Organizers hope community spirit will shine brightly on Saturday (July 7), when Londonbound athletes are the guests of honour at a special party.

The community is gathering for Lift-Off to London, honouring the Fraser Valley athletes and coaches who will represent Canada at the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Among the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic athletes scheduled to attend are Braedon Dolfo, Lauren Barwick, Eleonore Elstone, Dorothy Ludwig, Dustin Walsh, Dylan Williamson, Nathan Dewitt, and Paralympic Athletics Team Canada head coach Laurier Primeau.

Speakers include Paralympian Kelly Smith (Athens, 2004) and Olympian Kevin Mitchell (Beijing, 2008) and various Fraser Valley dignitaries.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the dedication and accomplishments of these regional Team Canada members, coaches, and mission staff will be recognized.

The event will take place at Willoughby Community Park, just south of the Langley Events Centre, 7888 200th St.

The festivities will kick off at 11 a.m. with sport demonstrations and family entertainment, and everyone is welcome.

Visitors are urged to wear Canada clothing.

The first 50 people to arrive in Canada gear (ie. hat, shirt, sweater, or other apparel) will receive a WE CAN London 2012 keepsake rally towel.

Just drop by the PacificSport tent.

The schedule is: 11 a.m. - sport demonstrations/try-its, entertainment, and activities including a large bouncy slide (courtesy of Gymnastics BC), and sport caricatures.

11: 30 a.m. - opening ceremony including athlete introductions and guest speakers, followed by a closing ceremony.

noon - athlete autographs, sport demonstrations, and entertainment.

Name placards for each Fraser Valley London-bound athlete will be available for everyone to sign their well wishes.

The event is being put on by PacificSport Fraser Valley, in partnership with the Township of Langley and the LEC.