Wollongong is planning a big welcome home for our Olympians on September 3.
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The Illawarra community is being encouraged to turn out for a civic event in Crown Street Mall on the Saturday morning to honour all 16 Olympic athletes who have done the city and region proud.
Athletes from the region include Aaron Royle, triathlon, Blake Govers, hockey, Caitlin Foord , football, Casey Sablowski, hockey, David and Emma McKeon, swimming, Emma Tonegato and Nicole Beck, Rugby Sevens, Ruby Sevens, Grace Stewart, hockey, Jarrod Poort, swimming, Madeline Hills, athletics, Michelle Heyman, football, Ryan Bailie, triathlon, Ryan Gregson, athletics, and Shane Rose and Sue Hearn, equestrian.
The welcome is being coordinated by an Illawarra Pilot Joint Organisation involving Wollongong City Council, Illawarra Academy of Sport, Illawarra Mercury and WIN TV.
Long distance swimmer Jarrod Poort attended the announcement on Friday because he is going to be in Hawaii participating in a Black Dog charity event. But Poort handed Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery a gold Australia shirt for the athletes to sign as a momento of the occasion. He said all the local Olympians were really honoured by the gesture and thanked the community for all the support it gave them during the Rio games.
Cr Bradbery will officially welcome home our regional sporting heroes from the Rio de Janiero games in Crown Street Mall at 10am on September 3. He said they had all given their all and represented the Illawarra so well on the global stage. He said they were all great ambassadors and worthy of everyone coming out to a special celebration to cheer and celebrate their wonderful efforts.
“I encourage all community members and all past Olympians to come along, wear your green and gold, and cheer on these wonderful athletes. We are incredibly proud that Wollongong swimmer Emma McKeon was the most decorated athlete in the Australia team bringing home four medals – a gold, two silver and a bronze. “Congratulations also to Nicole Beck and Emma Tonegato who brought home gold in the Rugby Sevens. I am delighted that these athletes will be presented with Keys to the City of Wollongong at this celebration event,” he said.
Cr Bradbery said September 3 and 4 would be a busy weekend with the heats of Illawarra’s Top Model on both days and the Bravo Challenge. He encouraged the use of public transport.
Cr Bradbery also wished the region’s Paralympians well for the 2016 Paralympics starting in Rio de Janiero on September 7. Local athletes for that event include basketballers Brett Stibners and Shawn Russell.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
