SUNDERLAND’S OLYMPIANS AND PARALYMPIANS will be honoured by their home city on Monday (12 December).
The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Alan Emerson, will present specially commissioned medals on behalf of the city to the sporting champions at a special civic reception held in their honour in the Mayor’s Parlour 5-6.30pm.
Invitations have been sent out to all the region’s champions, with all those not able to attend being sent their commemorative medals at home.
Long distance runner Alyson Dixon, Yachtsman John Robertson, swimmers Josef Craig and Matt Wylie, boxers Josh Kelly and Pat McCormack will join trampoline gymnast Kat Driscoll to represent their Olympic and Paralympic team mates from Rio 2016 at the ceremony.
The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Alan Emerson, said: “Our athletes’ enjoyed unprecedented success at Rio 2016 and it is only right we recognise their massive contribution to local, national and international sport.
“They all represented our city, our region and our country with such distinction, and this is our way of thanking them and commemorating their achievements.
“All those living and training here in Sunderland are an inspiration to the future generations of sportsmen and women in our communities, and I am honoured to present them with these specially commissioned civic medals in recognition of their contribution to the life of our city.”
The Mayor, Cllr Alan Emerson added: “I am sure that I speak for many city residents when I say that you all have made Sunderland and indeed the North East very proud. I would like to wish you continued success in your future career and I am sure there will be more honours to follow.”
Based on the existing medals presented to the Sunderland’s Honorary Aldermen appointed to be the city’s civic representatives alongside the Mayoral Office, the medals will be presented at the Mayor’s discretion, to anyone who makes an outstanding contribution to the life of the city and their community.
Media opportunities; Monday 12 December 5.30 – 6.30pm. Mayor’s Parlour, Civic Centre, Burdon Road, Sunderland. The Mayor, Cllr Alan Emerson, will be available with his guests for photographs/interviews. Please contact 561 1139 to confirm your attendance so arrangements can be made prior to your arrival.