On Friday, July 7, 2023 at 6 pm at William Penn High School, the City of York, York County Special Olympics, and the York City School District will be honoring local legend and international Special Olympics spokesperson Loretta Claiborne, as well as her fellow athletes. The day will be proclaimed “Loretta Claiborne Day.” The public is invited, and local businesses and organizations also are being encouraged to participate with signs and social media.
The nearly 70-year-old Loretta has participated in Special Olympics since 1970. She recently returned to York from the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany, where she won a gold medal in singles tennis and a bronze medal in doubles tennis. This adds to her previous collection of gold medals in running, bowling, and figure skating.
The program will begin with a parade of Special Olympics athletes on the 200 block of South Beaver Street. Elected officials will be given the opportunity to hand a proclamation to Loretta and give brief remarks. Brief presentations will also be made by school officials and a representative of the York County Special Olympics Program. Loretta will speak, and a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity will follow.
Local businesses and organizations can participate by hanging signs in their windows congratulating Loretta. They also can promote the event and express well wishes on social media. The event’s Facebook page can be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/events/257309120330141/.
