Sox honor Olympians as part of Boston 2024

BOSTON -- In honor of Olympic Day and Boston's U.S. bid to host the 2024 Olympics, the Red Sox and the Boston 2024 Partnership honored Olympians, Paralympians and 2024 hopefuls before Tuesday night's game against the Orioles at Fenway Park.

Over 175 children and athletes with ties to the Olympic and Paralympic Games took part in the pregame ceremony, which featured competitors walking out to center field and lining up in the shape of the Olympic rings. Five different groups of people wore matching shirts corresponding to the color of a ring.

"We are proud to welcome so many members of Team USA to Fenway Park in honor of International Olympic Day," said Red Sox president/CEO Larry Lucchino, who serves as senior adviser to Boston 2024. "These Olympians and Paralympians have represented our country extraordinarily well on the world stage, and their perseverance and excellence inspire all of us. We join them in celebrating this Olympic Day and everything it represents."

Some of the many participants included Alyson Dudek (Olympian, Short Track Speedskating in 2010 and '14), Steve Langton (Olympian, Bobsled in 2010 and '14), Michael Prout (Paralympian, Swimming in 2004, '08 and '12) and Rob Walsh (five-time Paralympian, Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon).

"As we work to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to Boston in 2024, today serves as a good reminder of what the Olympic movement is all about," Boston 2024 CEO Richard A. Davey said. "The Games are the world's greatest sporting event -- but even more importantly, they are a celebration of excellence, friendship, and respect."