Flintshire civic honour for Olympians and Paralympians

Jade Jones screams with joy after landing her taekwondo gold at London 2012

A civic reception has been staged in Flintshire to honour athletes who competed in the Olympics and Paralympics.

Jade Jones, 19, of Flint, won taekwondo gold and Bev Jones, 37, from Shotton, landed bronze in Paralympics discus.

Other Paralympians honoured were Amy Brierly, 23, who competes in sitting volleyball, and table tennis competitor Scott Robertson, 36.

A special presentation was held at Mold's County Hall on Tuesday.

The reception followed a public reception in Cardiff earlier this month which honoured all Welsh athletes who competed in the Games.

"We are proud of all our Olympians and Paralympians, and it is fitting that Flintshire County Council recognises the world class achievement of these athletes," said Ann Minshull, chair of Flintshire council.

Freedom

The athletes received a standing ovation when they entered the council chamber.

Hundreds of people in the town of Flint turned out last month to officially welcome home Jade Jones.

Last week friends from Flintshire Disability Forum (FDF) held a celebration for Bev Jones, who has competed in three previous games.

Robertson, from Mancot, has also represented his country at three previous Paralympics.

Meanwhile, it was the first Paralympics for St Asaph-born Brierly, now living in Deeside.

With other 40 caps to her name she was encouraged to try the sport by the Federation of Disability Sport in Wales.

On Friday, double Olympic gold medallist Tom James, 28, from Coedpoeth, is to be granted the freedom of Wrexham borough in recognition of his achievement at the London 2012 and Beijing 2008 Games.

The freedom is the highest award any council can give an individual, group or organisation, although it has no special privileges or rights.