BEIJING silver medallist Wendy Houvenaghel is set to return to her native Upperlands next week.
Villagers are today busy preparing a celebration for the 33-year-old, who finished second behind GB team mate Rebecca Romero in the 3000 metre individual pursuit.
The South Derry village where the former Wendy McLean grew up is expected to come to
a standstill on Wednesday, September 3, at 7pm.
School friends who attended Ampertaine Primary and Rainey Endowed Grammar with Wendy will attend the event.
There will also be a special guest whose identity is a closely guarded secret.
A number of activities are being lined up to entertain the large crowd of well wishers.
Wendy, a daughter of Philip and May McLean, will have a chance to show off her medal to the crowd when she is paraded on an open top bus through the village to The Linen Hall Centre.
A spokesman for the organisers said: "This is going to be a very special occasion for us all in Upperlands.
"Her progress in the Olympics was closely watched by us all and we cheered her on in the final.
"Wendy comes from a decent and highly regarded family and we all want to pay tribute to Northern Ireland's latest sporting hero."
The full article contains 214 words and appears in Mid Ulster Mail Magherafelt newspaper.
