Western Morning News (Saturday)
City to bestow honour on diver Daley
PLYMOUTH diver Tom Daley will be made an Honorary Freeman of the City of Plymouth.
Council Leader Nick Kelly made the announcement at a Cabinet meeting and confirmed a formal decision will be made at a special meeting of the council on September 13.
Daley is being formally recognised not only for his amazing achievements in diving, but also as an ambassador for the city of Plymouth.
He has competed in four Olympics, most recently winning Gold in the men’s synchronized 10-metre platform event with his partner Matty Lee, and Bronze in the Individual 10m platform dive. He’s a double world champion, a five-time European champion, and four-time Commonwealth champion.
Council Leader Nick Kelly said: “Plymouth has been supporting and cheering Tom on since he burst on to the national stage at just nine years old and we are all hugely proud of everything he has achieved.
“Tom has achieved so much and I know he will continue inspiring a new generation of young athletes who want to follow in his footsteps. We are looking forward to welcoming him back to the city to receive this award.”
Being awarded the Honorary Freedom of the City is the highest honour the city can bestow. The title of Honorary Freeman or Freewoman is awarded to ‘persons of distinction’ who have shown exceptional service or achievement. Only 44 individuals and organisations have been awarded Honorary Freedom of the City of Plymouth since 1917.