Glittering homecoming for games stars

HIGH Peak residents have been urged to turn out in force on Friday, October 5 for a civic reception honouring homegrown heroes who shone brightly in the London Paralympics and Olympics.

Pride of place in The Octagon, in Buxton’s Pavilion Gardens, will go to Chapel-en-le-Frith cyclist Anthony Kappes who struck gold in the Paralympics in the tandem sprint.

But High Peak’s world-beating cyclist will not be the only local hero to be congratulated by Mayor Pat Jenner at the reception organised by the Borough Council.

Because the spotlight will be shone also on other Olympians, Paralympians, torch bearers and games makers from the area.

Starting at 7.30pm, the event will pay tribute to 17-year-old wheelchair basketball star Maddie Thompson, from the Hope Valley, and Olympic gymnast Jennifer Pinches, aged 18, from Whaley Bridge.

Laurels will also be heaped on torchbearers Bill Weston MBE and Mike Taylor, from Buxton and New Mills respectively, while recognition will be made of Buxton Community School students who gained a reputation as the A Team for their magnificent efforts working with Paralympic track and field athletes in the Olympic Stadium.

To set the seal on a memorable red carpet celebration, the reception will also feature the announcement of the winners of High Peak’s 2012 Sports Awards.

Council leader Caitlin Bisknell said: “High Peak is renowned for its sporting prowess so I was not at all surprised to see local athletes figuring prominently at the Olympics and Paralympics.

“But the story doesn’t end there because we also had two torchbearers plus several games makers whose boundless enthusiasm helped make the summer of sport so special for those lucky enough to attend events in London”, she pointed out.

Anthony McKeown, executive councillor for community services, said: “I’ve no doubt that residents will turn out in force to help us pay tribute to our local heroes – and to salute the stars of tomorrow when they receive their sports awards”.