Olympic hero inspires the next generation

EXCITED Oldham youngsters cheer Olympic triple jump champion Jonathan Edwards as he shows off his gold medal from the 2000 Sydney games.

OLYMPIC triple-jump champion Jonathan Edwards visited Oldham to inspire the next generation of athletes — and find out how the borough is benefiting from London 2012.

The world record holder was shown around the sports facilities at Radclyffe School, Chadderton, a training camp for next year’s Olympics.

He found out more about One Future, a private-sector initiative, backed by Oldham Council, which aims to make sure the borough benefits from the Olympics and Paralympics.

The former Olympic, Commonwealth, European and World champion also had a first-hand look at Oldham’s Ability sport initiative, a programme of activities for young people with disabilities.

Pupils from New Bridge Special School, who are involved in the Get Set programme — the official London 2012 education scheme — showed off their sporting talents.

Coppice Primary School pupils, who won an Olympic mascot-design competition, also took part in a performance.

Mr Edwards is deputy chairman of the nations and regions group, part of the London 2012 Organising Committee.

He said: “One of the things we want to do is maximise the engagement and benefits of 2012, not just in London but across the country.

“Oldham has a One Future initiative which is a unique mixture of the public and private sector trying to make the most of 2012.”

He believes that the country is overwhelmingly supportive of the Olympics, and that the North-West has seen the benefits of hosting the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

“It helps that the preparations are going so well and also our athletes are performing well on the world stage,” he said.

Mr Edwards thinks that Great Britain has 10 or 12 good athletic medals shots next year.

And his 18.29m world record from 1995 could go, with three champions going head-to-head, including GB’s Philips Odowu.

“It always possible, I have got my fingers crossed it doesn’t!” he added.

One Future is backed by of several home-grown ambassadors including former Manchester United player Paul Scholes.

Andy Worthington, chairman of the North-West steering group for the 2012 games, said: “The One Future partnership is really grasping the opportunities presented by the games, whether it be in promoting the business benefits or supporting young people in learning about the Olympic and Paralympic values in schools across the borough.”