Calderdale’s Rio heroes are being celebrated at a free homecoming event at the Shay Stadium in Halifax, on Tuesday 11 October at 6.30pm. Come along and share the pride in their amazing achievements at the 2016 Paralympic Games.
Halifax’s own Hannah Cockcroft, and Mytholmroyd based Steve Bate will be attending, along with Steve’s tandem cycling partner, Adam Duggleby.
‘Hurricane’ Hannah surpassed her amazing medal total from the London 2012 games, by winning three gold medals, in the 100 metres T34, the 400 metres T34, and the 800 metres T34.
Steve Bate is also a multiple medal winner, with two gold medals in the cycling road time trial B and the cycling track men’s 4000 metres individual pursuit, as well as a bronze in the men’s road race B.
The event will also celebrate the fantastic achievements of other Calderdale athletes, Karen Darke, who won gold in the women’s cycling road time trial H1- 3 and Harry Brown, who won bronze in the wheelchair basketball team. Unfortunately Karen and Harry are unable to attend due to other commitments, but members of their family will be at the event on their behalf, with Harry’s brother Jack and Karen’s mum and dad attending. The event will be hosted by comedian, after dinner speaker and comedy writer, Pete Emmett.
The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Howard Blagbrough, who will be on stage at the Shay, said:
“It’s a real honour to welcome our athletes back to Calderdale, and I’m privileged to be able to celebrate their achievements at this wonderful event.
“We want to share this memorable occasion with as many people in Calderdale as possible. Over 3000 people came to the 2012 celebration event, so make sure you get there early to get the best view of the stage.
“We’d also like you to share your pride and photos of the event by taking to twitter and using #RioHeroes, we’ll then retweet our favourites from the @calderdale account.”
The Mayor of Hebden Royd Town Council, Cllr Tony Hodgins is also attending the free event.
Turnstiles open at 5.30pm for a 6.30pm start, with refreshments available to purchase. There is very limited car parking on site, so please make alternative transport arrangements if possible and allow time for the nearby road works on Shaw Hill.
If you require accessible parking and wheelchair access, please email sport@calderdale.gov.uk with your requirements.