ParalympicsGB heroes toast Tokyo triumphs at Homecoming event

The glittering event, presented by Adam Hills and Josh Widdicombe at Wembley’s SSE Arena on Sunday 12th September 2021, was a chance for heroes like cyclist Dame Sarah Story (pictured with event co-presenter Adam Hills), swimmer Maisie Summers-Newton and cyclist and track athlete Kadeena Cox (Maisie and Kadeena pictured with Ellie Simmonds and Adam Hills), to relive their achievements and celebrate the team finishing 2nd on the medal table. In total, ParalympicsGB won 41 gold, 38 silver and 45 bronze medals.

With music provided by acts including Madness (pictured), Clean Bandit (pictured), Jamie Cullum (pictured), Sigma and Carla Marie (pictured) and James Arthur (pictured), the triumphant athletes made sure the Tokyo 2020 Games came to a euphoric end. They were joined by friends and family as well as 7000 lucky National Lottery players who had secured tickets to the Homecoming in a ballot.

Para-equestrian Natasha Baker (pictured), who won silver in the grade III individual dressage event in Tokyo, said, “It is absolutely buzzing here today.”

And Jonnie Peacock (pictured), who won joint bronze in the T64 100m in Tokyo, said, “For me, the best thing about today is just catching up with everyone again and being able to see everyone in a relaxed environment.”

One of the highlights of the Homecoming event was a performance by singer Birdy (pictured). She was accompanied by members of the Royal Ballet and Joe Powell-Main (pictured), who became the first wheelchair user to perform with the renowned dance company.

A 90-minute broadcast of The National Lottery’s ParalympicsGB Homecoming is available on All 4 until 12th October 2021.

16th September 2021