Olympians and Paralympians honoured at reception

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard welcomed the athletes

Athletes from South Yorkshire who took part in this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, alongside those who competed at the 2023 Special Olympics, have been honoured at a civic reception.

The region's mayor Oliver Coppard welcomed about 100 guests to the event at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, where many of the athletes trained.

Diver Yasmin Harper and boxer Cindy Ngamba, who both won bronze at the Olympics, were at the event along with Niall Guite, who took gold and silver in cycling at the Special Olympics.

Coppard said the region had always "punched above its weight", paying tribute also to the region's sports stars Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Ed Clancy and Bryony Page.

He said: "They have shown us what is possible with hard work, determination, and unwavering support. They have made us proud."

He said South Yorkshire's "world-class" sporting infrastructure showed the area was equipped to "nurture talent at every level".

Cindy Ngamba said Sheffield had welcomed her "with open arms"

Barnsley South MP and Minister for Sport, Stephanie Peacock said she knew the region had a "brilliant sporting history, producing an incredible number of athletes".

"The medals won at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics by athletes born, living in, or training in South Yorkshire is testament to the great work being done across the region."

Other athletes honoured at the event included para-badminton player Jack Shephard and Paralympic table tennis players Meghan Shackleton and Billy Shilton.

Trees commemorating the 17 athletes who won medals at Paris 2024 have also been planted at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.

Each tree has a plaque made of Sheffield steel, engraved with their name and accomplishment.

Cindy Ngamba said: "Sheffield has welcomed me with open arms.

“My training for the Olympics took place here, at the GB Boxing facility. They provided me with everything I needed to compete and perform at an elite level in such a difficult sport.

"Their staff, coaches, physiotherapists and psychologists pushed me to my limit.

"This allowed me to be the best I could be, to go out onto the world stage and show everyone what I was capable of in boxing. I'm grateful for their support.”

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