Mansfield’s Olympic and Paralympic Homecoming celebration is set to be a medal fest with our local athletes winning a combined total of seven medals.
The event on Tuesdayin Mansfield’s Market Place, will celebrate the achievements of Rebecca Adlington, Ollie Hynd, Sam Hynd, Charlotte Henshaw and Chris Adcock.
Mansfield’s Olympic swimmer, Rebecca Adlington took her first bronze in the London Aquatic Centre in the Women’s 400m Freestyle and then took her second in the 800m Freestyle.
Ollie Hynd, who swims with the Mansfield Nova Squad, brings back the full collection of medals from the Paralympics – gold, silver and bronze. Ollie won gold in the SM8 200m individual Medley, silver in the S8 Men’s 400m Freestyle and bronze in the S8 100m Backstroke.
Fellow Mansfield Nova Paralympic swimmer, Charlotte won silver in the SB6 100m Breaststroke and was just three hundredths of a second from taking gold, which was won by Ukrainian’s Viktoriia Savtsova.
Sam Hynd, whose swimming roots are in Mansfield but now trains in Swansea while at university, scooped his bronze in the S8 400m Freestyle.
Team GB Olympic badminton player, Chris Adcock, who played for Mansfield Badminton Club from the age of eight through his junior career and has been supported by the Armchair Club for as long as he can remember, represented GB as part of the mixed doubles. Chris and his partner Imogen Bankier won the first set in both their first rounds, but lost to German pair Michael Fuchs and Birgit Michels.
In the run-up to the event, there will be face painting from 3pm, stilt walkers from 4pm in and around the Market Place and 2,000 flags will be given out.
Dance duo Twist and Pulse, who were the runners-up in 2010 Britain’s Got Talent, will take to the stage from 6pm. Twist (Ashley Glazebrook) and Pulse (Glen Murphy) pioneered a new genre of dance called Streetomedy - a combination of streetdance and comedy.
Twist and Pulse are the only artists to have performed at all 66 Olympic Torch Relay Evening Celebrations and also performed at the Basketball, Badminton and Volleyball at the Olympics.
Each of the athletes will then take to the stage, while clips of them competing in the Games are shown on big screens.
There will also be a Sports Village on West Gate from 4pm-5.30pm, where people who have been inspired by this summer’s Games can find out more about local clubs and how to get involved. Some of the sports clubs attending include:
North Notts Hockey Club
Mansfield Maulers Wheelchair Basketball Club
Mansfield Giants Basketball Club
Mansfield Harriers and Athletics Club
Sherwood Swimming Club
Mansfield Swimming Club
Mansfield Lawn Tennis Club
Serco Leisure - for information about activities and membership at the District’s five leisure centres.
Wheelchair users who want to attend are asked to contact Mansfield District Council to reserve a place on a raised viewing platform. Places must be booked in advance on 01623 463 376 and are available on a first come first served basis.
Executive Mayor Tony Egginton said: “For each of these athletes to represent Great Britain at the Olympics and Paralympics is a massive achievement. However, for these athletes to return with a combined total of seven medals is extraordinary and shows Mansfield and Nottinghamshire is in a league of their own for producing top athletes.
“We want to ensure we recognise the huge efforts our athletes contribute to their sport and this homecoming celebration will give local people the opportunity to show their support and enjoy the success of Rebecca, Ollie, Charlotte, Sam and Chris. I’d encourage everyone to come along and join in with the celebrations.”
Due to the required preparation for the event, the market will not take place on this day but will return as normal the following day.
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