Cherry Hill Manor Plans Olympics Event

is scheduled to bring the excitement of the 2012 Olympics from London to Johnston by hosting a celebration on Friday afternoon at 2 pm.

As part of the event, Mayor Joseph Polisena is planning to carry a torch from the , down Cherry Hill Road to the assisted living facility.

"I was honored [to be asked] — I'm far from an Olympian, that's for sure, but I do get my exercise," Polisena explained during an interview at Town Hall. "I don't know if I'll be running, but I'll be walking quite quickly — I'm looking forward to it."

Polisena also complimented Cherry Hill for hosting a local event to honor the competition.

"I think it's nice — it just goes to show you that the people make this town a great town," Polisena said. "The people at Cherry Hill Manor are excellent, they're a great business and they've been in town for 35, 40 years."

The mayor, whose own sporting pursuits include wakeboarding and swimming, also explained he's proud to join other Rhode Islanders in celebrating America's best athletes, which this year include North Kingstown's Elizabeth Beisel.

"That's something that we can brag about, that we've got some great athletes from the United States in the Olympics. I think it makes people very cognizant of the Olympics [and] I think it helps to motivate people, not only in this town but across the state," said Polisena. "I won't be in London — but I'd rather be with the people at Cherry Hill instead of in London."

Looking for a way to celebrate the Olympics locally? You can find local events for Olympic Fun Day on July 28 on the Let’s Move website, which has a page about how to set up your own local Olympics.