Sporting heroes receive Freedom of the City
Two sporting heroes from Plymouth were honored for their commitment to sport at a special council meeting today (27 March) – they were given the freedom of the city.
Endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh OIG and English cricketer Heather Knight OBE have been awarded the City’s Freedom of Honour, the highest distinction the City can bestow. It is awarded to “Persons of Distinction” who have demonstrated outstanding service or achievement. He recognizes those who have given Plymouth “outstanding service”, going the extra mile to improve the city’s reputation or improve the lives of people less able to help themselves.
Lewis Pugh, who was born in Plymouth, is an endurance swimmer and ocean champion. Dubbed the “Sir Edmund Hillary of swimming,” he is the first person to complete a long-distance swim in every ocean in the world, and he frequently swims in vulnerable ecosystems to raise awareness of their plight. He is best known for swam across the North Pole for the first time in 2007 to highlight melting sea ice in the Arctic. In 2013 he was appointed to the UN Patrol of the Oceans. Lewis is also the first ambassador for Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and actively encourages the public to take an active interest in our oceans.
Heather Knight is the captain of the England women’s cricket team and won the 2019 World Cup. She attended Plymstock School and played club cricket for Plymstock Cricket Club, where she took part in training sessions from the age of eight.
Councilor Sue Dann, Lord Mayor of Plymouth, said: “Plymouth has supported and cheered Lewis and Heather on for a number of years. Not only does Lewis have an incredible athletic record, we are proud that he is the premier Ambassador for our National Marine Park. He is a strong advocate for our great city and advocates that we do the right things to help protect the marine environment to ensure the health and well-being of those who use the National Marine Park and ecosystems in Plymouth Sound. He is very proud of our rich maritime heritage and works to protect it.
“Heather is also a phenomenal role model for athletic excellence. She is an incredible talent and captivated the nation when she led the England women’s cricket team to their fabulous 2017 World Cup title. She aspires to raise the profile of women in sport and inspire a new generation of female athletes to follow her steps.
“By giving the Freedom of the City honor to both of them, Plymouth is showing them how proud we all are.”
Lewis Pugh, added; “I’m so fortunate to have spent some of my formative years in Plymouth. Becoming an endurance swimmer and champion of the ocean was a crucial part of my journey. Thank you Plymouth for helping me to become who I am today.”