SIX-TIME World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea MBE has been honoured with the Freedom of the Borough in honour of his achievements on the track.
2021 Kawasaki ZX-10R and Ninja ZX-10RR | Jonathan Rea World Superbike for the road
Rea was conferred in a short ceremony yesterday at the Mayor’s Parlour in Larne Town Hall, with the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor in attendance.
The decision to honour Rea in this way was first put forward by Cllr Gregg McKeen and seconded by Alderman Paul Reid. The move will be marked by a new sporting bursary of up to £2,000 per person in the motorcycle racer’s name. The purpose of this is to provide additional funding support to individuals from the Borough, who will then go on to be ambassadors of Mid and East Antrim.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Peter Johnston said:
“The Freedom of the Borough is the highest accolade that Council can award and I am delighted to have presented it to World Superbike Champion Dr Jonathan Rea MBE.
“Jonathan’s career to date has been nothing short of incredible. He is one of the greatest sportspeople our country has ever produced.
“He is a wonderful ambassador for our area and an inspiration to so many throughout Northern Ireland, and around the world.”
Speaking about the news on his own social media account, Rea said:
‘Today I received the Freedom of @meaboroughcouncil which I am very proud of. Thanks to the Lord Mayor, Deputy Lord Mayor and all the Councillors that voted this motion. It’s so nice to be recognised for my achievements outside my sport’
