Olympic washout

RAINED OFF . . . Olympics’ chief organiser Ben Hilton on the waterlogged running track

Deluge leaves sporting youngsters under a cloud

THE Olympic hopes of hundreds of Saddleworth youngsters have been washed away — for at least a week and perhaps longer.

Despite hopes a few days ago that this weekend’s 23rd Saddleworth Olympics could be saved, the continuing deluge has now forced its postponement.

There will be no opening ceremony tomorrow and no athletic events for a week because of the state of Churchill Playing Fields, Greenfield, where the running track is badly rutted and partly flooded, while much of the pitch is under water, following weeks of bad weather.

Chief organiser Ben Hilton said: “I have been inspecting the pitch. There is too much water there and the running track would be dangerous for children to use. We cannot take chances with them.”

But he also criticised Oldham Council for allowing vehicles on to the playing fields at recent events.

Mr Hilton added: “It is very concerning that vehicles were driven on to the fields.

“This is the only place in Saddleworth where athletics can take place. The fields are not a motor circuit.

“There was the Saddleworth Wartime Weekend event and the Saddleworth Show. The vehicles have damaged the pitch. The fields have never recovered from this, coupled to the ongoing drainage problems.

Committee members spent yesterday informing the leaders of the Olympic teams, which represent all the Saddleworth villages, of the postponement.

The cancellation of the flagship athletics events are a major blow to the hundreds of youngsters, aged from seven to 17, who take part.

However, there are hopes that the weather will ease a little next week, allowing the athletics to take place next weekend. The fields will be inspected next week.

The postponement is not expected to affect the indoor events like badminton and tennis, and some outdoor events, like rugby, may be possible.