The 61^st Greater Flint Olympian and CANUSA Games kicked off on July 11 with official Opening Ceremonies at Northwestern High School’s Guy V. Houston Stadium. All Flint and Genesee County residents were invited to attend the festivities which began with a Physical Fitness Walk at 9:30am, followed by an official opening of the Games, a break for lunch, and an Olympian Games Field Day and Olympian Sports Skills event.

Several barriers, or at least what he was told were going to be barriers, were thrown in Chris Wilson’s way as he fought to realize his dream of playing in the National Football League.

During a busy Spring Break trip to New York, Olivia Bennett was visiting colleges and taking in attractions with her family. In the midst of all the activity, Bennett, then a Powers Catholic High School sophomore, thought of something that had recently arrived for her in the mail.

Some have come from distant cities, towns, states and even countries, while others have not journeyed nearly as far. They have come from many different professions, backgrounds and stages of life.

Handling the retirement of surefire, first-ballot Hall of Famer David Ortiz was not the only major issue facing the Boston Red Sox during the past offseason. The man credited with prolonging Ortiz’s career and ensuring that his final season was one of his most productive – Director of Sports Medicine Services, Dan Dyrek – was also leaving the organization.

Even as a seven-year-old, Drew DeRidder was displaying the maturity and courage to trust his instincts and recognize when a change was needed.

With his chiseled physique, steely gaze, amped-up demeanor and tattoos snaking around his body, Troy Lamson leaves little doubt that he is a rising Mix Martial Arts star.

If the walls of Berston Field House could talk, one can only imagine the stories they would tell.

Jon Runyan has packed plenty into his nearly 43 years of life.

Last Tuesday, August 23, My City Magazine was able to join in welcoming home Flint’s two-time Olympic Gold Medalist for boxing, Claressa Shields. Claressa was welcomed home at Bishop International Airport and was able to greet fans, sign autographs, and pose for pictures. Congratulations, Claressa!

Summer time means that once again the Greater Flint Olympian and CANUSA Games are underway. This year, they are celebrating 60 years of the Greater Flint Olympian games and the 59^th year of the CANUSA Games.