OLDHAM youngsters were given a rare opportunity to meet a sporting superstar this week when Team GB track cyclist Jess Varnish visited Mahdlo.
The double Commonwealth Games gold medallist’s visit was arranged by local car dealer West Way Nissan which is sponsoring the Manchester-based athlete as she prepares for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
While there she took part in a question and answer sessions with 8-14 year-olds from Mahdlo’s holiday zone – a club which runs every day during the summer break – before accompanying the children to the nearby Alexandra Park for a mini bike ride.
Afterwards, Jess said: “It was great to visit Mahdlo and to meet and chat to the kids there.
“I love getting out and about and talking to youngsters and hopefully I may even have inspired them to take up cycling.
“Who knows, there could even have been a future Olympian in the group.”
Up to 100 children take part in Mahdlo’s ‘holiday zone’ every day, providing them with a range of exciting activities and events to keep them occupied.
Charlie Ward, aged 11, was thrilled with the chance to meet Jess.
He said: “I can’t believe I’ve met a real Olympian and I asked Jess if she travels around the world and how many medals she’s won. It was really special to talk to her and I would love to become a cyclist like her.”
Kate Entwistle, Junior Zone Co-ordinator from Mahdlo Youth Centre, in Egerton Street, said: “The children were really excited about meeting an Olympic star and they were buzzing having spoken to Jess. We’re working very hard to inspire young people in the area and having the help of West Way Nissan to organise Jess’s visit was a real boost. We’re really grateful for their help.”
Phil Behrens, Dealer Principal at West Way Oldham in St Mary’s Way, said: “As long term supporters of Mahdlo, we’re delighted to use our partnership with Jess to provide the children who use this invaluable facility with such a unique and enjoyable experience.”
The partnership between West Way and Jess was formed through Nissan’s role as the Official Automotive Partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB on the road to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. As part of this, Nissan has launched the #UniteAndExcite campaign which will provide fans with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to athletes’ stories and news of how Nissan’s innovative technology could improve performance.
Fans can follow #UniteAndExcite at www.nissan.co.uk/uniteandexcite
