South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has paid tribute to the talent and dedication of the local athletes who took part in this year’s Olympics and Paralympics and the 2023 Special Olympics at a Civic reception held at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.
He was speaking at the first regional reception in honour of the sporting stars who won 24 medals across the three Games.
Olympic bronze medallists, Yasmin Harper and Cindy Ngamba, and Niall Guite, a gold and silver medal winner at the Special Olympics, were among the athletes in the audience to hear the Mayor and the Minister for Sport, Stephanie Peacock MP, praise their achievements.
The event took place at the Canon Medical Arena at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, also home to the English Institute of Sport Sheffield – the training ground for athletes whose sporting accomplishments at Paris 2024 were celebrated today, including Jack Shephard, Megan Shackleton and Billy Shilton.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “When it comes to sporting success our region has always punched above its weight. We have produced world-class sporting stars, from Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill to Ed Clancy and Bryony Page. They have shown us what is possible with hard work, determination, and unwavering support. They have made us proud.
“That is why our world-class sporting infrastructure is so important to our region. From local sports clubs to elite training facilities, like those here at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, South Yorkshire is equipped to nurture talent at every level.
“I want South Yorkshire to be a place where young people can stay near and go far, just as our athletes have done this year in Paris. We’ll continue to support and celebrate our sporting heroes and work together to build a healthier, happier and more prosperous South Yorkshire.”
Sports Minister, Stephanie Peacock, said: “As a South Yorkshire MP representing Barnsley South, I know the region has a brilliant sporting history, producing an incredible number of athletes. The 18 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.
“This Government is committed to continuing Team GB and Paralympics GB’s success, which is why we pledged £86 million a year to fund Olympic and Paralympic success, alongside £123 million going into grassroots facilities to support our champions of the future.”
Former world boxing champion, Johnny Nelson and 17 year old, Rowan Campbell-Pilling, a rising star of British motorsport from Sheffield, attended the event, along with the Chief Executive of Sport England, Tim Hollingsworth OBE, and business and civic leaders from South Yorkshire.
They listened to athletes share their experiences of taking part in the Olympics, Paralympics and Special Olympics in a series of interviews with Sports Presenter, Tanya Arnold.
Boxer, Cindy Ngamba, won a bronze medal for the Olympic Refugee Team. She 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.”
Trees commemorating the victories of the 17 medal winners 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.
