News release

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 14

‘Rio Heroes’ signing up quickly to homecoming parade in

A host of athletes have already added their names to the list of attendees set to take part in a very special ‘Rio Heroes’ homecoming parade in Leeds this month celebrating the achievements of Yorkshire Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Held on Wednesday 28 September from late afternoon, the people of Yorkshire will be able to line the streets of the city centre and welcome back their stars as part of the parade organised in partnership with Welcome to Yorkshire. Those already set to attend include:

 Rowers Andy Triggs Hodge and Paul Bennett who both claimed gold.  World, European and Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft MBE who won gold in the Rio T34 100m final.  Diver and gold medallist, Jack Laugher.  Triathletes Alistair and who earned gold and silver medals respectively.  who won bronze in the .  Bronze medal gymnast, Nile Wilson.  Rowing Silver medallist, Zoe Lee.  Paralympian swimmer, Jonathan Booth.  Cycling Pilot Paralympian gold medallist, Adam Duggleby.

Details regarding the route of the parade are currently being finalised, with a further announcement set to be made shortly.

Corporate Communications, Civic Hall, Leeds LS1 1UR Phone: 0113 247 4328 Fax: 0113 247 4436

For more news and information from Leeds City Council visit www.leeds.gov.uk

General enquiries: 0113 222 4444

After a tremendous Olympics in Rio which saw Yorkshire athletes contribute 14 medals (5 Gold- 5 Silver - 4 Bronze) out of an overall medal total of 67 for Team GB, all eyes are on now on the region’s athletes starring in the Paralympics in Brazil.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake, said:

“There is already a real buzz of excitement around the Yorkshire Rio Heroes homecoming parade on the 28 September in Leeds, and it is great news to see so many of our amazing athletes already confirm their appearance.

“The Yorkshire public are never shy in offering their support to sports people from the region, and this parade is a fantastic opportunity to line the streets of and give our Rio heroes a welcome home reception to remember.”

Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire Sir Gary Verity, said:

“The response from our Yorkshire-based Olympians has been tremendous and this promises to be an unforgettable event to go down in history. We know the good people of Yorkshire will turn out in their thousands to cheer our heroes on and we’re looking forward to announcing the route very shortly.”

World, European and Paralympic Champion Hannah Cockroft MBE, who is from Halifax and trains in Leeds, said:

“The buzz here in Rio is incredible as I prepare to compete in my remaining races, I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of goodwill messages from fans back home. I’m so proud to be bringing back my 100m Gold medal for Yorkshire and hopefully a couple more, I can’t wait to be part of the homecoming parade!”

Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Gerry Harper, said:

“We have been overwhelmed by the interest in the Yorkshire Rio Heroes homecoming parade, and we are of course very proud that it is being held right here in Leeds.

News Release page 2 “All of our local Team GB athletes have done Yorkshire so proud and we cannot wait to see the celebrations on the 28 September when they come back for a homecoming parade not to be missed.” Notes to editors:

This event, which has been organised with support from other local authorities across the region, does not replace homecoming celebrations that some councils are hosting for individual athletes.

MEDIA ACCREDITATION:

Any members of the media wishing to attend the parade are asked to submit their individual requests to: [email protected]

Please note, due to numbers and logistics, all requests may not be approved or subject to alteration.

For media enquiries, please contact;

Colin Dickinson, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 39 51578

Email: [email protected]

Jo Francisco, Senior Press Officer, Welcome to Yorkshire

Email: [email protected]

Direct: 0113 3223578 Mobile: 07769257327

Marie Christopher, Senior Press Officer, Welcome to Yorkshire

Email: [email protected]

Direct: 0113 322 3537 Mobile: 07557 157 034

News Release page 3