Celebrations for London, Ont.'s Olympians to take place on August 28

London, Ont. -

After creating a buzz, London's athletes will be celebrated along with coaches and staff from the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, now that they're back in the Forest City.

Natalie Wakabayashi of Tourism London says, it will be "“A chance to hear their story. What was Tokyo like for them? What has their training been like leading up to it? And, how they’ve been able to soak in the moments that have made Londoners so proud.”

Guests will include:

• Miranda Ayim – flag-bearer for the Opening Ceremony and women's basketball team member
• Maggie Mac Neil – Olympic champion in the 100m butterfly, three-time medallist
• Susanne Grainger – member of the gold-medal winning women's eight rowing team
• Jennifer Martins – women's coxless four rower
• Damian Warner – Closing Ceremony flag bearer and decathlon champion

Ayim says athletes have really been in a bubble both before and during the games, so this will be a good change.

“Kinda insulated from the excitement and what’s going on. We felt the love for sure, but that’s why this celebration is going to be so fun, because we actually get to see our family and friends and the rest of London.”

Those interested must register online. Although the event will be free, capacity is limited to 3,300.

“We’re hoping everyone wants to come and be a part of it, and for those who aren’t able to be a part of it, we’re trying to look at solutions to make it accessible to all," says Wakabayashi.

Tickets will become available on Saturday, August 21 at 12 p.m. on a first come, first served basis.

A maximum of six tickets per person will be allowed with no walk-ups available on the day of the event.

All COVID-19 protocols will be enforced including mandatory masks and contact tracing.

Unfortunately, no autographs or individual photographs with athletes will be allowed.

Wakabayashi explains, “Unfortunately, we’d love autograph sessions, and personal photo lines, and all of that great stuff, but we’re in COVID times still and we’re going to have to pass those opportunities by, but there will be a lot of opportunities for cheering.”

EVENT DETAILS:

• Saturday, August 28, 2021
• Doors open at 11 a.m., ceremony begins at noon
• Labatt Park - 25 Wilson Avenue, London
• Must register online
• Free – limited six tickets per person with a maximum of 3,300 attendees
• No walk-ups for tickets day of the event
• No general parking on site – limited number of accessible spots

- With files from CTV News London's Marek Sutherland