Civic reception set for Paralympic golden girl Eleanor
Date Published : 09 October 2008
Walsall-born golden girl Eleanor Simmonds will be treated like a VIP when the borough’s Mayor hosts a civic reception to mark her triumph in the Paralympic Games.
The 13-year-old swimmer won a gold medal in the 100-metres and went on to smash her own world record when she won her second gold in the women’s S6 400-metre freestyle in Beijing last month.
Eleanor is based in Swansea during the week where she does all her training and returns to the family home in Walsall at weekends.
A civic reception will be held in the Mayoral Suite on Friday October 31 at 2pm.
Eleanor has been asked to invite her friends and family who will be able to rub shoulders with Walsall councillors who are keen to hear all about her successes.
The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Tom Ansell, said: “Walsall is really proud of Eleanor and we were all cheering her on in the Paralympic Games in Beijing.
“It is only fitting that we recognise her outstanding achievements and we have been looking forward to hosting a civic reception to do just that.
“We are also hoping she will be able to switch on Walsall’s Christmas lights if her school commitments in Swansea allow this.”
Councillor Louise Harrison, Walsall Council Cabinet member for leisure and culture, said Eleanor’s performance had been an inspiration for young people of all ages and abilities.
“I hope other young people will see what she has achieved and be encouraged to follow their dreams and ambitions too,” she said.