The incredible performances of Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes at the Rio 2016 Games will be celebrated on October 17 and October 18 in Manchester and London respectively.
In an announcement made this morning, Sports Minister Tracey Crouch said the achievements of both teams “made the whole country proud so it is only right that we host fitting celebrations to mark their incredible performances in Rio.
The British Olympic Association will work alongside the government, British Paralympic Association, Manchester City Council and the Mayor of London’s Office on the details of the parade and celebration event with further information on timings to come.
Speaking after the announcement was made, Team GB’s Chef de Mission Mark England said: "This will be a very proud moment for all Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes and rich reward for such fantastic efforts at the recent Games in Rio.
“We appreciate the invitation from Her Majesty's Government and have no doubt Manchester and London's celebrations will be a fitting tribute and culmination of an incredible last couple of months.”
Team GB’s brilliant second place in the medal table saw Team GB become the first nation ever to win more medals in a Games immediately after hosting, with the haul of 67 at Rio 2016 following the 65 won at London 2012. Also Team GB won more medals across more sports than at London 2012. At Rio they won medals across 18 sports while in London they won medals across 16 sports.
On Sunday 18 September the Paralympics came to a close in Rio with ParalympicsGB winning 147 medals and finishing second in the medal table. The medal count was the highest since National Lottery funding was introduced for elite athletes in 1997. ParalympicsGB smashed their medal target of 121 medals and won medals across 15 sports.