Hannah Scott Awarded Freedom of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough
Olympic gold medallist Hannah Scott has expressed that it is "really special" to have been granted the freedom of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
The council stated that the honour was in recognition of her exceptional achievements, including winning Olympic gold in the Women's Quadruple Sculls as part of Team GB at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The freedom of the borough represents the highest accolade that the council can confer upon any individual or organisation.
During the ceremony, the 26-year-old Coleraine native remarked that she was "delighted and deeply honoured to receive it."
The decision to award Scott this honour was unanimously approved at a special meeting of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in January, where she was described as "an inspiration" to young women.
The official civic ceremony was held on Saturday at Coleraine Town Hall.
Speaking to NI following the event, Scott said:
"It's really special to receive this from the people who have raised me and come with me on this journey."
The celebrations on Saturday were well attended, including by Lady Mary Peters.
Lady Peters commented that it was a great honour to participate and share in the joy experienced by Hannah's family and friends.
"Young girls will realise they can do what Hannah has achieved if they work and train hard,"
Scott is only the second woman from Northern Ireland to secure Olympic gold, following Lady Mary Peters' gold medal win at the Munich Olympics in 1972.
Clare Sugden, Independent MLA for East Londonderry, also attended the ceremony and described Scott as an inspiration.
"It's about recognising one of our most successful daughters in the area,"
"She is an inspiration to a lot of young women and we are incredibly proud of her."
'Hannah is an inspiration'
Susan MacLaughlin, president of Bann Rowing Club, was present at the celebrations as well.
She expressed that it is gratifying to see Hannah "acknowledged locally for what she has achieved," adding:
"I always knew she was going places."
Scott donated her £20,000 award from the Olympic Medallist Fund, established following the games, to her home club, Bann Rowing Club, where she has been a member throughout her sporting career.
The club utilized the funds to purchase two single scull boats and a safety boat.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Oliver McMullan, stated:
"Hannah means an awful lot to the borough. She is an inspiration to young people to take up their chosen sport."
