Members of the jubilant ParalympicsGB team attended a reception at Buckingham Palace yesterday, hosted by Her Majesty the Queen in recognition for their achievements in Beijing last summer.
Around 380 athletes and staff from the British Beijing Paralympic team attended the event, including nine-time Paralympic gold medal equestrian Lee Pearson, gold medal winning shooter Matt Skelhon and swimmers turned cyclists Jody Cundy and Sarah Storey – who both won two golds in Beijing.
Double gold medal-winning teen swimming sensation Ellie Simmonds made the trip to the Palace for the second time in a week – having also met the Queen on February 18 to collect her MBE.
All the athletes that competed in the Beijing Paralympics last year were invited to attend the reception as well as sponsors’ representatives and members of the support teams that made a vital contribution to the success of the British team’s performance.
Phil Lane, Chief Executive of ParalympicsGB said: "We’re delighted to have been invited to attend the reception at Buckingham Palace, which was a superb way to honour the outstanding achievements of all our athletes and staff.
“I would like to thank the Palace for welcoming us yesterday - the atmosphere at the event was fantastic, everyone really enjoyed themselves and relished the opportunity to meet Her Majesty.”
Shooting gold medallist Matt Skelhon was among the visitors making his first trip to the palace. He said: “It’s always nice to have time off training to celebrate and what an amazing way to do it. I’d never thought I’d have the opportunity to come to Buckingham Palace and meet the Queen.”
Fourteen year-old Ellie Simmonds, who made her first visit to Buckingham Palace last week, said: “It’s just as special to come here again today and see how lovely it is inside.”
Lee Pearson added: “It’s really nice to be recognized in this way – as athletes you often train hard for 365 days a year and it really does keep your morale up to be able to come and do things like this.”
As well as the Queen and Prince Philip, ParalympicsGB Royal Patron, the Earl of Wessex, was also in attendance at the reception, having travelled to Beijing to watch the Games last September.
The ParalympicsGB team won 42 golds, 29 silver and 31 bronze medals to finish second only to the dominant hosts China at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.
