PHOTOS: Nesconset Gives Warm Sendoff to Olympic Racer

Nesconset residents rallied behind local Olympian on Tuesday night to give her a warm send off for the 2012 London Games. 

Suffolk County Leg. John Kennedy joined by his colleague Leg. Tom Muratore, R-Ronkonkoma, presented Michta with a check for more than $2,000 in donations raised in the community to help send the Olympian's family over to London to watch her compete. 

"In Nesconset, we like to honor our hometown heros. Tonight, we have an unprecedented honor and priviledge to call on this stage, Maria Michta, our very own Maria Michta, hometown Olympic competitor," Kennedy said. 

Donations came from various Nesconset nonprofits and businesses organizations including Sundried Tomato, Mancini Architecture and $1,000 from the FeelGood Foundation, a Nesconset-based nonprofit organization that aids 9/11 first responders and their families. 

"It's no small financial contribution. After tonight, with donations from the Nesconset community and the FeelGood Foundation, the family's hotel and flights are going to be fully funded by the community. Originally it was only going to be her mom and I going over to watch her," said Joe Coffey, Michta's fiance. 

Kennedy, R-Nesconset, also presented Maria with a proclamation from the Suffolk County Legislature to recognize her accomplishment of being selected to compete in race walking at the 2012 Olympics. 

The Olympian stayed for the summer concert accepting hugs and well wishes from local residents, signing autographs and soaking in the local support before she heads to London Wednesday. 

Nesconset residents can continue to follow Michta during the Olympics by visiting her blog.