Eglinton celebrates Jason Smyth

The keynote speaker, Athletics NI President, Gerry Carson, “Indeed, since Jason won his first sprint title at Beijing in 2008, he has the distinction of never having been beaten in a career which so far has seen him compete in four Paralympics Games.”

"Jason does not just win gold medals," the ANI President stressed: “He sets records galore! Paralympic World Records in both sprints in London 2012, then again at the European Championships another sprint double with records in Berlin in 2018 and other records in the World championships in Lyon, France in 2013 -the 200m, and then later the 100m in Dubai in 2019.”

Jason who went to primary school in the village, and paid tribute to his wife Elise and his family for their support and thanked the people of Eglinton who have always been to the fore in celebrating his achievements.

“Jason is a true role model for athletes everywhere, both those in Para- athletics and able-bodied sport," Mr Carson said. “His aim is to demonstrate that no matter what the disability, with courage, determination and above all, commitment, anything is possible.”

Christopher Jackson the Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane Council, also paid tribute to Jason and thanked him for his success at all levels of athletics and the honour that he brought to sport and communities everywhere.