Hands up if you loved the Olympics!

Hands up if you had a great time at the Games... Kristine Ogden

Kristine Ogden has had an amazing summer of sport — without playing a single game.

Kristine was a official at both Olympic and Paralympic Games basketball tournaments.

The Oldham Community Leisure travelled to London unprepared for the “unbelievable experiences” of the Games.

She explained: “I would have one of four jobs: assistant scorer, scorer, timekeeper or 24-second shot clock keeper. The jobs rotated around the officials — and the games were incredible!

“I got to officiate on the men’s basketball final - for me the ultimate game to be involved in.

“It was USA versus Spain, so I got to see players like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, players paid millions of pounds to do what they do, playing right in front of me.

“But the wheelchair basketball was incredible too, because it has really opened people’s eyes to disability sport.

“Friends and family of mine were tuning in to see if they could spot me but instead got caught up in the game.

“I know now that if we were to have a wheelchair tournament at Oldham sports centre then people would be interested and would either want to play or come and show their support. I think it has encouraged people to get involved because people have seen how fun it is.”

A former player, qualified coach and table officiator for basketball tournaments across Stockport and Oldham - including wheelchair teams Oldham Owls and Tameside Owls - Kristine didn’t hesitate when she was approached about the Olympics three years ago.

She said: “I told them straight away I’d be interested. The next two years involved a lot of tests, workshops and learning rules, but last December I was appointed an officiator at both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Only six other people got selected to officiate in both tournaments, so that was really special.”

Kristine stayed in the Paralympic Village for the games - which she says made her summer.

“It was just awesome to stay there. It became an everyday thing to mix with athletes; you can’t top that!

“I’m really sad it’s all come to an end. So many people involved think it’s depressing that it’s all over because it’s all been so good and they’ve been glued to the TV.

“The organisers of the games did a tremendous job. Everybody really did Great Britain proud.”

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