Chance to celebrate with Olympic stars
CITY chiefs are hoping thousands will show how proud they are of Plymouth's Olympians, Paralympians and Games Makers at today's grand homecoming parade.
After an amazing sporting summer which gave us so many breath-taking moments, the parade through the city will be the last chance to celebrate and honour the achievements of those who took part – and those who helped make the London 2012 Games happen.
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Diver Tom Daley films the crowd with his phone as he takes part in a parade through London
Diving star Tom Daley, who won an emotional bronze medal in the 10-metre individual men's platform event, and 15-year-old Lithuanian swimmer Ruta Meilutyte, who sensationally raced to gold in the 100-metre women's breaststroke, will be among athletes taking part in the event.
Others confirmed include divers Tonia Couch and Sarah Barrow, swimmers Antony James, Jamila Lunkuse and Jade Howard, fencer Corinna Lawrence, synchronised swimmer Olivia Federici, wheelchair basketball player Judith Hamer and Paralympic table tennis star David Wetherill.
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Tom's diving coach Andy Banks and Ruta's swimming coach Jon Rudd will also be taking part.
Other dignitaries gearing up for the event include Lithuanian ambassador Dr Oskaras Jusys and Plymouth College headmaster Dr Simon Wormleighton.
Deputy council leader Peter Smith said: "Our Olympians, Paralympians and Games Makers have done a fantastic job and this is Plymouth's chance to say 'we are so proud of you'."
Organisers say they are hoping to see an estimated crowd of between 15,000 and 20,000 people this evening.
The event will culminate in the athletes taking to the stage set up outside the Guildhall, with live interviews being relayed to the Big Screen at Armada Way's Piazza.
Cllr Smith said the homecoming parade marked the end of an immensely successful summer for the city, which has played host to a number of large-scale events.
"You tick them all off and it's a job to even remember them all," he said.
"We began with the arrival of the Olympic Flame on the Hoe which drew around 50,000 people, then national Armed Forces Day with a further 60,000 on the Hoe.
"We've also had the Marine City Festival, FlavourFest and the Plymouth Seafood Festival, not to mention the International Book Festival, the National Fireworks Championships and the Jazz and Blues Festival.
"Add to that the Olympics and Paralympics on the Big Screen and the events have covered the entire spectrum – from arts, to music, to sport and food – and each of these events have been free for the public to enjoy.
"It's been a really positive summer, building on last year's British Art Show and America's Cup.
"All in all it's been a fantastic summer festival season in Plymouth and we hope everyone will come out to the homecoming parade and celebrate."
Estimated times for homecoming parade
5.15pm: Open top bus leaves Plymouth College in Mutley and heads to city centre, via Peverell Park Road, Outland Road, the Plymouth Life Centre, Alma Road, Pennycomequick Roundabout, North Cross Roundabout, Cobourg Street, Charles Street, Charles Cross Roundabout and Exeter Street viaduct (above Bretonside).
5.45pm: Bus arrives at the top of Royal Parade, where it will be joined by London 2012 Games Makers from Plymouth. The Games Makers will walk behind the bus as it travels down the Civic Centre side of Royal Parade. The bus will then turn left at Derry's Cross and head along Princess Way and Princess Street towards Plymouth Guildhall.
6pm: Bus arrives on Armada Way, outside the Plymouth Guildhall.
6.20pm: Athletes and selected Games Makers welcomed on to stage in Guildhall Square by Lord Mayor of Plymouth, before being interviewed live.
7pm: Civic Reception in Council House, hosted by Lord Mayor
Comments
by bluemoonboy
Thursday, September 20 2012, 4:02PM
“Blimey.......... Can't see Vivian Pengelley any where!!!!!!!”
by deputydog
Thursday, September 20 2012, 2:21PM
“used to love the name daley arthur daley that is but getting sick of it now is tom the only swimmer in plymouth i dont think so why is it always about him god help us if he ever becomes a tv presenter which he wants to do sharon davis was in the same class as my sister at plymstock school she never got all the hype then that smurf face is getting now and even now she is a celebrity but not pushed into our faces 24-7 and she is not big headed hope it wont be long before you fall off your pedestal tom”
by niugnepyzarc
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 4:34PM
“makes me laugh, they expect thousands of people do they? more like thousands of ****ed off people stuck in traffic jams because of this nonsense taking place during rush hour! seriously noone have any common sense at pcc? and yes I tottaly aggree, only in plymouth would a third place finish be worthy of an open top parade :P”
by normasnockers
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 4:31PM
“And the gold medal goes to the muppet who thought it would be a good idea to chuck this out as all we workers are on out way home after the daily slog!
Why wasn't this held either earlier in the day or at a weekend like Sunday morning. Those tht are really wanting to support the atheletes would turn up no matter what time or day.
Instead just clog up the only free road into the city at rush hour.
Muppertry well worthy of a gold medal!”
by ChezGuevara
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 3:44PM
“As if we didn't have enough traffic congestion at rush hour what with all the road works and the knock on effects from those road works.
But I would like to say well done Ruta Meilutyte. As for the other over-hyped Olympians, only in Britain would we celebrate coming third and hold a parade for it, even at Plymouth Council Tax payers expense.
If it was Premier League football, the manager would have been sacked for only coming third.”
by Asyouwouldbedoneby
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 2:12PM
“by BarryBTWednesday, September 19 2012, 12:07PM
"Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way - what other repetitive stories are there that are benig drummed in? Yawn"
Don't be too harsh. Its not everyday someone local gets a bronze medal.”
by BarryBT
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 12:07PM
“Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way, Tom Daley, Gydnia Way - what other repetitive stories are there that are benig drummed in? Yawn”
by naomi1978
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 11:20AM
“Gees could they have not chosen a better time for the bus to commence its journey? Rush hour traffic? Is not enough of this city at standstill without this procession in the middle of it. Good luck to them if they think they will get from Mutley to the City Centre via Outland Road in 30 mins.”
by naomi1978
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 11:12AM
“Gees could they have not chosen a better time for the bus to commence its journey? Rush hour traffic? Is not enough of this city at standstill without this procession in the middle of it. Good luck to them if they think they will get from Mutley to the City Centre via Outland Road in 30 mins.”
by Asyouwouldbedoneby
Wednesday, September 19 2012, 8:44AM
“I just hope Tom does not feel overshadowed by the ones who actually won gold medals.
Better luck next time. I know you can do it.”