Unitex Backs Local Olympic Sprinter

Deajah Stevens, a Mt. Vernon, NY, native who’ll compete in the 200 meter dash on Aug. 15 at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, will have her family at trackside to cheer her on, thanks to help from local businesses, including Unitex Textile Rental Services.

Area businesses and residents, including local NBA legend Ben Gordon, teamed up in a gofundme.com campaign that raised a total of $13,100, according to news reports. Stevens, entering her senior year at the University of Oregon, is already at the Olympic Village in Rio. Her mother, Lakia, and sister, Ameera Stevens, will be there as well, thanks to the community’s support.

“We are ecstatic that Deaja will compete in Rio among the world’s best athletes, and we are equally happy that Deajah’s mother and sister will be joining her for the race,” said David Potack, Unitex senior VP, during an Aug. 5 sendoff program at Mt. Vernon City Hall hosted by Mayor Richard Thomas. “Deajah’s family should have the opportunity to be at the end of the finish line on August 15, and the community as a whole helped to make that happen. We all look forward to seeing Deajah come home with the gold.” Click here and here for details.