Date confirmed for special Yorkshire homecoming parade to celebrate Olympic and Paralympic heroes

The amazing achievements of Yorkshire Olympic and Paralympic athletes in Rio will be celebrated in style later this month as part of a special Yorkshire homecoming parade in Leeds.

In what promises to be an unforgettable occasion, the people of Yorkshire will have the chance to welcome back their heroes in an event to be held in Leeds City Centre on Wednesday 28 September, from late afternoon. Organised in partnership with Welcome to Yorkshire, already confirmed for the event and parade, and with the support of other Yorkshire local authorities, include Leeds triathletes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee who memorably claimed Gold and Silver medals respectively in Rio, rower Paul Bennett and triathlete Vicky Holland.

Team GB enjoyed a sensational Olympics in Rio, with Yorkshire contributing 14 medals (5 Gold- 5 Silver - 4 Bronze) out of an overall medal total of 67. With the Paralympics still to come later next week, the county will once again be coming out in force to cheer on all local athletes in Rio.

Further details regarding the format of the homecoming event and athletes confirmed to attend, will be announced shortly.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake, said:

“Yorkshire is immensely proud of all its Olympic and Paralympic athletes and it is fantastic news that we will have the opportunity to congratulate them on their outstanding achievements as part of a special home coming parade to be held in Leeds on Wednesday September 28.

“The previous Leeds Olympic and Paralympic homecoming event which we held after London 2012 was a day which will live long in the memory, and we are excited as a city to welcome back athletes from across Yorkshire later this month.”

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

“It will be a privilege and a pleasure to welcome our heroes home. This is a terrific opportunity for the county to congratulate Yorkshire’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes after a hugely successful performance in Rio this summer. Yorkshire knows how to throw a party and this is certainly one not to be missed!”

Double Olympic Gold medallist Alistair Brownlee, said:

“To be greeted on your home turf by fans will be a real high after Rio. We can’t wait to bring home our medals to Yorkshire and to thank everyone for their overwhelming support.”

Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Gerry Harper, said:

“We are extremely honoured to have the chance to host a Yorkshire homecoming parade for our Olympic and Paralympic athletes in recognition of their extraordinary performances in Rio. The support that our local athletes receive from the Yorkshire public is simply unbelievable, and they can be guaranteed of a very special welcome home party on the 28^th.”

For media enquiries, please contact;

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

Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk

Jo Francisco - Senior Press Officer, Welcome to Yorkshire

Email: Jfrancisco@yorkshire.com

Direct: 0113 3223578 Mobile: 07769257327

Notes to editors:

This event does not replace homecoming celebrations that some councils are hosting for individual athletes.