File Photo A tribute banner to Don Reinhoudt, who graduated from Fredonia Central School in 1963, will be unveiled by the school’s Athletic Department next week.

A tribute banner to Don Reinhoudt, the “Gentle Giant,” who graduated from Fredonia Central School in 1963, will be unveiled by the FCS Athletic Department next week.

In coordination with the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, the athletic department will have a ceremony at halftime of Fredonia’s home football game against Southwestern. Opening kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Orange Bowl.

The banner will be permanently displayed on a wall in the Fredonia High School gymnasium.

Reinhoudt tragically died in a car crash on July 3, 2023. He was 78. His death sent shockwaves throughout Chautauqua County.

A seven-time World’s Strongest Man, the holder of multiple powerlifting records and titles, and an inductee of eight halls of fame, including the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame, Reinhoudt was a legend in the sports history of his home county.

Reinhoudt was also a larger-than-life figure to thousands of Chautauqua County school children who were mesmerized by his feats of strength and his equally powerful motivational messages delivered during his 25-year tenure as director of Chautauqua County’s Youth Bureau.

Prior to the football game, friends of Reinhoudt are invited to reminisce and share stories at an informal get-together at Old Main Inn, 24 Water St., Fredonia. The social event starts at 5 p.m.