WIREDGOV

Secretary of State for Wales Paul Murphy recently welcomed home Wales’s Olympic heroes as they were greeted by 2,000 fans in Cardiff Bay.

Joining in the celebrations Mr Murphy congratulated all the Welsh members of Team GB and spoke of the enthusiasm that was sweeping the nation ahead of the Olympics coming to London in 2012.

Mr Murphy said: “What these athletes have achieved really is exceptional. This is the best medal haul for Wales for almost 90 years and the athletes all deserve the recognition they are receiving.

“Prior to the games starting in Beijing there was some cynicism about the Olympics coming to London in 2012. The success of Team GB has shown that we now have athletes ready to take on the best in the world and bring home the gold medals, regardless of where they live in Britain.

“Seeing the crowd of Welsh people in Cardiff Bay today, welcoming home our own medal winning athletes shows how the Olympics can reach all parts of the United Kingdom. The last two weeks have inspired many young Welsh men and women, boys and girls, to try to fulfil their own sporting dreams. This will help us develop our next generation of gold star athletes who will build on this year’s achievements ready for 2012.”