Elma Celebrates Jake Kaminski Day

ELMA, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Town of Elma honored one of its native sons today, declaring Friday "Jake Kaminski Day."

Kaminski will compete for the United States at the 2012 Olympics later this month in both the individual and team archery competitions.

After growing up in Elma, Kaminski moved to Florida for a year when he was 17.  He spent the next six years training at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in California, before making his first Olympic Team this year.

During that six year span, Kaminski says he grew frustrated, so he tattooed the words "I am" on his left hand, reminding him to continue working toward his goal.

"It's just a statement, an affirmation, that 'I am' whatever," said Kaminski.  "And now I am an Olympian."

Archery hands out the first medals in this year's Olympic Games, set to begin later this month in London.