Homecoming celebrations are taking place this week to celebrate the success of Northern Ireland’s athletes at the Olympics in Paris.
Six athletes took home several Olympic medals for Team Ireland and Team GB at this years event.
Stormont Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said he is “looking forward to celebrating their success and showing our appreciation” with plans for those who competed at the Olympics already being progressed.
A Department for Communities spokesperson said: “We are planning a reception in Parliament Buildings for all our Olympians and Paralympians following the Games.”
Swimmer Daniel Wiffen made history, becoming the first Northern Ireland athlete to win an individual gold medal since 1972.
The 23-year-old from Magheralin won gold in the 800m freestyle and bronze in the 1500m freestyle.
Magheralin Community Association is hosting a ‘Welcome Home Event’ for the Olympian Gold and Bronze Winner on Tuesday 13th August in St Patrick’s Parish Hall from 7pm-8.30pm.
Those attending will have the opportunity to meet Daniel and have photographs taken.
Daniel, who had been due to be a flagbearer at the closing event, was instead rushed to hospital after falling ill on Sunday.
On Monday he said he was“feeling better”.
The 23-year-old competed in the 10km open water swimming event in Paris on Friday morning.
The water quality in the River Seine was an issue for the Olympic organisers with the men’s triathlon event having to be postponed for 24 hours during the first week of the Games.
Speaking on X, formerly Twitter, the Magheralin man said: “Thanks everyone who reached out, I’m incredibly disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to be flag bearer last night.
“Yesterday I rushed to hospital as I was very unwell with a bug that I am being treated for, and am feeling better now. I hope everyone enjoys the evening and I hope to be well enough to [see] everyone when we get home.”
In Co Down plans are underway to welcome home Rhys McClenaghan, who clinched gold for Team Ireland with his outstanding routine in the pommel horse final.
The 25-year-old gymnast from Newtownards completed what is considered a gymnastics’ Grand Slam - World, European, Commonwealth and Olympic golds.
Meanwhile rower Philip Doyle was the fourth athlete from the north to win a medal.
The 31-year-old from Lisburn picked up a bronze in the men’s double sculls with partner Daire Lynch.
In Team GB Gold medal winner Hannah Scott is set for a triumphant homecoming in Colerain on Wednesday 14 August.
The 25-year-old was part of the women’s quadruple skulls crew that edged out the Netherlands following a dramatic finish.
Bann Rowing Club is hosting a meet and greet followed by a parade from Bridge Street at 3.30pm making its way through the town centre and concluding at the Town Hall for a private reception.
The Club said: “We look forward to your support en route to the Town Hall to celebrate this historic occasion for Hannah, the club, Coleraine and Northern Ireland.”
Belfast rower Rebecca Shorten was the fifth athlete from Northern Ireland to win a medal at the Paris Olympics.
The 30 year old won silver along with her Team GB team-mates in the women’s four final.
Bangor swimmer Jack McMillan won gold in the 4x200 relay.
