Everyone’s a winner

LET the games begin: competing teams parade before the start

OLYMPIC dreams became a reality for Saddleworth youngsters at the spectacular opening ceremony of the annual village games.

The sky was awash with colour as dozens of brightly coloured balloons were released into the sky in celebration.

Sporting their village colours hundreds of proud youngsters took part in the procession to the Chariots of Fire theme music to signal the start of the 26th event.

Eleven-year-old Hannah Siddiqui from Dobcross stepped up to take the Olympic oath in front of the 1,000-strong crowd before the event got under way.

The tournament has seen major change this year, with many of the events moving from Churchill playing fields to Saddleworth School.

The youngsters wasted no time in launching into the events with junior and senior athletics filling Saturday, with sprints, throws, relay races and long jumps.

Chair of the new committee Dave Wilson said: “We had some reservations being a new team but the feedback has been great.

“Moving to the school has made it a much better experience, avoiding the bog problems of the fields.

“It’s all about community and the children have had a fantastic weekend.”

The Uppermill village team clinched victory in the junior Olympics, organised by the Saddleworth runners, while Greenfield was victorious in the senior section.

Yesterday saw tag rugby staged at Saddleworth Rangers, and netball and rounders at the school.


Let the Games continue...
The next sporting events will be basketball on Friday, while Saturday and Sunday will see the village teams clash in senior netball and swimming. The fortnight event is due to come to an equally spectacular close in a special ceremony on Sunday, September 25.


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