Manitoba Olympians and Paralympians who participated in Rio 2016 were honoured and welcomed home Friday night.
The Canadian Sport Centre Manitoba held a victory lap celebration dinner.
“We’re celebrating the Manitoba Paralympic and Olympic athletes on their return from Rio and welcoming them to the community of Olympic alumni here,” said Jeff Powell, the general manager of Canadian Sport Centre Manitoba.
Five Rio 2016 athletes shared their experiences at the event, including gymnast Isabella Onyshko, triathletes Tyler Mislawchuk and Chantal Givens, road cyclist Leah Kirchmann and sitting volleyball player Leanne Muldrew.
Powell said that when it comes to Manitoba athletes, Rio 2016 was exceptional.
"This year, probably had the highest number of Manitobans at an Olympic games, ever. It was actually a very successful quadrennial for Manitoba athletes," said Powell.
Several Rio 2016 support staff members were also in attendance.
“It’s an opportunity for them to get to know some of the other folks from the province that have travelled the same journey that they have and have experienced some of the same things and know that there are others out there like them and see that we all supported, and cheered and enjoyed watching them during their time in Rio,” he added.
