Hundreds welcome Paralympic stars back to Hereford (From Hereford Times)

Hundreds welcome Paralympic stars back to Hereford

1:48pm Saturday 29th September 2012 in Local News By Ian Morris

MEMORIES of Great Britain’s Paralympic success were relived when hundreds packed Hereford’s High Town to welcome back the county’s star athletes.
 

The temperature may have dropped a few degrees since the beginning of September when Sascha and Nyree Kindred, Josie Pearson and James Bevis wowed the watching millions with their medal-winning performances, but the supporters were just as enthusiastic as those who had packed London’s Olympic Stadium.
 

Sue Williams, 38, from Newton Farm, Hereford, said she thought it was important to recognise the athletes’ efforts.
 

“We did not have the opportunity to make it down to London so coming here and showing our support was the next best thing.”
 

Lewis Skyers and Lee Brunton were also in High Town this afternoon to represent Team GB’s blind football team.

The footballers, who train at the Royal National College’s Point4 centre in Hereford, were the reason why Otto Mendelsson had travelled to the city from his home in Ross-on-Wye.

The 10-year-old Ashfield Park Primary School pupil was on holiday in Spain for most of the Paralympics but managed to watch as much of the football as he could. 

Councillor Olwyn Barnett, the chairman of Herefordshire Council, said the numbers that turned out today proved what people really think of the county's success in London.

She added: “Our athletes did the UK proud but also Herefordshire proud. They are true diamonds in a diamond county."

Councillor Brian Wilcox, the Mayor of Hereford, confirmed that the four athletes, along with blind football captain Dave Clarke, would receive a formal commendation from the city council.

There will be more on this story - including pictures - in next week's Hereford Times.