Exeter to Hold Parade for Victoria Arlen

Exeter's Victoria Arlen, who won a gold medal and three silvers in the 2012 London Paralympics earlier this month, is getting a parade.

The 17-year-old Arlen attends Exeter High School. She recently came back from London.

The parade will be held Oct. 13, according to town officials. It will include a ceremony at Swasey Parkway.

"We certainly want to honor Victoria," Town Manager Russ Dean said when town officials were discussing the idea of a parade. "It's a great story."

Arlen, who lost the use of her legs after being afflicted with the spinal cord disease transverse myelitis, swam to a first-place finish the 100-meter freestyle. She set a world record in the process.

Arlen also won silver medals in the 50-meter freestyle, the 400-meter freestyle, and the 4 X 100-meter freestyle relay.

Her school is holding a celebration for her this Friday. Gov. John Lynch is expected to attend.