NI's Olympic And Paralympic Stars Golden Homecoming Celebration

Time is running out to secure your spot at the Paris Celebration Event, a spectacular homecoming celebration for Northern Ireland's Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

This event, taking place on Thursday, October 3rd at the SSE Arena in Belfast, will honour the achievements of local competitors who brought home a record-breaking haul of medals from the Paris Games.

Fans will have the opportunity to cheer on gold, silver, and bronze medallists across a wide range of Olympic and Paralympic disciplines. The event promises to be a night to remember, hosted by BBC's Stephen Watson and Olympian Aimee Fuller, with lively music from DJ Pete Snodden and singer Ryan McMullan.

Sports Minister Gordon Lyons said: "This event will be a celebration that is open to all. And I'm extending the invitation to everyone to come along and be part of this historic gathering.

"The sense of pride we feel in our Olympians and Paralympians, participating in a range of sports for both Team GB and Team Ireland, is something we all share.

"It's an opportunity for us to join together and applaud all those who took part in a remarkable chapter in our sporting history. The athletes have spoken about the support they received during the competition, and how much it spurred them on. They have said they will welcome this chance to say, ‘thank you' to the people who supported them throughout their Olympic and Paralympic journeys." World Champion Boccia player and three-time Paralympian Claire Taggart said: "It was great to see so many athletes from Northern Ireland compete and excel at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics and I am proud to count myself among this amazing group of athletes. Of course, I was disappointed not to win a medal at the Paralympics but that's the nature of sport sometimes – particularly at the highest levels.

"Every single one of us has been on a journey, and we are all privileged to be part of Northern Ireland's sporting history. It's important to say thank you to those who came along with us - be they family, coaches or supporters – and this celebration event will give us that opportunity. I hope our experiences will resonate with people and inspire the next generation of Paralympians."

George Lucas, Chair of Sport NI said: "It was an inspirational summer of sport thanks to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and we can't wait to come together on the 3rd of October to celebrate all of our incredible athletes from Northern Ireland.

"At Sport NI we are tremendously proud of our Olympians and Paralympians. This success does not happen overnight and is the result of not just years of dedication and commitment from the athletes themselves, their coaching teams and their families but also a strong sports system that provides the right opportunities and support. This celebration event is an opportunity to congratulate our athletes, and everyone who has supported them along the way.

"Their performances have no doubt inspired the next generation of athletes and also encouraged more people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport and physical activity by joining their local clubs, making new friends and enjoying the many health benefits of sport."

The Paris Celebration Event is a celebration of sporting excellence, a chance to express gratitude to the athletes, and an inspiration for future generations. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of history! Tickets are just £1 and available through Ticketmaster.ie and the SSE Arena Belfast website.