STEVEN KNIGHT MEDIA
  • Home Page
  • SKM News Views & Blog
  • Behind The Picture
  • Enthusiasts Archive
  • Contact us

​Rail industry honours Team GB and ParalympicsGB heroes

18/10/2016

 
Britain’s rail industry joined forces today to transport 350 Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes from Manchester to London as part of nationwide celebrations of their Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games success.
The athletes’ journey today was made possible by Virgin Trains, Caledonian Sleeper, GB Railfreight and Network Rail, which each offered their services free of charge.
The Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes enjoyed a celebratory ‘welcome home’ parade on the streets of Manchester yesterday.
Early today they boarded their two trains from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston for celebration events at Trafalgar Square.
Mark Carne, chief executive of Network Rail, said: “It is our privilege to help honour our Team GB and ParalympicsGB heroes. They did us proud in Rio. We hope we did them proud today, too.”
Phil Whittingham, managing director of Virgin Trains on the west coast, said: “Team GB and ParalympicsGB are an inspiration to us all, a great example of what can be achieved when you aim high. That’s why we had no hesitation in playing our small part in their richly deserved homecoming celebrations.”
Ryan Flaherty, guest experience director of Caledonian Sleeper, said: “These remarkable individuals are extraordinary role models for us all, so we are humbled that we are able to play a part in recognising the true appreciation we have for their efforts.”
John Smith, Managing Director of GB Railfreight, whose locomotive pulled the Caledonian, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to participate in the celebrations with Team GB and Paralympics GB. Huge congratulations to our athletes for their outstanding achievements this summer.”  
A red carpet was rolled out at Manchester Piccadilly station today for the Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes.
As they boarded their trains the Transpennine Express Choir sung and local school children waved them off.
On board the Caledonian Sleeper serving refreshments to the athletes was Martin Frobisher, Network Rail’s West Coast route managing director, who said: “I was inspired by these Team GB and ParalympicsGB heroes over the summer. Serving them croissants and coffee today was a great honour and, frankly, the least I could do.”
Waiting beside the platforms at Euston were 10 red double-decker London buses, which took the athletes on to Trafalgar Square. 

Comments are closed.

    Steven Knight

    Steven Knight is a Transport Specialist who has over 40 years experience in the bus and rail industries as well as in specialist transport journalism. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists.

    Archives

    January 2021
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home Page
  • SKM News Views & Blog
  • Behind The Picture
  • Enthusiasts Archive
  • Contact us