To watch
When: 2:30 p.m. Friday
Where: To watch live streaming coverage of Arthur’s performance, go online to www.nbcolympics.com.
Some plans have changed, though the primary objective is still very much in the picture for local supporters of United States weightlifter and 2012 Chestatee High graduate Jenny Arthur.
Due to the expanded broadcast schedule for the Rio Summer Games, the special viewing party originally organized by the Arthur family had to be cancelled. Luckily for father Kelly Sr., mother Freda and six of her seven siblings, they will be special guests for Jenny Arthur Day on Friday at Chestatee High.
“If anyone deserves this, it’s Jenny,” said her younger sister, Katie. “She’s amazing and I’ve always looked up to her.”
“It’s going to be a dream come true,” said her younger brother, Kelly Arthur Jr. “When I watch, I like to watch my sisters and my parents and see their faces. They’re just so proud of Jenny. When we turn it on, it’s a packed house in our living room and eyes don’t leave the screen.”
Chestatee principal Suzanne Jarrard said all students and faculty will wear red, white and blue in support of Jenny, who graduated from the school in 2012. Students and visitors will then have the option watch the live broadcast in various common areas at the school. Atlanta’s local NBC affiliate will run a live feed from the high school as well.
“We’ve been showing some videos this week, creating a little bit of hype with the students, to get to know her a little better,” Jarrard said. “So we’re just excited to have a War Eagle competing at that level.”
Arthur is the first home-grown Olympian from Hall County, and the first to be named to Team USA. She qualified by having the most points in both the 2014 and 2015 IWF World Championships.
She will compete in Group A of the Women’s 75 kilogram division. Fans also have the option to view a live stream on nbcolympics.com.
Later this fall, Arthur will be a special guest for a home football game to honor her accomplishment.