Good luck message from Leeds as athletes go for Paralympic Games glory

A number of the sporting stars representing the ParalympicsGB team at the Games were either born in Leeds or have other links with the city.

And, ahead of the event’s opening ceremony in Paris tomorrow (Wednesday, August 28), they have been told they are already winners as far as people back in West Yorkshire are concerned.

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

“Every single person taking part in the Games, including those flying the flag for Leeds, should feel immensely proud of what they have achieved.

“We’ll be watching and cheering them on throughout an event that will illustrate once again how sport can bring people together and write inspirational stories.”

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, said:

“Leeds is a diverse and inclusive place where everyone is encouraged to make the most of their talents.

“This means we are very much in tune with the values of the Paralympics and I’m sure, therefore, that the whole city will want to wish our athletes the best of luck in Paris.”

Key members of the ParalympicsGB team include Leeds City Athletic Club wheelchair racer Hannah Cockroft and Leeds-born cyclist Kadeena Cox.

They are looking to add their own memorable chapters to the sporting success story that saw Team GB clocking up 65 medals at this summer’s Paris Olympics.

Leeds medallists at the Olympics included mountain biker Tom Pidcock, cyclist Katy Marchant and rower Georgie Brayshaw.

An invite-only civic reception for the city’s Olympic and Paralympic heroes is due to be held in Leeds later this year.

Further details about the reception – including a date for the event, which will be timed to fit in with the athletes’ various diaries – will be confirmed by the council as soon as possible.

Two of the most famous spots in Paris – the Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Elysées – will provide the setting for the Paralympics opening ceremony, with the sporting action then set to run until September 8.

ENDS