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COMMUNITY CELEBRATION HONORS LOCAL OLYMPIC MEDAL WINNERS

McMurtrey Aquatic Center was the setting for a community celebration that honored Kern County’s Olympic athletes. Hosted by Councilwomen Sue Ben ham and KGET-Channel 17’s Robin Mangarin and Jim Scott, the ceremony took place on Sunday, October 24th, 2004. Local dignitaries were present and offered their congratulations to the athletes. Members of the Bakersfield High School Band and “Steel Dreams”, from Garces High, provided music for the occasion.

Kern County is very proud of the four local Olympians who achieved the pinnacle of success in their respective competitions during the 2004 Summer Olympics. Gabe Woodward, a Stockdale High graduate, won a bronze medal in the Men's’ 4 x 100 meter relay; Rebecca Giddens, a part-time Kernville resident, won a silver medal in the Women's’ K1 kayak slalom; Larsen Jensen, Garces High School alumnus, won a silver medal in the 1,500 meter freestyle competitive swim; and Joey Hansen, a Bakersfield High School graduate, won a gold medal in the Men's’ Eight Rowing event.

Council member Benham received an overwhelming amount of support in coordinating the October 24th celebration. It was a great opportunity to recognize Woodward, Giddies, Jensen, and Hansen for their impressive achievements and to express the appreciation to them for proudly representing Bakersfield and Kern County at the 2004 Olympic Games.

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