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Olympian Gabrielle Douglas Visits Gary, Indiana

Today, October 15, 2012, is “Gabrielle Douglas Day” in the city of Gary, Ind. as proclaimed by Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. The Olympic gold-winning gymnast was joined by her mother Natalie Hawkins, grandfather Theodore Hawkins and a host of family and friends at a luncheon hosted in her honor by the Barden Foundation, the City of Gary, Indiana University Northwest, Blackademically Speaking and Foundations of East Chicago.

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Both Douglas and her mother delivered messages of hope and encouragement to the packed crowd on the campus of Indiana University Northwest in Gary. Presentations were made to Douglas by a variety of groups, and the Mayor closed out the occasion with an official proclamation. Freeman-Wilson also presented the honorees with “I Love Gary” t-shirts and an official “Team Gary” pin.

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We celebrate you today and every day, not just for winning a gold medal, but for being the grounded and humble young woman that you are,” said Freeman-Wilson.

 

Photos:

  • Douglas strikes a pose after receiving the proclamation and gifts from the City of Gary. (L-R Councilwoman Kimberly Robinson, Theodore Hawkins, grandfather of Gabrielle Douglas, Freeman-Wilson, Douglas and Natalie Hawkins)
  • Gary native Natalie Hawkins introduces her daughter, Gabrielle Douglas.
  • Douglas being interview by a barrage of media