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October parade to honour heroes of the Games
Danny Brierley, Evening Standard19 Aug 2008
Britain's Olympic heroes are to be paraded through London to mark the nation's best medal tally since 1920.
Mayor Boris Johnson announced plans for the event as Britain celebrated 13 gold medals and cyclist Bradley Wiggins was racing for a 14th.
At least two more gold medals could follow before the main games end on Sunday, making it Britain's best performance since 1908.
Wiggins and the rest of Britain's athletes will be honoured at a parade on Thursday, 16 October.
The details are still being drawn up but the parade is likely to end in Trafalgar Square.
Several high-profile music acts are to be asked to play at the event which will rival that given to England's Ashes winning side in 2005. Thousands turned out to cheer Michael Vaughan's side after their win over Australia.
Given the huge interest in the Beijing Olympics, many more are expected to turn out to welcome Britain's athletes.
Mr Johnson said: "Just over half way through the Beijing Games and Team GB has put in one of its best ever performances.
"In September our Paralympians will, I hope, return from Beijing having achieved similar success. So to reflect the excitement and pride of the country in our athletes' superb victories, we've set a date in the diary now when we can cheer all our heroes and honour their extraordinary feats at this summer's Games."
Simon Clegg, the British Olympic Association's chief executive, said: "We are delighted that the Greater London Authority has decided to honour the team. This is a fitting tribute to the outstanding achievements of the whole team, who have collectively so far delivered Team GB's most successful Olympic Games since Antwerp 1920."
Phil Lane, the ParalympicsGB chief executive, said: "Our team begin to fly out this week as the final preparations for the Beijing Paralympics are put in place and we're confident that when the team return to the UK, we will have many reasons to celebrate."
Reader views (4)
The 16th October is creeping up on us, please can we have details, times venue etc of the parade. The train is booked and we are raring to go.
- Janice Grayson, Leeds West Yorkshire, 02/10/2008 19:33
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I am looking to take a school trip to this parade so would like the approximate start time if possible?
Anyone know?
Many thanks
- D Groom, Northampton, England, 22/09/2008 12:22
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please can you advise the time of the parade and route on the 16 oct for the olympic parade
- Sarah Wyles, devon uk, 17/09/2008 12:35
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I would like to know the route. It makes everyone feel national pride again and hopefully will encourage more people to try just that bit harder so we can achieve even more when we have the games here in Britain.
- Mrs J A Kidd, Poole Dorset, 17/09/2008 11:35
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