Two golds for Rochdale at the Greater Manchester School Games

Nicola White MBE opening the Greater Manchester Winter School Games

Rochdale came away champions in two sports at the Greater Manchester School Games, Holy Family RC & CE College won the Inclusive Tennis competition, and Rochdale Borough Team won gold, presented by 2012 Water Polo Olympian, Hazel Musgrove, in the Primary and Secondary Disability Swimming competitions.

Pupils from across Greater Manchester gathered at Sport City’s Indoor Athletics Arena to see Olympic Gold Medallist, Littleborough's Nicola White MBE, open the games with a special ‘This Girl Can’ dance performed by schools.

World class facilities from around the county were utilised for the games, including the National Cycling Centre, Sport City and the National Basketball Performance Centre where competitions took place.

There were competitions taking place in Athletics, Basketball, Boccia, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Lacrosse, Netball, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball and Water Polo.

Thirty young volunteers were part of 179 who formed the School Games crew. They underwent training before the event, with some gaining qualifications to ensure they could help deliver the events with the National Governing Body of their sport. Responsibilities of the volunteers on the day included refereeing, officiating and team management.

The Games also welcomed Gymnastic star, Beth Tweddle MBE, Elite Boccia player, Dan Wain, Handball Olympian Holly Lam-Moores and Water Polo Olympian Hazel Musgrove, who spurred on the athletes taking part in their sports.

Matt Stocks, Development Manager (Children & Young People) at GreaterSport and part of the organising committee for the games commented: “What a fantastic day of school sport competition. It was wonderful to see so many schools from across Greater Manchester participating. The event provides a terrific platform in which young people can showcase their talents as both participants and leaders”.

Nicola White MBE said: “It was brilliant to see such a huge turnout for the Greater Manchester School Games. It’s wonderful to see how opportunities have evolved and expanded since I was young competing in the GM Youth Games. The School Games simulates a mini Olympics and gives the children an excellent opportunity to feel what it could be like to be an elite athlete in the future, the energy and excitement was fantastic and I do hope those taking part continue on their sporting journey.”