Bumper entry gearing up for Saddleworth Village Olympics showpiece

The Saddleworth Village Olympics event launches on Saturday

Almost 1,000 children have registered to take part in this year's Saddleworth Village Olympics, which launches on Saturday.

Revealing the record number, Adrian Green, the Games retiring chairman, urged parents and supporters to attend the opening ceremony at the new Saddleworth School in Diggle at 9am on Saturday (September 10).

He said: “We would encourage you all to come down and support the children even if you are not directly involved as it promises to be a spectacular event with brass bands, stalls and catering available.”

Mr Green said the move to the new school has brought a few “teething problems”, adding: “But thanks to the kind donation of a storage cabin from Manchester Cabins and help from the site management staff at the school, organisers are hopeful this years event will go smoothly.”

And he asked attendees to note the car park to the right of the drive heading down towards the school will be cordoned off for the safety of spectators and competitors.

“Anyone who intends to drive - and park - at the school are asked to keep to the left of the building," added Mr Green. 

"We look forward to seeing you all at the Games."

The Games, which began in 1985, have become a cherished community event for children, parents and carers.  

“It is difficult to remember, given the scale of the games, the entire event is organised and run by a large group of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year to make them fun, inclusive and safe as possible," said Mr Green.

“We simply couldn’t run it without them and I would like to pass on our sincere thanks to them all."

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