The Olympic spirit comes to Saddleworth

HOW IT WAS . . . last year’s Saddleworth Olympics started with a parade of athletes

AS the Olympic flames fade in Bejing, the spirit of Olympics begins to glow in Saddleworth.

This Saturday sees the start of the 23rd Saddleworth Olympics, which is open to all Saddleworth young people aged between seven and 17.

The competition runs until Sunday, September 20. Young people will compete in 10 different sports and teams will represent seven different villages.

Venues are varied and include Churchill Playing Fields, Saddleworth School, Uppermill Sports Club and Saddleworth Tennis Club.

During the three weekends of the competition, there will be swimming, basketall, rugby, netball, cricket, tennis and football events.

Organisers say that 1,000 young people registered last year and they are hoping for a similar turnout this time.

The intention is for the young people to take part in a spirit of fair play and friendliness.

For more information log on to the Saddleworth Olympics website at www.sadddleworthvillageolympics.co.uk

Programme of events

Athletics will be staged at Churchill Playing Fields on Saturday, September 6, with boys’ and girls’ events for 7 to 11-year-olds starting at 9am and boys’ and girls’ events for 12 to 17-year-olds at 1pm.

Basketball will be played at Saddleworth School on Friday, September 12, for boys and girls aged 12-17 at 5.30pm.

Rugby League will be at Churchill Playing Fields on Saturday, September 13, for boys and girls aged seven to 11 from 9am.

Junior netball will be played at Churchill Playing Fields on Saturday, September 13 for girls aged 7-9 at 9am and girls aged 10-11 at 11am.

Rounders will be at Churchill Playing Fields on Sunday, September 14, for girls aged 12 to 14 and 15 to 17 at 9am and girls aged 7 to 9 and 10 to 11 at 11am.

Badminton will be played at Saddleworth School on Friday, September 19 for girls and boys aged 7 to 9 years at 4.30pm and girls and boys aged 15 to 17 at 6.30pm.

There will also be badminton for schools on Friday, September 19, for girls and boys aged 7 to 9 at 4.30pm and girls and boys aged 10-11 years at 6.30pm.

Cricket will be at Uppermill Sports Club on Saturday, September 20, for boys aged 12-14 at 9am and a mixed option for ages 7-9, and 10 to 11 at 1pm.

Tennis will be played at Tame Valley Tennis Club on Saturday, September 20, girls, boys and mixed ages 15 to 17 at 9am and ages 12-14 at 1pm.

Senior netball will be at Churchill Playing Fields on Sunday, September 21, for girls aged 15 to 17 at 9am and girls 12 to 14 at 11am.

Football will be Churchill Playing Fields on Sunday, September 21, boys aged 12-14 and 15 to 17 at 9am and a mixed option for 7 to 9-year- olds and 10 to 11-year-olds at 1pm.