Homecoming event for Welsh Olympic and Paralympic heroes announced

Welsh competitors and medallists who took part in the Rio Olympic and Paralympic games will be welcomed home by the First Minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones and National Assembly’s Llywydd, Elin Jones, on Thursday 29 September.

The free public event will take place between 5-7pm outside the Senedd, with carnival style entertainment, including samba band and dancers, along with members of Principality Only Boys Aloud Academi 2016 to entertain the crowd. BBC Sports presenter Jason Mohammad will be the compere for the event.

Anyone wishing to attend the homecoming event is asked to arrive at the front of the Senedd by 5pm.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said:

“Our Welsh athletes played a big role in the outstanding achievements of Team GB and Paralympics GB in Rio de Janeiro. In the Olympics Welsh competitors secured a record medal haul and Welsh athletes made up 10% of Paralympics GB. Once again we have shown Wales truly is a Nation of Champions and are able to produce sportsmen and women who can rise to the occasion and perform on the world stage.

“The homecoming event later this month is an opportunity for the nation to thank these truly inspirational athletes for the joy they have brought to Wales this summer.”

Elin Jones AM, Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales, said:

“On behalf of the National Assembly for Wales I look forward to celebrating the wonderful success of our Olympians and Paralympians on a national stage here at the Senedd. So many people across the country have enjoyed their performances, and were filled with pride by a record-breaking medal haul. They are sure to inspire the next generation of Welsh sporting greats and I hope many people will to join us in paying tribute to them.”

Mark England, Team GB Chef de Mission for Rio 2016, said:

“As a proud Welshman it was a joy to see Wales contributing significantly to the wider Team GB medal tally, and with nine medal winners it is fair to say the nation outperformed expectations. We are incredibly proud of them all as we are of the contribution of the Welsh sporting system to Britain’s success.”

Pippa Britton, Chair, Disability Sport Wales said:

“We are very proud of the performances of all of our Welsh Paralympians in Rio.  It has been a golden summer for Welsh sport, and once again our athletes have represented the nation with great pride and determination.  They have made a significant contribution to the overall success of the Paralympics GB team and we now look forward to an inspirational homecoming at the Senedd where we can thank them for their efforts as well as recognising their individual achievements.”

Dr Paul Thomas, Chair of Sport Wales, said:

“Our Welsh athletes have exceeded our expectations and given us some unforgettable sporting moments, against iconic Rio backdrops, which will live long in the memory as great moments in Welsh and British sport.

Sporting greats such as Jazz Carlin and Becky James reminded us of why they are so deserved of medals while Olympic and Paralympic first-timers including Chloe Tutton and Sabrina Fortune are examples of the bright new stars Wales has every right to be excited about. We know the athletes are an inspiration to young people in Wales and are role models for their determination, commitment and work ethic, as well as their huge sporting talent. Many will be looking ahead to the Commonwealth Games in Australia’s Gold Coast in 2018 and we’re excited for them and ready to support them in their quest for more Welsh medals.

“The homecoming is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their amazing achievements in Rio and the people, including their dedicated families,  that have helped them to get where they are. Then it’s back to training and on to the next competition for there’s little rest for athletes at the top of their game!”