NI event to honour Olympics and Paralympics athletes

BBC Sport

A record seven medals were won, including four gold, in the Paris Olympic games

An official homecoming celebration for Northern Ireland’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes will take place in October, it has been announced.

The Paris Celebration Event is to take place at the SSE Arena in Belfast on 3 October.

The event aims to mark the success achieved by local competitors.

Sports Minister Gordon Lyons said “every local athlete who took part in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris is an inspiration”.

A record seven medals were won, including four gold, in the Paris Olympic games.

Eight athletes from Northern Ireland took part in the Paralympic Games.

Competing for Team Ireland, Daniel Wiffin won gold and bronze, Rhys McClenaghan won gold and Philip Doyle won silver.

For Team GB, Hannah Scott and Jack McMillan won gold while Rebecca Shorten won silver.

PA Media

Daniel Wiffen attended a homecoming event for Irish Olympic athletes in Dublin in August

On Wednesday, Lyons said: “In terms of the medals won, this was a benchmark Games for our athletes in both Team GB & NI and Team Ireland. I’m pleased to say many of those who graced the podium in Paris will be attending this event.”

He said the event is about “marking the Olympic journey of all those who took part”.

“These exceptional individuals made it to the Games after years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice,” the minister continued.

“All those who participated can be quite rightly proud of their role in Northern Ireland’s sporting history.

“This is an opportunity for us to come together and applaud all those who helped to set new standards in sporting excellence.”

Reuters

Claire Taggart competed for Team GB in the Paralympics

There have been a number of homecoming events to mark the success of local heroes following the Games.

One such event was hosted by Ards and North Down Council in Conway Square, Newtownards, to celebrate the 10 athletes from the borough who competed in the Olympics in Paris, including McClenaghan and McMillan.

October’s event will be hosted by BBC Sport NI’s Stephen Watson and tickets are released at midday on Wednesday.

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