County Honors Local Olympic Athletes, Parents

Ventura County supervisors honored local Olympic athletes, their families and trainers during a ceremony and reception Tuesday.

The supervisors presented a resolution recognizing the athletes for the hard work and dedication they displayed in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

But Supervisor Judy Mikels said the athletes’ families were also deserving of recognition for their support and the sacrifices they have made over the years.

“You know, it actually may be more fitting that we’re giving these presentations to the parents, coaches and relatives because they’ve worked probably as hard,” Mikels said.

The supervisors had invited all 17 of the local athletes who were members of the U.S. Olympic team. But many of the athletes were either in school or participating in other games around the world and unable to attend. In fact, the only athlete who was present was canoeist Joseph Harper of Ventura.

KimMaher, whose daughter, Kim, was a member of the U.S. gold medal-winning softball team, brought the Olympic medal to the ceremony to show county officials.

“I feel proud and happy,” Maher said, as she held up her daughter’s medal. “I like to share with people the feeling we have.”