Wanganui Mayor Annette Main shed a tear of joy as she welcomed home 23 Special Olympians from the nationals in Dunedin yesterday.
The athletes, each adorned with multiple medals, were invited to morning tea with Ms Main in the council chambers - creating an atmosphere that plucked her heart strings.
"You guys are amazing, look at all your medals - I've never won a medal in my life," Ms Main said.
And when the mayor was given a hug and a kiss from one of the party, she shed a tear. "Oh, you guys make me cry [with joy]," was her response.
Ms Main went on to praise the group's efforts at the national Special Olympic games in the south, describing their collective performances to be nothing short of outstanding.