Jason joins Team GB for London celebrations
9:08am Tuesday 11th September 2012 in News
BOLTON golden boy Jason Kenny took his place among Britain’s sporting heroes in the athletes’ parade in London.
Well-wishers packed the streets of the capital to cheer on the Olympic and Paralympic medallists for the final time yesterday.
Double gold medallist Kenny stood shoulder to shoulder on float seven with other Team GB cyclists Sir Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and his Olympic sweetheart Laura Trott.
About 800 athletes boarded 21 floats, grouped in alphabetical order by their sport.
The stars of the gold medal stars of “Super Saturday” — Mo Farah, the 5,000m and 10,000m, heptathlon winner Jessica Ennis and long jump champion Greg Rutherford — were in the first three floats, which departed from Mansion House just after 1.30pm following a fanfare of trumpets.
The crowds were a sea of red, white and blue as fans waved Union flags at the passing floats with many donning patriotic fancy dress for the occasion.
Although Farnworth-born Kenny only just made the ceremony after jetting back to the UK on Sunday night from a holiday in Dubai with his girlfriend Laura Trott.
His father Mike said: “We wondered whether he’d make it back in time from Dubai for the big parade but he did. I’m sure it will be great day for him with lots of flag waving and a nice way for all the athletes to end the Olympics.” The former Mount St Joseph pupil is also set to take part in the Sky Ride Bolton event on Sunday .
The free cycling event will take in some Bolton landmarks during the 5k route, including Bolton Town Hall and Queens Park. The roads will be traffic free from 10am until 4pm, allowing participants to cycle at their own pace.
Jackie Brennan, British Cycling recreation manager, said: “We’re really excited Jason will be joining us at Bolton’s first Sky Ride city event. It was amazing watching him win double Olympic gold in what has been a phenomenal summer for British cycling.
“We’re very proud that Jason will be joining us in Bolton and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone who’s been motivated by Team GB’s success out on their bikes.”
Bolton steeplechaser Stuart Stokes also attended the celebrations.
For more information, go online to goskyride.com/boltonSkyRide.
