KEIGHLEY’S Olympic athletes could be invited to a civic reception with the Lord Mayor of Bradford.

Weightlifter Rebekah Tiler and boxer Muhammad Ali would be among athletes invited to the event following the success at the Games last summer in Rio.

Plans for the prestigious event were revealed by Keighley councillor Abid Hussain after he led congratulations for the district’s Olympians and Paralympians.

Cllr Hussain tabled a motion to last week’s full meeting of Bradford Council, praising the seven Bradford district athletes who took part.

Cllr Hussain, who represents Keighley Central ward, said: “Everyone in the council chamber supported the motion.”

The motion had stated: “Elite athletes are positive role models for our young people.

“Sport plays a crucial role for the Bradford District by improving health and quality of life, raising aspirations, increasing life chances, supporting academic achievement, and enhancing community cohesion.”

Cllr Hussain said he also called for government funding for green spaces and to enable people to train young people.

He added: “I also mentioned the 48 Special Olympians who are going to the Special Olympics National Games in Sheffield next year.

“It’s quite wonderful to have all these people involved in Olympics, Paralympics and Special Olympics. We need to celebrate their great achievements.”

Around half of the district's Special Olympics team, who have learning disabilities, live in the Keighley area.

Khadim Hussain, another Keighley Central councillor, said his colleague’s motion was well-received, adding: “There were a lot of compliments and there was a very positive response from the opposition group.”

Cllr Hussain’s motion also called on council leaders to write to the Bradford District Olympians and Paralympians to congratulate them on their outstanding achievements and thank them for their significant contribution.

Denholme weightlifter Rebekah Tiler, 17, took part in the women's 69kg category in Rio, where she equalled her own British record with an accumulated total of 227kg, earning her 10th place overall.

Keighley flyweight boxer Muhammad Ali, 20, was beaten by Venezuelan Yoel Segundo Finol, in his first bout.