Olympic hockey star backs sports awards

BACKING . . . Jeremy Broadbent, Councillor Jean Stretton, Nicola White and Omar Rahim, of Energi Mine

OLYMPIC hockey star Nicola White is backing the 2017 Oldham Sports Awards and highlighted the parallels between sport and business at an awards breakfast event.

The Olympic gold medallist spoke at Oldham Events Centre and the event highlighted business sponsorship opportunities at the sports awards in September.

The England and Great Britain star spoke about the importance of planning and training, individual and team performances, hitting targets, coping with nerves and improving weaknesses.

Oldham Council leader Jean Stretton spoke of the impact White's success has had on Oldham and for her support in promoting health and sport at all levels including schools.

She joked how one Limehurst School pupil was so excited after touching a medal that the child promised never to wash their hands again.

Councillor Stretton also outlined a range of health activities in sport centres and parks, from zumba classes to simple exercises such as walking.

Among the audience was David Webb (55), a welder at Royton firm Aspul, who lost his voice box after laryngectomy surgery. Mr Webb is recovering his strength through gentle exercise at Royton Leisure Centre with support from work colleague Steve Dickinson.

Other speakers included property consultant Jeremy Broadbent, chairman of the Sports Awards steering group.

He urged local firms to sponsor the awards, saying: "We want to celebrate success and recognise talent and contributions of everyone in Oldham's sports scene."

Businessman Omar Rahim, of Energi Mine, spoke about his new firm which identifies financial trends to find cheap energy supplies for businesses. He is returning to Oldham after working elsewhere for many years and said he was proud to back home.

Dave Whaley, managing editor of the Oldham Evening Chronicle, hosted the event which included the launch of a new website, oldhamsportsawards,co.uk, and Twitter account, @SAOldham.