Only third local person to win Olympic gold medal
Mayor Tom Henry honors Lloy Ball's gold medal achievement in men's volleyball.
The gold medal.
The community on the plaza of the City-County Building celebrates the first gold medal earned by an Allen County resident in 32 years.
On the steps of the City-County Building, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry honored USA Men's Volleyball team member and Woodburn native Lloy Ball Aug. 28 for winning a gold medal Aug. 24 at the Beijing Olympic Games.
Born in Fort Wayne, Ball is only the third person from Allen County to win an Olympic gold medal. Ball is a four-time Olympian, participating as a setter in 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008. He is the only USA men's volleyball player who has played in four Olympics.
“Lloy's Olympic accomplishments, both in Beijing and at the other games, are truly remarkable. Not only is he has he distinguished himself as an outstanding athlete, but as person,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “All of Fort Wayne joins in celebrating the team's performance for the U.S. and welcomes Lloy home as Olympic champion and gold-medal winner.”
The Mayor declared Aug. 28, 2008, Lloy Ball Day, honoring his achievements.
Ball's father, Arnie Ball, joined in the celebration. Arnie Ball has been the longtime coach of Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne's men's volleyball team. Other members of the Ball family attended the rally too.
In addition to the Mayor, Allen County Commissioners Linda Bloom and Bill Brown and IPFW's Walt Branson, vice chancellor for financial affairs, and Tommy Bell, IPFW athletics director, joined in the public celebration.
“We here in Allen County have always known that Lloy Ball is a championship-caliber person, and has been long before that gold medal was placed around his neck this past Sunday,” Commissioner Bloom said.
Allen County Commissioner Bill Brown honors Lloy Ball.
To see video from the City's rally, check out the City's YouTube channel.