Kamo parade to host sport heroes

Logistical problems have stymied plans for a public parade or reception in Whangarei for the district's Olympians and Paralympians who took part in this year's games in London.

The Whangarei District Council has been investigating holding a parade or reception, but a council spokeswoman said logistical problems, including many athletes not being around at the same time, had put an end to those plans. However, a special float containing some of the Olympians and Paralympians will take part in the annual Kamo Christmas parade on November 24.

Whangarei Paralympian Cameron Leslie won a swimming gold medal and Fiona Southorn a cycling bronze medal at the London Paralympics. Whangarei also contributed almost one third of the Black Sticks women's hockey team at the London Olympics this year.