The Astor Theatre is holding a watch party next Friday, Aug. 9 for the shot put final of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Brooklyn’s Sarah Mitton is seen during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. (Photo by Mark Blinch/COC)

Sarah Mitton’s hometown fans are getting ready to cheer on the Brooklyn native as she goes for shot put gold in Paris.

The Region of Queens compiled a “Cheers from Home” video featuring community members rooting for her. And, the Astor Theatre has organized a watch party for the shot put final on Fri., Aug. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m. so that people can get together and root for the pride of Queens County.

The watch party is free for everyone.

Jerri Southcott, the Astor’s executive director, said the theatre held a similar viewing party for the Euro Cup.

“And we had a lot of people reach out to us in the commnity about ‘Could we all get together and cheer on our hometown hero?’ So we thought this would be a great opportunity to cheer on Sarah Mitton, really proud as a community to get behind her.”

READ MORE: QCCR’s coverage of Sarah Mitton

Mitton will be competing in the qualification round the day before. The shot put final is set to begin on Friday at 2:37 p.m.

Mitton is the reigning world indoor champion and Canadian record holder. She also holds the title as throwing the best distance so far this year at 20.68 metres.

She captured the gold at the World Athletics Indoor Championship in March, where she beat her own Canadian record, twice. She beat it again two months later at a meet in Pennsylvania.

Southcott says she’s excited to have the community cheer on Mitton at the Astor.

“We’ll have concessions open and we’ll get the community together. I think everybody is going to be on the edge of their seats. Some of us, me included, will be the first time watching shot put, so that’s interesting. Really, really proud of her.”

And to help get ready for the watch party at the Astor, you can pick up a signed copy of a Sarah Mitton print from Queens Place Emera Centre.

Queens Place is selling a limited number of the autographed prints for $10 each. Proceeds will go to the Region of Queens Recreation for All program, which helps those in lower incomes participate in the municipality’s fitness facilities and programs.

Southcott is expecting a good turnout next Friday.

“We had a number of people reach out and say, ‘Wow, what a great idea.’ And really hoping to see a good strong support in the community to come out and cheer her on. It’s nice to be together.”

Email: rickconradqccr@gmail.com

Queens Place Emera Centre. Photo Credit: Ed Halverson

The Region of Queens has announced a new program to remove barriers for people to be physically active.

The Recreation for All initiative will lower the cost for people who want to use municipal facilities but may not be able to afford it.

Mayor David Dagley said since council passed the motion in March, staff have been speaking with community members about making donations to support the program.

“And they have found businesses that are willing to donate and have donated to this program. So we have received about $20,000 from generous companies and individuals,” said Dagley. “We’re able to at least provide supported services at a very minor price to participants who are financially in need.”

Money from one of the major corporate donations was earmarked for a particular group.

Dexter Construction insisted the first 100 memberships to Queens Place were to go to Special Olympians from Queens County training for competition.

Dagley expects the first round of funding will support around 100 residents this year. He’s optimistic the program can continue to grow.

“We’ll raise more money as we go and hopefully we can increase the number. We may have funding to double that amount. We’ll find out as the program unfolds,” said Dagley.

While regional staff is soliciting donations and running the programs, Dagley said all the money in the program is coming from the community. The funding will enable better access to all the facilities at Queens Place as well as the North Queens Aquatic Centre and the Milton Centennial Pool.

Dagley said council recognizes the link between physical activity and improving one’s mental and social well-being and he and his fellow council members were glad they could open up the resources to more people.

“It will certainly broaden the ability of who we can serve in the Region of Queens in our recreation facilities,” said Dagley.

Anyone wishing to donate to or apply for a recreation for all grant can do so on the Region’s website.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson