City of Kent honors Paralympian medalist Jaleen Roberts

After Mayor Dana Ralph proclaimed Jaleen Roberts Day in Kent, the 2024 Paralympic silver and bronze medalist responded about how much the city means to her.

“It’s truly an honor,” Roberts said at the Sept. 17 City Council meeting. “My athletic career began when I first played sports at Wilson Playfields with soccer and T-ball. I’ve lived in Spokane and San Diego, but Kent will always be home. It’s always nice to come back here.”

Roberts, 25, took a silver in the long jump at the Paris Paralympic Games and a bronze in the 100 meters. She had a mark of 15 feet, 6 inches Sept. 1 in the long jump. X.Y. Wen, of China, won at 17 feet, 8 inches. Roberts finished the 100 in 13.29 seconds on Sept. 5. Wen won in 12.52. Roberts also took fourth in the 200 with a time of 27.99.

“We don’t get to honor medalists very often here in the city,” Ralph said. “We are very, very proud.”

Roberts, a 2017 Kent-Meridian High School graduate, became a four-time medalist this year after taking silver in the long jump and 100 in the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021.

Roberts, a 2021 graduate of Eastern Washington University in Cheney with a degree in health and physical education, was recognized for her incredible achievements, perseverance and determination that continues to inspire countless others. Roberts was born with cerebral palsy because of a stroke at birth, and that condition impaired her muscle strength and coordination.

“Her journey began here in Kent,” said City Parks Director Julie Parascondola at the council meeting. “We call her a park and rec kid.”

While attending Mill Creek Middle School and Kent-Meridian, Roberts competed in wrestling, gymnastics, basketball and track.

In addition to playing youth sports in Kent, Roberts served on the city Parks and Recreation Commission while attending high school.

“You’ve made us incredibly proud as an athlete and role model in our community,” Parascondola said.

Kathleen Roberts, the mother of Jaleen Roberts, told city leaders the role Kent has played in their lives.

“Thank you to the city of Kent,” Kathleen Roberts said. “I was a single mom most of Jaleen’s life. The city has been a village for her and my younger daughter. Thank you for the opportunities you have given her. She was raised here, so thanks to the city of Kent for everything you’ve done for her to make her who she is today.”

Ralph enjoyed the response by Jaleen Roberts.

“The last thing you said was Kent will always be home,” Ralph said. “That makes us so proud. Thank you for taking us on the journey and representing us so well.”