Markham Honours Hometown Heroes at Olympic & Paralympic Parade with Andre De Grasse

MARKHAM, ON – September 18, 2024 – On Sunday, September 22, the City of Markham is thrilled to honour five hometown Olympians and Paralympians by hosting an Olympic & Paralympic Celebration Parade with Andre De Grasse. Both Olympic and Paralympic athletes, including seven-time Olympic medalist Andre De Grasse, will participate in the parade which will begin in Markham Centre at 1 PM and conclude at the Markham Pan Am Centre.

"On behalf of Members of Council and the entire community, it is only fitting to honour our hometown Olympians and Paralympians for their perseverance and pursuit of excellence after their exciting performances at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “We are proud to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of these five hometown heroes with this community parade.”
 

De Grasse, who recently became Canada’s most decorated male Olympian after winning gold in the Men’s 4x100m relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will headline the parade named in honour of his exceptional achievements. After his performance in Paris, the Mayor proclaimed Aug. 9, 2024 Andre De Grasse Day. In 2016, he made history in his Olympic debut at the Rio Games by becoming the only Canadian to win medals in all three sprint events at a single Games. Following his success at Rio 2016, the City of Markham had a street named after the sprinter in 2018.

The City of Markham is encouraging everyone to join the celebration on Sunday, Sept. 22 to honour the accomplishments of these hometown heroes. Parking is available for the public at the Aviva Canada parking lot (10 Aviva Way) and the Cineplex Cinemas lot (179 Enterprise Blvd.).

Road closures will be in effect to support the safety of attendees, participants and residents during the event. From 12 PM to 4 PM on Sept. 22, Enterprise Blvd. from Andre de Grasse St. to University Blvd. will be closed to through traffic. University Blvd. will also be closed between YMCA Blvd. and Enterprise Blvd.

Event details:

Time:

1 PM

Location:

Markham Centre – The parade will start at Andre De Grasse St. & Enterprise Blvd. It will run east along Enterprise Blvd. and end at University Blvd.

Who:

• Mayor Frank Scarpitti

• Andre De Grasse, Track & Field

• Marissa Papaconstantinou, Track & Field

• Ruien (Angel) Xiao, Fencing

• Nyl Yakura, Badminton

• Brian Yang, Badminton

A ceremony will take place inside the Markham Pan Am Centre immediately following the parade. The invite-only event is open to members of the media. Interview opportunities with the athletes are available. Please RSVP by emailing media@markham.ca.