Olympic opportunity gets set for Oldham

Pictured at the Gallery Oldham event are (from the left) One Future Project Steering group chairman Jeremy Broadbent, 1960 Olympic high jump silver medalist Dorothy Shirley-Emerson with her medal, former Oldham Rugby players Barrie McDermott and Terry Flanagan and steering group vice-chairman John Townsend.

OLDHAM is set to benefit from new community sports facilities as a lasting Olympic legacy.

One Future, a project to ensure London 2012 makes a positive difference to Oldham, was launched at Gallery Oldham last night.

Sites are currently being considered for the facilities and the steering group will be looking at which areas are most in demand.

It is hoped the new facilities will include a handball pitch, enabling Oldham to host matches, following the achievements of the borough’s representative in the England youth handball team.

Steering group chairman, Jeremy Broadbent, said he was delighted to have Oldham ambassadors including former Manchester United star Paul Scholes, silver-medallist Dorothy Shirley-Emerson and “Coronation Street” actress Shobna Gulati on board.

He added: “We’re all aware that the investment towards hosting the Olympics is immense. Estimated to be over £5bn it will obviously have benefits for London communities.

“But for Oldham, the games represent an exciting opportunity to create an Olympic legacy with lasting benefits.

“It’s all about sport, art, health, economy and community — a legacy that will make a difference in all these areas.

“We want Oldham to be a place of opportunity, where anything is possible for anyone.”

Recently-retired Scholes, who lives in Grasscroft, said: “Sport can play a major part in helping people build positive futures for themselves by teaching leadership, discipline and teamwork and I’m sure this project will help Oldhamers use the excitement of the Olympics to learn new skills and make the town a better place.

“I don’t think we will see the Olympics here again in my lifetime and I’m proud Oldham is leading the way in making 2012 an event that can change lives.” Andy Worthington, chairman of the North-West 2012 steering committee, said he was thrilled that 72 per cent of Oldham’s schools had signed up to the Get Set Agenda, which delivers the values of the games to children.

He said: “I would love to use Oldham as a great example of good practice.”

Council leader Councillor Jim McMahon praised the Halfords Tour Series in which 50 cyclists raced through the town centre and said he was looking forward to seeing initiatives being set up.



Sporting chance awaits at Alexandra Park
A FREE activity day gets under way at Alexandra Park from 9am-2pm on Sunday with the launch of Inspiring Cycling Sundays — a programme of free monthly cycle sessions.

The day is a way for Oldham to officially recognise the countdown to the London Olympics.

Councillor Hugh McDonald said: “This is a great family day out.

“I hope people will take part and enjoy it.”

There will also be a Run 4 Fun — a 1.5k run, walk, toddle or pram-push taking place at 11am on Sunday.

Fancy dress is more than welcome and everyone who takes part will get a medal.

There will also be a climbing tower, cheerleaders and street dancing.