Olympians to be welcomed home on Saturday

NEWS — The public is being reminded to come out on Saturday to officially welcome home Kamloops’ Olympic competitors and officials.

Starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday at the McArthur Island Olympic ice sheet, the City of Kamloops, Kamloops Long Blades and PacificSport are hosting a celebration to welcome home the city’s athletes and officials.

To kick things off, local media reps Marty Hastings, Shawn Pooley and Gareth Madoc-Jones will be joined by Olympians Jessica Hewitt, Elli Terwiel, Jan Antons and Nancy Greene Raine as well as Digger and Murray Owens from the Blazers for a celebration skate on the speed skating track.

Following the skate, residents will hear from local dignitaries, as well as Elli Terwiel (2014 Olympian in the Slalom (Alpine Skiing)), Jan Antons (2014 Team Canada Sledge Hockey Equipment) and Jessica Hewitt (2014 Silver Medalist in speed skating) on their Olympic Experience.

Afterwards, there will be free cupcakes, autograph and photo opportunities, and the chance to see Jessica’s silver medal.

At 1:30 p.m., the public is welcome to bring skates and try out speed skating.