CANTON, Mich. – The township is hosting a 'Canton Community Celebration' to honor Olympic gold medalist Allison Schmitt, and two-time Olympians Jeff Porter and Tiffany Porter on Thursday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m.
Schmitt, 26, won a gold medal in the women's 800-meter relay and a silver medal in the women's 400-meter relay in swimming during the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She also served as one of the team captains for Team USA swimmers. This is the third Olympics for Schmitt. In the 2012 London games, she won three gold medals for the 200-meter freestyle, 800-meter freestyle relay and 400-meter medley relay, a silver in the 400-meter freestyle and a bronze in the 400-meter freestyle relay. During the 2008 games, in Beijing, China, she won bronze in the 800-meter freestyle relay.
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Jeff Porter competed in the men's 110 meter hurdles in the Rio games and the 2012 London Olympics. Tiffany Porter competed in the women's 100 meter hurdles, representing Great Britain, in both the 2012 and 2016 Summer Games. The Porters, are married and live in Canton.
Local 4 anchor and reporter Kimberly Gill will emcee the celebration, Paul W. Smith, of WJR-AM News Talk Radio 760, will be a special guest. The event will take place at the Heritage Park Amphitheater, at 46000 Summit Parkway in Canton. It will include a question-and-answer session with Schmitt and the Porters and an opportunity for a meet and greet with the athletes. This community-wide celebration will also feature a special presentation by Canton Supervisor Phil LaJoy.
The event is free, and people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for outdoor seating. Commemorative mini flags will be handed out while supplies last. Entry will be limited to the first 400 participants.