WELSH competitors and medallists who took part in the Rio Olympic and Paralympic games will be welcomed home in a ceremony later this month.

The National Assembly’s Elin Jones AM and Wales First Minister, Carwyn Jones will welcome the athletes at a public event on Thursday, September 29 outside the Senedd, Cardiff.

Taking place between 5pm and 7pm, the event will showcase carnival style entertainment including samba bands and dancers alongside choral music from 'Principality Only Boys Aloud Academi 2016'.

BBC Sports presenter Jason Mohammad will compere the event.

First Minister Carwyn Jones has praised the athletes “record medal haul” and noted that Welsh athletes made up 10 per cent of Paralympics GB.

“Our Welsh athletes played a big role in the outstanding achievements of Team GB and Paralympics GB in Rio de Janeiro," he said.

“Once again we have shown Wales truly is a nation of champions and are able to produce sportsmen and women who can rise to the occasion and perform on the world stage.

“The homecoming event later this month is an opportunity for the nation to thank these truly inspirational athletes for the joy they have brought to Wales this summer.”

Presiding officer of the National Assembly for Wales, Elin Jones, AM, added: “On behalf of the National Assembly for Wales I look forward to celebrating the wonderful success of our Olympians and Paralympians on a national stage here at the Senedd.

“So many people across the country have enjoyed their performances and were filled with pride by a record-breaking medal haul."

"They are sure to inspire the next generation of Welsh sporting greats and I hope many people will to join us in paying tribute to them,” she added.

Team GB Chef de Mission for Rio 2016, Mark England, also gave thanks to Wales' medal contribution to the wider Team GB medal tally.

"With nine medal winners it is fair to say the nation outperformed expectations," he said.

“We are incredibly proud of them all as we are of the contribution of the Welsh sporting system to Britain’s success.”

Visitors on the day can expect to catch a glimpse of some of Gwent’s medal winners and participants.

These include Abergavenny cyclist and double silver medallist Becky James, Paralympic archer Dave Phillips, of Cwmbran and Brynmawr’s silver-medal winning rugby ace Sam Cross.

Chair of Sport Wales, Dr Paul Thomas, said that Welsh athletes this year have “exceeded expectations” and given audiences some “unforgettable sporting moments”.

“Sporting greats such as Jazz Carlin and Becky James reminded us of why they are so deserved of medals while Olympic and Paralympic first-timers including Chloe Tutton and Sabrina Fortune are examples of the bright new stars Wales has every right to be excited about,” he said.

“We know the athletes are an inspiration to young people in Wales and are role models for their determination, commitment and work ethic, as well as their huge sporting talent.

“Many will be looking ahead to the Commonwealth Games in Australia’s Gold Coast in 2018 and we’re excited for them and ready to support them in their quest for more Welsh medals.”

Chair of Disability Sport Wales, Pippa Britton added: “It has been a golden summer for Welsh sport, and once again our athletes have represented the nation with great pride and determination.

“They have made a significant contribution to the overall success of the Paralympics GB team and we now look forward to an inspirational homecoming at the Senedd where we can thank them for their efforts as well as recognising their individual achievements.”

Anyone wishing to attend the homecoming event should arrive at the front of the Senedd by 5pm.