MAYOR CELEBRATES REGION’S OLYMPIC SUCCESS WITH TREES PLANTED IN ATHLETES HONOUR AND REOPENS FREE TREE SCHEME

Published 28 October 2024 at 8:59am

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has commemorated the success of the region’s Olympians and Paralympians by planting trees in their honour.

Medal winners, Yasmin Harper and Krysten Coombs joined the Mayor at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park where 17 trees, one for each winner, were planted along the junior parkrun route. 

At the event, the Mayor announced the reopening of the ‘Free Trees for Communities’ scheme which gives community groups free tree packs and the opportunity to plant trees in their communities.

The Mayor also called on businesses and landowners to put forward ideas for large scale tree planting projects and support his ambition of 1.4 million new trees across South Yorkshire.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: “I’ve made no secret of the fact that I want to plant 1.4 million trees, one for every person who lives in South Yorkshire.

“Trees enrich our lives, sustain our communities and provide countless environmental benefits.

“That’s why I’m so proud to be planting these 17 trees to recognise the achievements of our South Yorkshire Olympic and Paralympic athletes at Paris this year.

“I know they’ll inspire our young aspiring athletes to stay near and go far.”

Each tree has a plaque next to it, made of Sheffield steel, with the name and achievement of the medallist. 

Sheffield diver, Yasmin Harper, won Team GB's first medal of Paris 2024 with bronze in the women's 3metre springboard synchro. 

She said: “I feel very honoured to be having a tree planted in recognition of my Olympic medal. I would like to thank the Mayor for this privilege. 

“I hope that I, alongside the other Paris 2024 athletes in South Yorkshire, can inspire the next generation to strive for success in sport.”

The Olympic trees include fruit trees that will be nurtured and harvested by the neighbouring Oasis Academy school.

Pupils from the school helped with the planting of the trees, along with local organisations who back the Mayor’s tree planting initiative.

Cassa Townsend, the Green Social Prescribing Programme Co-ordinator at Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, said: "There is a wealth of evidence to show the positive effects connecting with nature and being outdoors has on our mental health and wellbeing.

“Add to this the physical benefits of planting trees, it’s a chance to be hands-on, and you can see why increasing tree cover in our urban areas is vital for the health of all citizens.”

For more information on how to get involved in the South Yorkshire Mayor’s tree planting project visit the website, Mayor’s Tree Planting Project - South Yorkshire MCA.