​ Mayor hosts celebration event for local gymnast Rhys McClenaghan following success at European Gymnastics Championships in Turkey

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas has hosted a special celebration event at Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex in Newtownards, for world champion gymnast, Rhys McClenaghan.

The athlete from Newtownards added the European pommel horse crown to his world title, after securing gold for the second time at the European Gymnastics World Championships in Antalya, Turkey last month.

Rhys’ family and friends were joined by familiar sporting faces such as Lady Mary Peters and Olympic boxer Paddy Barnes for the event, as well as local children from Regent House School in Newtownards.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas said:

“I am delighted to host this celebration event for Rhys McClenaghan today. The sacrifices Rhys has made to get him to this point in his gymnastics career cannot be underestimated. His continued hard work and dedication to the sport he loves is incredibly inspiring. 

“Rhys is an exceptional role model for our younger generations and it’s great to see so many school children join us here today. These young people are witnessing first hand that with hard work, and perseverance anything is possible, and their sporting dreams can too, become a reality.

“I continue to wish Rhys every success in his sporting career and will continue to follow his achievements with keen interest. Rhys is a great ambassador for our Borough and beyond.”