Sporting stars of the future

AN OLYMPIC hero presented Oldham’s sporting stars of the future with awards.

Limeside swimmer Sascha Kindred was guest of honour at the first Oldham Schools Sports Partnership presentation, held at Hollinwood’s New Bridge School.

The 32-year-old, who once lived in Lower Lime Road and trained at Oldham pool, has won nine Paralympic medals, including five golds, and received an OBE from the Queen.

Now living in Herefordshire, the former Kaskenmoor School pupil, who has mild cerebral palsy, claimed gold again earlier this month at the BT Paralympic World Cup.

The partnership involves sports co-ordinators from secondary schools working with feeder schools to get youngsters involved in sports they will participate in when they move up.

Each of the secondary schools nominated two winners from each primary school cluster with the 26 winners honoured at the very first presentation evening.

The awards recognise endeavour and encourages children to get fit and active.

There were also two special presentations with long distance runner Adam Howard, from Counthill School, becoming the first Hall of Fame graduee.

And Dave Archibald, from Oldham Community Leisure, presented a trophy in memory of Nadia Wilkins to Failsworth’s St Mary’s Netball Team, who won a competition.

Nadia, from Chadderton, was an inspirational netball coach who introduced thousands of girls to the game. The mother-of-two died of cancer in April, at the age of 52.