New Zealand / Regional

Christchurch to host welcome home for Olympic athletes

13:14 pm on 14 September 2011

Christchurch may have missed out on being part of this year's Rugby World Cup but will get a chance to host an official sporting ceremony next year.

The New Zealand Olympic Committee has announced the city will host the welcome home event for athletes after next year's Olympic Games in London.

The committee's secretary general, Kereyn Smith, says it will be up to the people of Christchurch to decide how they would like to celebrate the team's success - but it could be a ticker-tape parade, festival or even a sports day.

Several athletes have already confirmed they'll be part of the event, including rower Mahe Drysdale, world shot put champion Valerie Adams and cyclist Alison Shanks.