Villages turn out in force for Olympics

Date published: 22 September 2008


Saddleworth Olympics were back on track at the weekend — thanks to some welcome late summer sun.

Events should have been up and running a fortnight ago. But the weather was a wash-out and everything was put back a week.

Even then, hordes of expectant youngsters from the various teams representing Saddleworth villages, were limited to a restricted timetable. Last week there was more trouble when it was feared there may be contaminated water on part of Churchill Playing Fields in Greenfield.

However, the gloom finally lifted as organisers were able to re-arrange sporting activities on other areas of Churchill Playing Fields, Saddleworth School and the tennis courts outside Saddleworth Pool, which itself is closed for extensions.

Ben Hilton, committee chairman, said: “Everybody enjoyed themselves.

“We are pleased Oldham Ground Maintenance did a good job marking out the pitches for us.

“Oldham Sports Development also helped with umpires and referees.”