The Leader of Stafford Borough Council last night (Tuesday 30th) paid tribute to local canoeist Adam Burgess after his silver at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Councillor Aidan Godfrey also took the opportunity at a meeting of the Full Council to wish good luck to Burgess’ fellow Stone paddler, Joe Clarke, who is going for gold on Thursday in the men’s kayak slalom.

Both canoeists had given up their time to join the borough council at the official launch of the £1.5m transformation of Westbridge Park in Stone only a few months ago (pictured) and the leader described them as “great ambassadors for the sport and the borough.”

Cllr Godfrey said: “I’d like to say a big congratulations to Adam Burgess who has brought great pride to the borough. And we wish Joe Clarke good luck.”

Clarke was granted ‘Freedom of the Borough’ when he struck gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Burgess had agonizingly missed out on a medal at the Tokyo Games.

Cllr Godfrey, added: “It was a fantastic achievement by Adam in the Canoe Slalom at the Paris Olympics.

“I’m sure everyone in the borough is delighted for him. Olympic medals only come along after many years of hard, dedicated work and Adam richly deserves his success. From everyone at Stafford Borough Council - well done, Adam."

Press Release No 6141