While the parade celebrations are long gone in Baltimore, celebrations continue for a hometown Super Bowl hero in New Rochelle.

On Feb. 3, New Rochelle gained a champion and created history as the Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice won Super Bowl XLVII.

On a bright Saturday in New Rochelle, the community gathered in celebration of Rice. In front of City Hall on North Avenue, hundreds stood together in honor of our local Super Bowl XLVII champion.

As Rice addressed his loyal fans, he reminded us that it was the people of New Rochelle that helped him become the person he is today.

“It takes a village to raise a child,” said Rice and with the support of his family and the inspiring role models that impacted his life, Rice exclaimed a proud thank you.

“Here is a man who never forgot where he came from,” said Mayor Noam Bramson.

Referred to as one of the best running backs in the NFL, Ray Rice has never let his fame and fortune get in the way of his roots. He continues to be a motivational leader and remains a true local of New Rochelle.

Rice was showered with gifts and praise as the city and organizations commented on his success. Part of the day was about encouraging the younger generation to be great, said Rice, and with a recent championship win from the New Rochelle High School basketball team, Rice did just that.

“I’m just excited to celebrate my hometown’s other recent champions, not just mine,” he said. “It just shows how much greatness is in our town.”

Rice will forever remain a hero for this town, as the mayor officially declared a Ray Rice Day. “The ring don’t lie and on Ray Rice Day, you will all get a chance to see,” said Rice.

On June 18 at New Rochelle High School’s McKenna Field, local families and children will celebrate Ray Rice Day, a day consisting of instructional football and games with Rice and other NFL players.

This celebration will provide an opportunity to young athletes to train and practice like the professionals. Over 500 kids will participate in the day’s events.

“Ray Rice has given something to this town: not only a Super Bowl championship but hope that the kids of this neighborhood can make it. To me that’s the most important,” said local resident and Ravens fan Adam Croner.

“To New Rochelle, we’re on the map,” said Rice. “One thing they can’t take away from us is that we have a Super Bowl champion in our town. We started from the bottom. Now we’re here.”