TEAM GB’s success at the Paralympics has prompted councillors to launch a campaign for Redditch to hold a special reception for the borough’s medal winners.
With Claire Cashmore taking a gold and silver medal in the 2016 games, Coun Bill Hartnett (Lab, Church Hill) is urging the authority to honour her triumphs along with the others who have come from the town.
And he said there also ought to be a Worcestershire celebration to celebrate the Paralympians from across the county who performed well in Rio.
“I raised the idea of a celebration with the district and county leaders last week, that we should honour the tremendous achievements of Team GB.
“There was Claire Cashmore, our own golden girl who brought home a gold and a silver medal and we should celebrate the success of everyone who took part.”
She said: “I have had strong races and have achieved good times in all my swims. I was disappointed not to achieve my dream of a gold in the 100m breaststroke, but I am pleased with my silver medal.
“The atmosphere in the pool was brilliant, the Brazilians made lots of noise.
“After the games, I will be off seeing the sights of Brazil with my boyfriend.
“Thanks again to all my supporters.”
A County Council spokesman said: “I can confirm that we are planning a celebratory event for both the Olympians and Paralympians. It’s still in the early stages of planning so we can’t confirm any details at present but there is definitely a joint celebration event happening.”
A Redditch Borough council Spokesman said: “Local athletes will be inspired by the successes of Team GB at the Rio Paralympics. Members want to formally congratulate Redditch’s gold and silver medal-winning swimmer Claire Cashmore, so we hope to do something locally here soon in addition to any countywide celebrations that may be arranged.”
