Jason Smyth strikes gold in post box campaign

The ‘Usain Bolt of the Paralympics’ will be given a hero’s welcome in his home village of Eglinton this Saturday, 15th September, and Royal Mail today said work would begin to convert the village postbox to gold in the morning.

There had been doubt as to whether Jason’s incredible achievements would be marked by Royal Mail, which had indicated that Eglinton would not get the honour as the sprinter had represented Team Ireland rather than Team GB. Jason had campaigned for Eglinton not to be overlooked and had said that Team GB had not responded to his original request to represent them.

A twitter campaign was widely supported.

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has welcomed the news that Royal Mail will be painting the postbox in Eglinton gold in honour of Jason Smyth tomorrow morning.

Mr Durkan this week lobbied Ministers at Westminster (including the new Minister responsible for Royal Mail Michael Fallon MP) and the Head of Public Affairs at Royal Mail (wait for it) David Gold over the issue.

Mr Durkan said:

“I am delighted that Royal Mail has listened to the genuine sentiments of the people of Eglinton regarding the painting of their local postbox gold in honour of Jason’s remarkable achievements at the London Paralympics.

“I am glad that Royal Mail has now acceded to this and have realised their previously clumsy position.”

Londonderry’s Mayor, Kevin Campbell will be among those to welcome Jason home following his success in the Paralympic Games when he raced his way to 100m and 200m gold success.

Jason is expected to arrive in the village at around 3.30pm on Saturday where he will be greeted by the Mayor, members of the local City of Derry Spartan athletics club and local school children.

Paying tribute to Jason Smyth, the Mayor said he hoped the public would come out to show their appreciation for Jason and his wonderful achievements. He said he was delighted the Council was working in partnership with the Eglinton Community Forum to acknowledge Jason’s achievements.

“Jason Smyth is a truly remarkable athlete and sports personality and a real credit to his family and coach. It was very emotional watching him race during the Games and great to see the fantastic reception he received from the spectators. He is a great ambassador for sport and to young people across our city by the way he disciplined himself to train so intensively despite his degenerative eye condition. We are delighted to be part of his welcome home celebration and to formally acknowledge his achievements,” he said.

Jim Logue and Gerard O’Donnell, from the Eglinton Community Forum, who is organizing the homecoming event, said there is great excitement in the village ahead of the homecoming parade and welcome event.

“We are delighted to be welcoming Jason home. We have been following his career for years now and feel very proud of him. He is a great ambassador and a fantastic sports person and he deserves a homecoming to remember. We are delighted that the Council has come on board to provide us with financial assistance for this event and to have the Mayor attending to welcome him home. We hope to see hundreds of people from across the local area to come along to show their support and appreciation of Jason.”

The Mayor added that he also intends to organize a civic reception in Jason’s honour next week.