Healthy return for mini-motiovators

Leaders and teenagers at the UXO project celebrate their nomination

A GROUP of teenagers who made it their mission to provide exercise in the borough have been nominated for a Pride In Oldham award.

Energetic youngsters teamed up with the NHS and Oldham Community Leisure to create the UXO (You Exercise Oldham) project in a bid to provide free and fun activities.

A handful of the youngsters staged taster sessions, with the support of expert leaders, in boxing, swimming, geo-caching, cycling and climbing after successfully bidding for cash from the council’s Kerrching fund.

Now in it’s second year, the UXO project has recruited a raft of teenagers to enjoy climbing sessions at Oldham sports centre as well as a teen gym.

Leaders and the youngsters were stunned to find out they have been nominated for the award.

Adele Stanton, the NHS worker who helped to set up the group, said: “It’s been really fantastic to work with the teenagers — they’ve had a major input into it and come up with some really original ideas.

“They decided what they wanted to do, researched prices and how feasible it was and then made a presentation to the council for funding. They have learned real leadership skills but they are also getting to know other teenagers from across the borough. They are also helping others by getting them involved — these are children who might not have been active before.”

A healthy zest for life is the key to the project, with the young people now planning a healthy-cooking course in Failsworth and taking a course in first aid. They have also lined up orienteering and kayaking taster sessions in Alexandra Park and are aiming to take the group to experience the climbing wall in Manchester.

Paul Aspin, father of one of the young people involved in the scheme, nominated the group. He said: “I know that if they weren’t taking part they would be sitting in their rooms and not out making friends as part of this brilliant project.

“The whole team have made it work together - they’ve done a really great job. They have showed things are achievable with just that little bit of support.”




NOMINATIONS for this year’s Pride in Oldham Awards are now closed. Look out in the Chronicle for news of the shortlist and awards night.