Rochdale makes its mark on the Olympics

Olympic and World Champion Swimmer, Keri-Anne Payne

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The big day is finally upon us. Tonight, all eyes will be on the UK for the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. And whilst 204 countries are taking parting the event, Rochdale’s certainly making its mark in a big way.

At 8.12am this morning (27 July), church bells throughout Rochdale rang in the momentous occasion as part of the nationwide 'All The Bells' campaign.

Robin Usher of Milnrow Parish Church loved taking part, saying: “We were happy to play a small part in the overall celebrations for the Olympics. We were short handed, so could only ring two of our eight bells, but were thankful to be able to do that.”

We also have many Rochdale locals down in the capital getting involved themselves; from top athletes to Games Makers.

Unable to pass up the opportunity of being part of this historic event, locals Scott Goulding and Farah Rehman will be at the event as ‘Games Makers’; eager volunteers working at the games to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Events Services volunteer Scott Goulding, a former Sutherland High School pupil and life-long Rochdale AFC fan, said: “I’m so excited to be doing it, it’s such an honour. Rochdale’s had a lot of bad press recently so it’s great to have some good news.

“I’ll be proud as punch wearing my Dale shirt under my uniform!”

Meanwhile, Rochdale-born Farah Rehman will be working hard as a volunteer in the Media Centre department.

Farah, who’s already in London, told us “So far it’s been fantastic, really busy in the media office. I got to see the ceremony welcoming Team GB into the Olympic Village and that was fantastic. All the volunteers came out to watch and it was just an amazing atmosphere, it’s already buzzing.

“I’m just about adjusting to life in London. It’s pretty crazy and hectic and you can already see it getting busier every day, so I imagine next week it’s going to be crazy on public transport!”

We’ll be in touch with Scott and Farah throughout the games as they keep us updated on the latest goings-on from London.

And it seems Rochdale residents are embracing the Olympic spirit, too. Roughyed from the forums says ‘I’ve got tickets to some athletics and will be watching all I can,’ with hovis adding ‘My better half will be glued to the TV as much as work commitments allow.’

Rochdale has also produced some amazing sporting talent, with many locals joining Team GB and hoping to bring home a coveted 2012 medal.

Last night (26 July), Olympic men’s football kicked off at Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium with none other than Rochdale-born Craig Dawson on the squad as Great Britain faced Senegal. As the final whistle blew, a 1-1 draw gave Team GB an optimistic start to the Games.

Our neck of the woods also boasts hopefuls in the worlds of rowing, sailing, hockey and even judo.

24-year-old Nicola White from Littleborough was delighted to have been called up as part of Team GB, representing the country in women’s hockey. An excited Nicola made her way down to London last week, Tweeting ‘arrived in the village to a greeting from Sir Clive Woodward! #asyoudo’.

Women’s judo champion Sophie Cox, Heywood swimmer Keri-anne Payne, sailor Stuart Bithell and the men’s quads rowing team, coached by Littleborough-born Mark Banks, are also locals looking to win big this summer. We’ll be following these athletes throughout the Games, keeping up to date with their progress.

Rochdale Online would like to wish all of those competing and taking part in London 2012 every success, and don’t forget that you can share your views on the Games on our forum at http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14629&title=the-olympics