Markham basks in Olympic golden glow: Celebrates hometown heroes

Thestar.com
Aug. 9, 2021

The Markham gateway sign at Steeles Avenue East and Markham Road will remain lit up in gold for the next week in celebration of hometown heroes Andre De Grasse and Jayde Riviere.

De Grasse claimed the gold medal in the 200m at the Tokyo Olympics in the men's final on Wednesday after a bronze medal performance in the 100m.

He also powered the 4x100m relay team to a bronze medal on Friday.

While Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti said there was certainly a lot of expectation that De Grasse would come first in the 200m, he added De Grasse did not disappoint.

“What a moment,” he said.

On the heels of the spectacular sprint finish by the man who is now the most decorated Canadian Olympic athlete, Scarpitti declared Aug. 4 “Andre De Grasse Day” in the city.

“On behalf of members of council and the entire community, we send our congratulations to Andre for these outstanding accomplishments and thank him for representing Markham and Canada with pride,” Scarpitti said.

Former Markham Soccer Club player Jayde Riviere was also rather tickled gold after receiving the same treatment on the heels of the Canadian women’s soccer team claiming the gold medal in dramatic, nail-biting fashion on penalty kicks on Aug. 6.

“Honoured to have my own day in Markham!” Riviere, who was born and raised in Markham, tweeted.

Scarpitti also had special congrats for fellow soccer team member Kailen Sheridan, who was born in Markham.

He added it’s been quite a year for Markham sports, including the Olympic hardware and Steven Stamkos’ Stanley Cup win.

The Markham sign will remain lit up in gold until Sunday, Aug. 16. Residents are being encouraged to take their pictures with it and share on social media. You can use the parking lot off of the Steeles Avenue entrance.