Young Olympians ready to shine

More than 700 children will take part in the Saddleworth Village Olympics from Saturday.

Now in its 29th year, the event caters solely for young people from local communities. Over the next three weeks, youngsters representing their villages will compete in sports such as football and netball and even basketball and dodgeball. Organisers are urging families to support the event by attending the opening ceremony, at 9am on Saturday at Saddleworth School.

The Olympics new co-chairman, Adrian Green, said: “This event provides the younger members of our community access to sports they may not otherwise take up.

“It also teaches them valuable life skills, including teamwork and sportsmanship and, at the same time, enhances their sense of community spirit.”

The event is organised by volunteers from each of the seven competing villages and is heavily reliant on donations from local people and businesses.

For more details, visit www.saddleworthvillageolympics.co.uk