The community of Akron, Ohio is planning an Olympic Send-off for its local hero, U.S. Olympic Greco-Roman team member Justin “Harry” Lester, throughout the day on Saturday, June 30.

It is being organized by the Akron community where Lester grew up, led by Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA), where he was a four-time Ohio High School State Champion.

The day will include a number of activities, featureing a free wrestling clinic, a community celebration at the Akron Bible Church, and a send-off reception at his high school.

The Mayor of Akron will declare Saturday, June 30 as Justin Lester Day in the city.

All of these events are free of charge to the community. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to make a donation help send Justin’s family to the Olympic Games to watch him wrestle, and Justin Lester merchandise will also be available for sale.

Justin Lester will compete at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. at the 2012 Olympic Games in Greco-Roman wrestling. He is a two-time World bronze medalist at this weight class. Lester attended Northern Michigan, where he was with the U.S. Olympic Education Center for many years. He is now a member of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete program

JUSTIN “HARRY” LESTER OLYMPIC SEND OFF ON SATURDAY JUNE 30th
From Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy website

You are invited to come join the entire Akron community in sending off one of our own, Justin “Harry” Lester, as he prepares to represent the United States in London at the 2012 Olympic Games. Justin will be seeking Gold at the 66 kg weight class in Greco-Roman Wrestling. Justin is an Akron native and a graduate of Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA) where he was a four-time Ohio High School State Champion. Since graduating high school and pursuing Greco-Roman wrestling he is a five time U.S. National Champion, two-time World Bronze Medalist, and one of the favorites to win Gold in London. Justin currently wrestles for the Army’s World Class Athlete Program and serves as a Specialist in the United States Army.

Justin will be back in Akron on Saturday June 30th to visit family and friends before heading off to the Olympic Games. There will be three opportunities on Saturday the 30th to meet Justin and wish him luck. All three events are FREE of charge and open to the public. There will an opportunity to make donations to help send Justin’s family to London to support him at the Olympic Games. There will also be official Justin Lester CradleGear Merchandise available for purchase of which 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Lester family.

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Wrestling Clinic – Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy Wrestling Room
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The wrestling clinic is an opportunity for wrestlers in Ohio of all ages to meet and learn a little bit about Justin and what makes him so successful. The clinic is FREE of charge. Justin will be signing autographs and teaching some wrestling technique to those in attendance. 

CVCA is located at 4687 Wyoga Lake Rd. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44224

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Akron Community Day – Akron Bible Church
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Justin will visit Akron Bible Church, which is the church home of Justin’s parents, Fred and Verleane Lester, for a community celebration and send-off. The mayor of Akron will be in attendance to officially declare Saturday June 30th as “Justin Lester Day”. 

Akron Bible Church is located at 783 Brown St. Akron, OH 44311

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Send-Off Reception – Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Justin will meet with wrestling fans, family, friends, former teammates, classmates, teachers, and other members of the Ohio wrestling community for a time of fellowship and celebration as an encouragement to Justin as he heads off for London.

CVCA is located at 4687 Wyoga Lake Rd. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44224

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If you are unable to attend any of the day’s events, but would still like to contribute, you can mail or drop off your donation to any First Merit Bank - Memo: Justin "Harry" Lester Olympic Fund. 

Visit Justin’s Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Justin-Harry-Lester/246938828746250
AND Follow him on Twitter
@LesterToLondon