Saddleworth Olympics is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year
Adrian Green, Central Committee Co-Chairman (left) with former Chairman David Needham
Ask any child, parent or grandparent in Saddleworth the question: “What are you doing in September?” and most likely, the answer will involve the Saddleworth Olympics.
Whether you’re participating or watching, the event - which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year – generates mass appeal across the local community.
Children start training in sports ranging from athletics and badminton to netball and rugby as soon as the schools break up for the summer holidays.
The Olympics has built up a reputation for encouraging local sporting talent. Former England and Lancashire County Cricket fast bowler Kyle Hogg, former Leeds Rhinos and Oldham rugby league stars Kevin and Ian Sinfield, and 2012 Olympic swimmers Jessica Lloyd and Ben Procter have all taken part over the years.
Central Committee Co-Chairman Adrian Green said: “There are a number of other local events which capture the imagination. Whit Friday, Rushcart, Saddleworth Show and Yanks Weekend all spring to mind - and all of these have played a part in moulding Saddleworth into the place it is today.
“The thing that makes the Saddleworth Village Games stand out is that it caters exclusively for young people and embodies the very essence of what community spirit should be all about – team work, friendship and a sense of pride in yourself and your surroundings.
“The event could not have continued for so long without the help of a large number of people whose efforts largely go unrecognised. We rely heavily on sponsorship and our thanks go out all our sponsors, including, Robert Scott & Sons, The Saddleworth Rotary Club, Saddleworth Round Table and Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership.
“Special thanks also must go to the many members of the local village teams who volunteer each year to help train and organise the various village team,” continued Mr Green.
“With all their help we can ensure the future of the event in the years to come and ensure that the younger members of our community continue to live out the Village Games motto, which is: Playing by the rules, winning with pride, losing with grace and making friends along the way, in the hope that, through sport, we will help strengthen our community spirit.”
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the games, the committee is hoping to do something special for this year’s participants. They are looking for local sporting heroes (past or present) who would be willing to come along to support the event or present trophies.
They would also be interested to hear from any local business people who could offer financial support, as well as anyone who might like to get involved with coaching.
The games start on Saturday 5 September and run until Sunday 20 September. The organisers will be at Tesco in Greenfield this weekend to help raise funds for the event.
To find out more about the Saddleworth Olympics, or for details on taking part, visit www.saddleworthvillageolympics.co.uk or email svogames@gmail.com.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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