‘Rio Heroes’ signing up quickly to Yorkshire homecoming parade in Leeds

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 Jonny Brownlee who earned gold and silver medals respectively.
• Vicky Holland who won bronze in the triathlon.
• Bronze medal gymnast, Nile Wilson.
• Rowing silver medallist, Zoe Lee.
• Paralympic swimmer, Jonathan Booth.
• Paralympic Cycling Pilot gold medallist, Adam Duggleby.

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

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 Leeds city centre 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!”

Gold medal winning rower Andy Triggs Hodge, said:

"It’s great to see so many athletes taking part in the parade. This is going to be a proper Rio reunion!

“I’m really looking forward to it and it’s going to be nice to share our success with our friends, family, and everyone who cheered us on in Brazil."

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.

“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: parade@yorkshire.com

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 51578Email: colin.dickinson@leeds.gov.uk

Jo Francisco, Senior Press Officer, Welcome to Yorkshire

Email: Jfrancisco@yorkshire.com

Direct: 0113 3223578 Mobile: 07769257327

Marie Christopher, Senior Press Officer, Welcome to Yorkshire

Email: mchristopher@yorkshire.com

Direct: 0113 322 3537 Mobile: 07557 157 034