Gymnast Craig heaps on the motivation

A FORMER champion gymnast leapt at the chance of giving a pre-Olympics motivational talk to Year 10 pupils at Hathershaw College.

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Craig Heap, who was in Team GB at the Sydney Olympics, represented England over 100 times in gymnastic competitions.

He took part in five world and five European champioships during his career, as well as being hailed English and British champion and captaining the team on several occasions.

Craig passed on a few tips to youngsters and helped to remind locals that they can get involved in the Olympic spirit by supporting the Olympic Torch Relay when it arrives in the borough on June 24.

The torchbearers will make their way up Ashton Road (A627) — from outside Hathershaw College of Technology and Sport — before heading into the town centre, via King Street, Rochdale Road, St Mary’s Way and Henshaw Street.

Once in Yorkshire Street the flame will be carried along Prince Street, Oldham Way and finally on to Bottom O’Th Moor.

Craig is also supporting the One Future Sports Awards, which will be held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham, on Friday, June 29.

Craig also visited Holy Rosary RC Primary, Broadfield with St Patrick’s and Lyndhurst schools.