An Olympian’s return as Leonel Manzano lands in Austin
MARBLE FALLS – A Texas-size celebration for Olympian Leonel "Leo" Manzano is scheduled for Sept. 30 in Marble Falls and his hometown of Granite Shoals, officials announced.
Manzano returned to Central Texas Sept. 9 after winning the silver medal in the men’s 1,500-meter race in the 2012 London Summer Olympics, held last month.
PHOTO: Leonel ‘Leo’ Manzano, a 2004 Marble Falls High School graduate who in August won the silver medal in the men’s 1,500-meter race in the 2012 London Summer Olympics, answers questions outside the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport after returning to Central Texas Sept. 9. He’s been competing in Europe for about two months. Marble Falls and Manzano’s hometown of Granite Shoals are planning a celebration for him Sept. 30. Staff photo by Daniel Clifton
According to officials, Manzano and his family are scheduled to arrive at Marble Falls High School, 2101 Mustang Drive, at 3 p.m. Sept. 30 where the band, cheerleaders and Starlette dance team will be ready to greet them.
Manzano is a 2004 graduate.
The public is encouraged to arrive from 2-2:45 p.m. to participate in the homecoming festivities, which will stage in the auditorium when Manzano arrives.
Parking will be in the main parking lot of the high school.
The celebration in the auditorium is scheduled to finish by 5 p.m. Manzano will sign T-shirts and autographs.
Afterwards, a motorcade will eave the high school for Manzano’s hometown of Granite Shoals.
The procession will travel west on RR 1431 to Phillips Ranch Road in Granite Shoals with a stop at the Leo Manzano Hike, Bike and Run Trail at the Granite Shoals Municipal Complex.
Along with a groundbreaking at the trail, there will be refreshments and a performance by local musicians while Manzano visits with family, friends and guests. At 7 p.m., the University of Texas at Austin graduate will give some closing remarks and outline future goals for his athletic career.
Clubs and civic organizations are asked to make decorative signs of encouragement along the route.
The signs should be street signs on stakes and are to be delivered to Debbie Brown for distribution, officials said. Call (512) 968-3973 or email dab@zeecon.com for more information.
The hashtag #ManzanoHomecoming will be used for updates on social media outlets, officials said.