A chance to celebrate our hometown heroes

Fan festivities have kicked off to celebrate Waipā’s hometown heroes, as they get ready to take on the world’s best at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Waipā residents are being called on to celebrate and get behind the athletes by videoing their messages of support. The clips will be a part of the Waipā Home of Champions good luck video for the Olympians and Paralympians heading to Paris.

Mayor Susan O’Regan said the whole community can get involved from schools to retirees and businesses to community groups.

“We’ve got more than 40 athletes that live and train in Waipā, Home of Champions, headed to the Games, and that number is likely to grow when the Paralympic team is announced.”

To get involved, send a three to five second video of yourself or your group cheering on Waipā’s hometown heroes to Waipā District Council.

“There is something special about the Olympic Games and this year even more so given the number of Waipā athletes competing. We really want to show how proud we are of their efforts,” O’Regan said.

The business community are also being asked to soak up the spirit of the games and show their support by decorating their shop and office spaces.

“We want to create something special around the Games, to foster support and community pride. Bringing people together strengthens our sense of unity, and together we can show our support for these athletes from halfway around the world."

“Our locally trained athletes are representing not just New Zealand but also our district. It’s a massive accomplishment worth recognising and celebrating.”

Council has partnered with the Grassroots Trust Velodrome to create Waipā’s official fan zone.

The Waipā Fan Festival event will take place on Sunday, August 4 from 9am-12pm at Grassroots Trust Velodrome, Cambridge.

Supporters can test their speed against local athlete times and book a “have a go” session on the track.

“There will be fun activities for the whole family, food trucks and Velodrome tours. There will also be guest appearances from previous Olympic medallists as well as some Paralympians before they head off for the Paralympics in August,” O’Regan said.

To get involved and find out more visit waipadc.govt.nz/welovewaipa