Tributes to 'Mr Olympics' stalwart Ben

Ben Hilton

A MAN who has inspired and encouraged thousands of Saddleworth children to take part in sports has died.

And Ben Hilton (56) has been praised for his unstinting and valiant efforts of behalf of the Saddleworth Village Olympics.

Iain Johnston of Saddleworth Olympics Uppermill team, described Ben as "a fine human being."

"In life, you meet a total spectrum of human beings. I can say without any hesitation, that Ben was one of life's gentlemen.

"Thoughtful. Kind. Socialistic. And above all, a humanist," said Mr Johnson.

"Ben thrived around people. He told me once he was known as "Henry Kissinger" by his work associates as he was the "go to" man to soothe out any dispute between competing egos.

"That is because Ben was bereft of his own ego," Mr Johnson explained. "The endless energy, kind prodding, cajoling and gentle arm twisting turned Saddleworth Olympics into a world record-holding, 1,000 children, event that became a local institution and gave a generation of children an opening into the world of sport."

He added: "Ben will be sorely missed by all that crossed his path in life and and I for one send my love to the family and my kind condolences."

David Needham, the former Chair of the Olympics, said: "It is very sad to hear the news of Ben's death as he took over from me following the community's 2000 Millennium Olympics.

"At the time he was one of the two Diggle representatives on the organising committee and also one of their team managers.

"Fortunately he had the ability and the courage to take on the role and along with others helped to ensure the games continue to the present day.

"The Village Olympics celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2015 which was a bonus for all the people involved at the beginning.

"I am sure Ben's commitment to the event will always be appreciated by a grateful Saddleworth community.".

Ben and his Saddleworth Olympics committee team were Pride in Oldham finalists in 2010, the year that Ben and five other members stepped down after 25 years of helping organise the event.