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Alliston’s hero Deanne Rose returns home with Olympic Gold

September 2, 2021   ·   0 Comments

Deanne Rose is more than an Olympic Gold Medallist; she is a role model for everyone in New Tecumseth who has big dreams, and the talent to back them up.

The impact player – who’s career began when she was just four-years old playing for the Alliston Soccer Club – helped to set up the Gold Medal win for the Canadian Women’s Soccer team in Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics (held in Tokyo 2021), and her return home was celebrated by a Town planned parade and ceremony at the New Tecumseth Recreation Complex on Tuesday, August 24.

Deanne and her family rode through the streets of Alliston accepting cheers of appreciation, flowers and Canadian flags.

The event that followed were an opportunity for fans to take pictures, see her Gold medal up close and get autographs.

She was greeted by members of Council, as well as MP Terry Dowdall and Simcoe–Grey MPP Jim Wilson.

Mayor Rick Milne was first to address Deanne, before presenting her with a certificate on behalf of Council and the community.

“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of all members of Council and the residents of New Tecumseth to welcome Deanne Rose this evening,” he said. “Deanne is a fantastic ambassador for women’s sports in Canada and for New Tecumseth. She has harnessed the New Tecumseth community spirit and brought it forward to the international stage and tonight we offer our congratulations to her and the entire Canadian Women’s Soccer team for winning the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

“Just to compete at the biggest event in the world of sport is an achievement in itself, but to actually bring home the gold must be an unbelievable feeling for you and your teammates… It is a great source of pride for the Town of New Tecumseth that one of our home-grown athletes has competed for Olympic glory. There have been so many unseen years of training and sacrifice some right here in this very facility, that has led to this moment. You should be immensely proud of what you have achieved, and we are hugely proud to call you our own.”

Next to speak was MPP Wilson.

“Your Worship and members of Council, thank you for this opportunity to bring greetings and congratulations on behalf of the Province of Ontario to one of New Tecumseth’s most distinguished citizens. And Deanne, thank-you for the excitement and pride you and your teammates delivered for Canada in Tokyo this summer,” said MPP Wilson.

“Your stunning performance on the soccer pitch thrilled the country. I can’t conceive of how hard you’ve worked to reach the skill level you’ve achieved. Very few people have the courage, persistence and talent needed to be the very best in the world. I can only imagine the dedication, hard work and hours of practice you put in to hone the skills which have taken you to the top of your sport. Your efforts have paid off. Thank you for allowing Canada to share in your success. 

“I must recognize your teachers, coaches and, most of all, your family who have supported you from childhood on your journey to greatness. Be assured that nowhere are fans more proud of you than your friends here in New Tecumseth. We are honoured to call you one of our own. You are a talented athlete, a heroic role model and a remarkable human being.”

Before presenting her will a scroll in recognition of her achievements, MPP Wilson also remarked on Deanne’s future aspirations: “I look forward to following your career with Reading F.C. in the U.K. and I anxiously await the day that Canada establishes a professional women’s soccer league so that you can return to play in front of us in your home country. On behalf of myself and your community please accept my very best wishes for continued success in all of your future endeavours.”

In addition to her gold medal in Japan, Deanne has also earned a Bronze medal at the Rio Games in Brazil five years ago while she was still a student at St. Thomas Aquinas in Tottenham. She was the youngest woman in Canadian history to do so.

Deanne Rose’s other accolades include:

Represented Canada at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019

Won three Concacaf medals with Canada (2016 silver, 2018 silver, 2020 silver)

Represented Canada at two FIFA youth tournaments (U–17 at Jordan 2016; U–20 at Papua New Guinea 2016)

Deanne, who has now graduated from the University of Florida, is preparing for her professional soccer career in England with Reading F.C.

Deanne hopes to attend the 2024 Games in Paris.

By Wendy Gabrek

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