Community Corner

Lolo Jones, Jake Varner to Join Gabby Douglas and Shawn Johnson at Olympic Celebration in Des Moines

Several athletes and coaches with Iowa ties are expected to appear at a celebration of the London 2012 Olympics.

A star-studded roster of Olympic athletes and coaches with Iowa ties are expected to be on hand for a celebration of the London 2012 Olympics in Des Moines this weekend.

, a gold medal winning Olympian who wrestled for Iowa State, and , a hurdler from Des Moines, have now agreed to attend, according to an Associated Press report.  

They will join , the Virginia-native who trained in West Des Moines, and her coach ; , who didn't make the 2012 Games, but won gold in 2008, is expected along with several others.

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Douglas, a 16-year-old gymnast, was one of the brightest stars of the Olympics, claiming two Olympic golds.

The homecoming event will be held Saturday, Aug. 18 at 11 a.m. at the Knapp Center at Drake University. The event is free of charge and open to the public.

Doors open Saturday at 10 a.m. for general admission seating – no tickets are required. Free public parking is available in several lots near the Knapp Center and around the Drake campus as well as on surrounding streets. For more information on the event, visit www.hy-vee.com

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