|
City of Aliso Viejo bestows first key to the city to Olympian Kyla Ross |
| Within an hour of Olympic gold medalist Kyla Ross receiving the first key to the city of Aliso Viejo from Mayor Donald Garcia on Sunday, her father Jason had already hung it in the living room of their Aliso Viejo home.
“This beautiful key kind of makes all of this more real … it’s been so surreal,” said Kiana Ross of the whirlwind ride her daughter has been on since leaving London with a gold medal in hand. “All of these events have been nice, but when you see your entire community come out and support you and the people you connect with, it makes this even more special.” Sunday was certainly special as Garcia joined Council Members Carmen Cave, Greg Ficke and Phil Tsunoda along with friends, family and coaches of the young gymnast to make history in Aliso Viejo. “In thinking of what to give you for such an incredible achievement, I wanted it to be something different and unique,” Garcia said before thousands gathered at Grand Park. “I wanted it to be something you would keep forever and perhaps even perch upon the mantle next to your gold medal.” The practice of giving a person a ceremonial key to the city dates back to medieval times when cities were protected with high walls and imposing gates. A key to the city gave an important merchant or diplomat the authority to pass at will. “Fast forward many, many years and times have certainly changed, but the meaning of this key remains,” Garcia said. “It is given to trusted dignitaries. And we trusted Kyla Ross to represent our country with dignity, class, style and sheer talent. And she did not falter. Instead, she triumphed over the toughest competitors around the globe – the best of the best – and came home with the gold. She made us proud. Kyla, you made history in the world and in your city. And today, our city is making its own history by giving you something that it has never bestowed before …”
Kelly Tokarski |
