Olympians train as weather fears ease

GET stuck in . . . football training for Thomas Osborne (10) and Dominic Melbin

TRAINING is now under way for the 23rd Saddleworth Olympics — which now look likely to continue despite the threat from the weather.

Park bosses are battling to get Churchill Playing Fields, Greenfield, ready for the event following weeks of rain.

There were fears that this Saturday’s popular parade and opening ceremony could be cancelled, along with athletics on the same day.

The football, rugby, rounders and netball events later in the programme also appeared to be in doubt.

To make matters worse, Saddleworth Pool is closed for building work, putting a stop to swimming events.

But this week there was more optimism over the boggy state of the playing fields.

Event co-ordinator Steve Bradley said: “If it doesn’t rain too much this week we could be all right with Churchill. However, the running track is rutted and will need some attention.”

Between 1,200 and 1,400 youngsters from teams across Saddleworth are expected to take part in 10 different sports during the three-week event.

Mr Bradley said: “In Delph we have been training since the end of July. Boys and girls have been working hard to give their best in the Olympics. We have been using Delph School field and also sometimes the cricket field at Delph.”