A homecoming event for athletes from Northern Ireland who represented Team Ireland and Team GB at the Paris Olympics is to take place at the SSE Arena next month.
The event was announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons to take place on Thursday October 3, with a selection of local athletes to attend on the night.
Seven medals were won by athletes from the North at the summer games, with the SSE Arena event intending to mark the “extraordinary success” of local Olympians.
The region scooped four gold medals, a silver and two bronzes at the Paris Olympics, the most ever in a Games and the first gold since 1988.
The gold medallists included gymnast Rhys McClenaghan and swimmer Daniel Wiffen competing for Team Ireland and swimmer Jack McMillan and rower Hannah Scott competing for Team GB and Northern Ireland.
Tickets to the event will go on sale at midday on Wednesday 18 September and will cost £1.
Stormont Communities Minister Gordon Lyons described all the athletes from the Olympics and Paralympics as an “immense source of pride”.
“Every local athlete who took part in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris is an inspiration,” he said.
“To have made it to the highest echelons of their chosen sport is a remarkable achievement in itself.
“In terms of the medals won, this was a benchmark Games for our athletes in both Team GB and NI and Team Ireland. I’m pleased to say many of those who graced the podium in Paris will be attending this event.
“But this is about marking the Olympic journey of all those who took part.
“These exceptional individuals made it to the Games after years of hard work, dedication and sacrifice.
“Collectively, across a diverse range of sports, their efforts stand as an extraordinary accomplishment - and an immense source of pride for everyone cheering their progress.
“All those who participated can be quite rightly proud of their role in Northern Ireland’s sporting history.
“This is an opportunity for us to come together and applaud all those who helped to set new standards in sporting excellence.”
Hosted by BBC’s Stephen Watson and Olympian Aimee Fuller, the event will also feature music from DJ Pete Snodden and singer Ryan McMullan.
