MIchael Phelps Receives Homecoming Parade at Disney World

World champion swimmer Michael Phelps received a hero’s welcome with “America’s Homecoming Parade” at Walt Disney World -- a star-spangled salute amidst confetti and thousands of flag-waving fans in the Magic Kingdom. Just days after an historic finale to the Beijing Games, the Walt Disney World celebration capped a record-setting summer for Phelps. For Phelps, who also was honored in Disney parades at both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland Park in California following the 2004 Summer Games, it was a sweet homecoming to the United States and to see fans who supported him in his quest for Gold in Beijing. “I am so happy to celebrate here and see some of the fans who supported me,” said Phelps. “It’s great to feel so much excitement around the sport of swimming in the U.S. and around the world. To top it all off with a parade at Disney World is just incredible.” Phelps’ celebration at Walt Disney World is planned to be the next feature on his wildly popular Facebook.com page. Phelps, one of the most popular public figures on the social networking site, has nearly 1.5 million Facebook “fans” who have subscribed to receive his latest news and updates. Phelps said he plans to offer photographs and video of his Walt Disney World visit on his Facebook.com site. Phelps, who has announced he will train for the 2012 Games, now owns the record for most Gold Medals in a single event (8) and for a career (14). For more information on this story and others, visit www.newsinfusion.com

Blip | September 2, 2008

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