Nottinghamshire turned out in force in celebration of the county’s Rio heroes

Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead and Olympic hockey champion Helen Richardson-Walsh arrived on NCT buses named in their honour alongside a star studded line-up of Nottinghamshire’s finest athletes. They were greeted with cheers from a large crowd who were poised to get the chance to meet their idols, with young fans rushing to get their autographs and pose for pictures. The event, hosted by the East Midlands Conference Centre, was organised by Sport Nottinghamshire, with support from Tiffin, Nottingham City Transport, Code Print, Expereince Nottinghamshire, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council. Deputy Chair at Sport Nottinghamshire, Melanie Berry, said: “This has been an excellent opportunity to meet some of Nottinghamshire’s finest sportsmen and women. “Having these athletes all here today is such a privilege, we can all take something from their stories and it’s an amazing opportunity for the kids to meet their idols. “Nottinghamshire has so many fantastic people in sport and today is a fine example of what we have achieved, and a strong indication of more to come.” Other athletes in attendance included Paralympic swimming superstars Ollie Hynd and James Crisp, equestrian champion Sophie Wells MBE, 100m gold winner Sophie Hahn, weightlifter Natalie Blake, wheelchair tennis player David Phillipson and European champion gymnast Ellie Downie. After the athletes arrival, they were interviewed in the EMCC auditorium by master of all things Olympic and Paralympic, Mark Shardlow. The audience were given an insight into the highs and lows of the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics. After the chat-show, guests were given further opportunity to meet the stars and hold their medals at an indoor tea party which had games and activities for both parents and children.