- 9.30.08 Live Entertainment Announced for Star Spangled Salute to Michael Phelps
9.22.08 - Public Encouraged to Enjoy Full Day of Events, Plan Ahead for Maryland's Olympic Heroes Homecoming Celebration- 9.24.08 - Billy Bush of 'Access Hollywood' and Radio's 'The Billy Bush Show' to Host Phelps Homecoming Celebration
- Additional Information: http://baltimore.org/phelps
O'Malley, Smith, Dixon Announce Plans for Michael Phelps Homecoming Celebration
Parade of Gold through Baltimore County; Star Spangled Salute to Michael Phelps to Take Place at Fort McHenry National Shrine and Birthplace of America’s National Anthem
BALTIMORE, MD (September 9, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley, Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, and Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon announced plans today for a homecoming celebration for Maryland’s Olympic team, including Michael Phelps, eight-time Olympic gold medalist at this year’s Beijing games. Joined by Debbie Phelps at Towson High School this morning, plans were announced for a series of events across Baltimore City and County on October 4, 2008.
“Michael Phelps, and all Maryland Olympians, represented their State and their nation in historic fashion in Beijing, and we are proud to offer a homecoming celebration fitting of Maryland’s own national heroes,” said Governor O’Malley. “There is no better location than the birthplace of our national anthem to welcome Michael and all Maryland’s Olympians home. Fort McHenry offers an historic backdrop to honor an athlete whose accomplishments this year brought Olympic history home to Baltimore.”
“We are very proud of all of our American Olympic athletes, but here in Baltimore County we beam just a little brighter because of Towson's Michael Phelps and Katie Hoff, and Middle River's Jessica Long,” stated Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith. “Michael and Katie won 11 Olympic medals-more than many of the countries that competed in Beijing. Jessica has just begun, already winning her first gold. But I am even more proud of the way they conduct themselves and how they represent their country, their state, their county, and their family and friends. They are truly special people, and I can't wait to honor them on October 4th.”
“I can't imagine a better ambassador for Baltimore than Michael Phelps,” said Mayor Dixon. “Michael's achievement required commitment, hard work, sacrifice, and a great mother to keep it all together. We look forward to welcoming our entire Maryland Olympic team home in true Baltimore style.”
“Michael has traveled all over the world, but I can assure you that he is quite excited and anxious to come back to Baltimore,” said Deborah Phelps. “When I spoke to him in Chicago after Oprah, he shared with me the number of days that he has been living out of a suitcases and was looking forward to his return to Maryland. Our family is so grateful to everyone in our state of Maryland and across our beautiful country who swam every stroke, ran every step, jumped over every hurdle and dunked every basketball with our US Olympic athletes. Each and every one of them enjoys immensely the passion they each have for their sport. While fans look forward to thanking Michael, Katie and our other Maryland Olympians on October 4th, we can't wait to thank each and every one of them personally from the bottom of our hearts.”
Plans for October 4th announced today include a 3:00 p.m. Parade of Gold through Phelps’ hometown of Towson beginning at the intersection of York Road and Burke Avenue, continuing down York Road and through the Rogers Forge neighborhood where Michael grew up and where his mother, Debbie, still resides.
Following the Baltimore County parade, Phelps and the Maryland Olympians will be honored with an event to remember at Fort McHenry in Baltimore City. At 7:00 p.m., members of the public are encouraged to be a part of the celebration, full of music, fireworks, and a Star Spangled Salute to Maryland’s own Michael Phelps.
More information can be found at http://baltimore.org/phelps.
