McAllen proclaims July 3 as Shaine Casas Day

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — July 3 has officially been named Shaine Casas Day in McAllen.

It was a surprise for his family, who gathered to thank the community for supporting the Olympic swimmer.

Family and donors all united as they met Shaine's mother and the whole family while watching presentations of his journey.

Throughout the event, fans continued to buy items with his name to support the family's efforts to raise money so his mom could see him compete in Paris.

Shaine’s mom, Monica Epling, and her other sons were all in attendance.

“I am excited," Epling said. "I haven’t even thought about going, and I honestly didn’t think I would get the time off from work and it seemed like a long trip and it seemed like something that I would be able to do. Now, that I actually know I will be able to do I am getting excited as I have a little bit of time to process everything.”

Epling says she is not prepared yet to watch her son compete in front of a worldwide audience. She prefers watching him compete at home by herself.

In all, the family has raised more than $12,000.

In a surprise to the family, the event held to honor donors turned out to be one honoring Shaine himself. In McAllen, July 3 is now known as Shaine Casas Day.

His older brother, Sean, says he is thankful and delighted with the city’s recognition.

“I am glad that she is able to go and be there for Shaine and be supportive of him," he said. "I'm glad that everyone is really showing love. This is a surprise to find out Shaine Casas Day. He is really going to be excited about that.”

McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos says the city is doing everything it can to motivate the community to help the family get to Paris.

Although the city cannot use tax dollars for the cause, he does say that proclaiming Shaine Casas Day is a way the city can honor his commitment.

“It doesn’t matter if he brings back a medal or not anymore. To us, he is a champion," Villalobos said.

One thing clear is that Shaine is already leaving a legacy. His 9-year-old cousin, Tanner Pitchford, has now gotten into swimming thanks to him.

“I want to follow in his footsteps," Pitchford said. "I have just been swimming for like one year, I think, and I am trying to be like him when I grow up.”