Markham dedicates Andre De Grasse Street: Celebrate with the three-time Olympic sprinter

MARKHAM, ON – September 19, 2018 – Markham’s own Andre De Grasse now has a street named after him in his hometown.

From shooting hoops at Milliken Mills High School, to going neck-and-neck with Usain Bolt at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, Andre De Grasse has risen to fame, not just in Canada, but around the world. 

“Andre’s accomplishments have earned him a rightful place in the history books, and now his name will forever be a part of our city’s landscape,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Andre's love for our community is strong. He has established the Andre De Grasse Family Foundation as a way to empower youth and help them reach their full potential. Andre De Grasse Street will serve as a permanent reminder for every boy and girl with a dream, as they sprint toward a bright future.”

At his first trip to the Olympics, Andre became the only Canadian to win medals in all three sprint events at a single Games. He burst onto the sprinting scene the previous summer, after winning the 100m and 200m events at the 2015 Toronto Pan Am Games. A month later, Andre won two bronze medals at the World Track & Field Championships in Beijing, China.

Mayor Scarpitti announced Andre De Grasse Street in September 2016, during a homecoming celebration after the Summer Olympics in Rio. Andre thanked his community for their support and was overcome with emotion, saying he never imagined in his wildest dreams that he would receive this honour.

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416-671-2890

For all other media inquiries related to this news release:
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416-737-2684