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Stockport holds torch to world-class athletes

Matthew Davis
17/ 9/2008

STOCKPORT’S Olympic heroes were given a reception to remember by the Council at the Town Hall.

Gold medal-winning cyclist Jamie Staff and silver medallist swimmer Keri-Anne Payne were among those who met the Mayor of Stockport, Coun Pam King.

Fellow swimmers Michael Rock and James Goddard, 16-year-old gymnast Hannah Whelan and archer Charlotte Burgess were also honoured at the civic reception where they met group leaders, representatives from Stockport Sports Trust and Council officers.

The athletes were presented with a special Stockport tribute - a commemorative medal celebrating the Town Hall’s centenary - in front of all the councillors in the Council Chamber.

"It has been great," said Stockport Metro swimmer Keri-Anne. "The borough has always had a long line of success in past Olympics. But after these games with the medals we bought home we are definitely up there with the best especially the Metros.

"It is great to have a reception like this - I can’t believe how many people turned up to see us and say congratulations. It is so nice that Stockport is recognising its athletes. We went out there to perform for Stockport and the country and it nice to know they appreciate and recognise our achievements."

Jamie Staff, who was born in Kent but now lives in Disley, said: "It is a real honour. Stockport is my adopted home I have had a great time here, except for the weather. So to be recognised by the Council is fantastic.

"I am sure the interest that we all generated out in Beijing will carry on until London 2012 and I think the Government and local councils will be writing open cheques to get facilities up and running and giving full support to the athletes in the coming years."

Coun Pam King added: "I would like to congratulate all borough-based Olympic competitors for their outstanding efforts at the Beijing Olympics and wish all Paralympic competitors the best of luck. They have brought immense pride to the whole of the borough."

Fellow borough-based Olympians swimmer Cassie Patten and Metros coach Sean Kelly, cyclist Paul Manning, and Paralympians cyclist Anthony Kappes and swimmer Matthew Walker were all away competing and will be honoured at a later date.

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