Going for gold!

Alive and kicking . . . new committee members launch this year’s Saddleworth Village Olympics

THE countdown has started to the Saddleworth Village Olympics.

Organisers adopted the snappy slogan “Alive and Kicking” as they assembled in Greenfield to mark the launch of this year’s campaign.

Several long-standing organisers stepped down for the committee last year, leaving the future of the event uncertain.

But with an enthusiastic crop of new volunteers on board, the new-look team is determined to make this year’s event one to remember.

The opening ceremony is set for Saturday, September 10, with a whole host of sporting highlights on offer as village teams compete until the close on Sunday, September 25.

New member Steve Bradley said: “The Olympics is such a fantastic community event with more than 1,000 children taking part. It nurtures that real community spirit.”

The closure of Churchill Playing Fields for drainage works, suspected to come during the summer, has also been an obstacle the new team has had to overcome.

This year, events will take place at Saddleworth School, while rugby will held at the Saddleworth Rangers club.

Youngsters already signed-up kicked off the fundraising with a bag-pack at Tesco, Greenfield.

Anyone who wishes to take part or offer sponsorship should contact Steve on 07919-861-469 or visit www.saddleworthvillageolympics.co.uk