Dorothy jumps at the chance to help sport

Issy Hayes Sports Ambassador, Nitin Solanki Community Sport Development Oficer, Emma Shaw Adam Howard, Dorothy Shirley.

AN OLDHAM Olympian has backed a new campaign to help make the borough a sporting hotbed.

Olympic silver medal winner Dorothy Emerson officially launched a volunteer programme, organised by the Oldham Sport and Physical Activity Alliance (SPAA), that is looking to attract 500 sports volunteers over three years.

The aim is to improve levels of physical recreation participation in all sports across the borough — and dedication is something Dorothy knows all about.

Starting her sporting life at the age of 11, she went on to win silver in the high jump at the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Dorothy said: “I never really moved away from sport and started volunteering while I was still competing. I’ve been doing it for over 40 years now and get so much back from what I put in.

“Many people leave sport when they stop competing which is unfortunate because they’ve still got so much to give. There are already so many great volunteers giving back to the community but we need more if we’re to get the younger generations back to sport.”

Oldham sports development officer, Emma Jenks, said: “There’s a wealth of young sporting talent in Oldham but we need volunteers to help nurture that talent and produce world class athletes.

“Volunteering is also a great path into sport for those who want to gain employment within the industry.”

A new volunteer development officer will ensure that the funding available is used by the borough. For more details on volunteering call Nick Barr on 0161-770 1654.