Homecoming party this Saturday for five-times Paralympic champion Jason Smyth

A homecoming party will be held in Eglinton this Saturday for Paralympic champion Jason Smyth.

People from throughout the North West are being invited to go along to honour gold medal winner who defended his 100m title at the Paralympic Games in Rio.

He has now won a total of five gold medals at the last three Paralympic Games

The 29-year-old (pictured) received a hero’s welcome when he arrived at Dublin Airport yesterday and plans are well underway for the homecoming celebrations in Eglinton.

The event will start at 2.00pm at Eglinton Primary School.

Children are welcome to come along and run with Jason as he makes his way from the school, through the village’s main street to the local community hall.

Runners should assemble in the primary school grounds at 1.45pm for 2.00pm start or cheer the runners on along Main Street.

People will get their chance to see his five gold medals and have their photo taken with the popular sports star.

Organisers of the homecoming have appealed for as many people as possible to go along to congratulate Jason on his success.

Meanwhile, there are also plans for a civic reception to recognise the local man’s achievements.

A proposal to honour Smyth was put forward by a former Mayor of the city, Councillor Martin Reilly, the SDLP group leader on Derry City and Strabane District Council.