during the Parade of Athletes. Chairs will be set up in the William Penn High School district parking lot at the corner of S. Beaver & W. Princess Streets to view presentations to Loretta. Vehicles can be parked in the city lot across from the High School on W. Princess Street, along with on-street parking. (Please do not park in the 200 block of S. Beaver St.)
After a short program, attendees are asked to assemble near the basketball courts in Penn Park for a community photo with Loretta and other York County Special Olympics athletes. This will be a great time to meet and greet the athletes and to learn more about the York County Special Olympics program.
In 2019, Rotary Club of York inducted York native Loretta Claiborne as an Honorary Member after her program to the club about the 50th Anniversary of Special Olympics. Loretta has competed with Special Olympics for fifty years and is the first Special Olympian to serve on the Special Olympics international Board of Directors. She was asked to serve by her longtime friend, the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics. Loretta is currently Vice Chair and Chief Inspiration Officer. Her full biography can be found on the Board of Directors page of www.specialolympics.org or at www.lorettaclaiborne.com.
