Olympic torch bearers and Olympians from Suffolk will do a lap of honour before Ipswich Town's first match of the season as part of an event to celebrate their achievements.

Over 100 of Suffolk's Olympic heroes have been invited to a special civic reception at Suffolk County Council's Endeavour House headquarters - following which they will take part in the special lap of honour before watching Town kick off its season at home against Blackburn Rovers.

The London 2012 Olympic Games start on Friday and included in Team GB are 10 Suffolk athletes who have all been invited to Portman Road for the celebrations.

Simon Clegg, Ipswich Town Football Club's chief executive, said:

“I've been privileged to have managed members of Team GB at many Olympic Games and I know the level of commitment, sacrifice and dedication needed in all sports to reach that level.

“We wish the athletes who are representing Suffolk and Team GB over the next two weeks the best of fortune and hope to see them here at Portman Road on August 18.

“We also look forward to hosting, along with Suffolk County Council, the many torch bearers from the county. They have been rewarded for their personal dedication by being nominated and selected to carry the Olympic spirit and this will be an opportunity to salute their achievements.”

During the three days the Olympic torch travelled through Suffolk, a staggering 265,000 lined the route in early-July's sunshine and showers to cheers the torch bearers on.

Councillor Colin Noble, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member responsible for sport and the Olympics, said:

“I know that for many of our torch bearers and Olympians, the opportunity to carry the flame or represent their county is honour enough. But it's important that we should mark their achievements and show our appreciation as a county.

“London 2012 is already having an impact on every part of the country. Suffolk is very much part of that and I hope this will be yet another opportunity to celebrate everything that is special about our home Games.”

The torch bearers will be wearing their official uniforms for the lap of honour.

The event is being jointly hosted by the county council and Ipswich Town Football Club.

The event will be on 18 August 2012.

Suffolk's Olympic athletes

Athletes selected:

 

• Harry Martin (hockey)
• Anthony Ogogo (boxing)
• Goldie Sayers (javelin)
• Louise Jukes (handball)
• Chris Walker-Hebborn (swimming)
• Elena Baltacha (tennis)

Athletes selected as reserves:

 

• George Pinner (hockey)
• Abbie Thorrington (triathlon)
• Michael Peart (archery)
• Ross Edgar (cycling)