Community members are being encouraged to show their support and appreciation for hometown hero Tyler McGregor during a couple of upcoming events.
The Forest athlete was named co-captain of the Canadian men's Para ice hockey team at the Milano Cortina Winter Games, his fourth Paralympic Games.
The Forest Legion held a watch party in March to cheer on McGregor, and now, the Paralympian will be in town for a meet and greet on Saturday, May 9.
With help from community members, Crystal Pembleton has organized Saturday's event to take place at the Legion, beginning at 2 p.m., but doors will open at 1 p.m.
Spokesperson Brian Richardson said it's a way to recognize McGregor's athletic career.
"It's long overdue, actually, in terms of the town recognizing what he's achieved," he said. "It's pretty amazing, his personal life story and then of course, his athletic story as well. It's really something unique for anyone, let alone a little town like Forest, to have this happen."
Richardson said it's kind of a win-win scenario as McGregor would also like to speak with community members.
"I know he wants to thank the Town of Forest as well. He's often mentioned that Forrest has been very supportive of him," Richardson said.
There will be an opportunity for autographs.
It's free to attend, but donations will be accepted for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Proceeds from a live auction, featuring a signed painting of McGregor, will also support the non-profit.
An informal parade will take place before the meet and greet, where community members can line the sidewalk on Albert Street and cheer for McGregor.
"It's unique in the sense that he's going to be transported from his home to the Legion on the old, antique fire truck," Richardson said.
Meanwhile, McGregor will meet with local youth on Tuesday, May 12, during an outdoor ball hockey event, organized by the North Lambton Community Health Centre.
Community Developer Kandis Tieman said the public event is being held in hopes of reaching more youth.
"Here at the health centre, we actually have an Inspire Youth program where we are working with youth ages 11 to 12, up to the age of 18," she said. "We're working to get those kids active after school. We want to introduce them to sport and recreation, we want to teach them about healthy eating, and why it's so important to take care of themselves now so that they can become healthy, active adults."
It's also an opportunity for youth to hear from McGregor.
"It's going to be a very casual event. Tyler will be speaking, he will be sharing a little bit of his story, but he's also going to play ball hockey with the kids and that's what he's really excited about," Tieman said. "So we will have ball hockey games going on as well as he is going to do photographs and autographs."
The Forest Optimist Club will also hold a barbeque. Tieman said the money raised will go back into youth programs in the community.
There's no admission fee to attend the after-school event.
Tieman said this event was part of a community effort with local businesses and individuals donating time and resources.
The event will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at The Shores Recreation Centre. Tieman said McGregor will likely start his speech at 3:30 p.m.
It is an outdoor event, but if it rains, activities will be moved inside.
