Olympic gift will mark Zem’s legacy

DEVOTED: Zbigniew Micek, known as Zem to friends and family

AN Olympic athlete will receive a touching gift following London 2012 in memory of a champion of disabled sports.

A pennant created by a friend of Oldham coach Zbigniew “Zem” Micek will be handed to one of the 14,000 Olympic participants after the games.

Angela Liddle is dedicated to keeping the late coach’s legacy strong by raising money and awareness for his beloved club, Owls Disabled Sports Club.

He died in November after suffering from septicaemia.

A variety of pennants are being created throughout the country for the London Olympics through a national initiative called Quilts4London, as a personal “thank-you” to the athletes.

Ashton resident Angela (59), whose son Andrew competes as a wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby player for the club, made the pennant to inspire the receiving Olympian.

She said: “Everybody loved Zem and he treated my son like his own.

“He was Mr Owls and supported my son for the past 14 years. I wanted to create something to honour his memory and I tried to make the owl on the pennant resemble Zem.

“I have put the Owls’ address on the back of the pennant and I hope the athlete, who ever it may be, will support the club.”

Famed by friends and pupils for his tireless work and curly hair, Zem (59) was instrumental in the Oldham Owls since 1974, which integrates disabled people into society through sport and recreation.

The wheelchair-bound full-time coach, secretary and treasurer won a Pride in Oldham Award in 2003 for his work, as well as coaching the under 15s North-West basketball team.

The club, which is now based in Stalybridge, but still serves Oldham, is one of the most successful disabled sports clubs with members competing at all levels including the Paralympic Games.

Angela will be putting her sewing equipment down next April to perform an Olympic effort herself by walking approximately 1,200 miles.

She will trek between Lands End and John O’Groats in aid of the club — and is looking for charity trekkers to join her.

She said: “I would really like it if somebody could come with me on the walk. It will be a rough ride and we will be camping, but it will be all worth it.”

Anybody wishing to take part in the charity trek is asked to call the newsdesk on 0161-633 2121, so we can pass on your details.