Please click here to download a map showing details of the parade route.
Leander Club’s Olympic athletes will get a heroes reception tomorrow (Saturday) in recognition of their efforts in Beijing.
Of the 15 Leander Club athletes, all made the final and 13 won medals, helping Great Britain to two gold, two silver and two bronze medals, the greatest haul for 100 years.
Organisers hope that the event, which includes a row past and an open-top bus tour through the town, can exceed the celebrations held four years ago.
Robert Treharne Jones, Leander Club press officer, said: “There is certainly more to celebrate this year. We topped the rowing medal table after having our most successful Olympic regatta and Olympics since 1908 which, interestingly, was held in Henley. The rowers have set the bar very high and it will be interesting to see how they progress in four years time.”
Alex Partridge, silver medallist in the eights and Louisa Reeve, bronze medallist in the pair, both of Leander Club, have been visiting schools around Henley giving pupils an insight into the life of competitive rowing and trying to and get them involved with the celebrations.
Starting at 8.30am with breakfast at Leander Club the Olympians will make their way to the River & Rowing Museum for a reception.
At 10.15am, spectators will get a chance to see the athletes take to the river for a row past between the museum and Upper Thames Rowing Club.
At 11.20am the Olympians will be accompanied by Mayor Cllr Gill Zakks on the open-top bus tour around the town. The Bodicote Royal British Legion band will be performing across the route which is as follows: over Henley Bridge, Hart Street, Bell Street, New Street, Riverside, Hart Street and Market Place, where the bus stops. The Olympians will then sign autographs, before a reception at the town hall.
At 1.35pm the bus returns the Olympians to Leander Club for an afternoon reception.
According to the Met Office, tomorrow’s weather will be dry but cloudy, which is sure to provide a great homecoming.
Mayor Gill Zakss, said: “I am looking forward enormously to Saturday. I urge the people of Henley to come out into the streets and show how proud they are of these wonderful athletes and role models.
“We have been visiting the schools and have handed out over 2,000 Union Jack flags to children. I would love to see every one of them waving on the pavement as the open top bus passes by.”
Published on 10 October 2008
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