Curtain falls on a summer of sporting activities
9:13am Friday 31st August 2012 in News
HUNDREDS of people celebrated the closing ceremony of the spectacular Bolton 2012 Games.
The event at Bolton Lads and Girls Club paid tribute to the more than 800 youngsters who have taken part in over 40 sporting events during the summer break.
Children were able to try a range of sports such as wrestling, swimming, football, rugby, cycling, golf and many more.
Those who had taken part were presented with medals at the closing ceremony last night.
Olympic silver medallist and Bolton boxing sensation Amir Khan was the star guest at the event.
He said: “It’s been wonderful to see so many youngsters learning about new sports and having a go at things they would otherwise never get the chance to. They should be proud of themselves.”
Bolton Games 2012 was inspired by the London 2012 Olympic Games and was organised by Bolton Council and Bolton Lads and Girls Club.
Dave Singleton, chairman of Bolton Lads and Girls Club, said: “Everyone has got into the spirit of the games and we are delighted to have been involved. It would be ambitious to do it again next year but it would be nice if we can do something similar for the young people of Bolton.”
The mayor of Bolton, Cllr Guy Harkin, added: “There is a myth that there’s nothing to do for young people during the school summer holidays and these Games have blown it out of the water.”
Ryan Kaye, aged 15, from Farnworth, wrestles at a club at Bolton YMCA.
His mum, Lesley, said: “He’s a keen wrestler but has got to know so many sports due to the Games. He is a different person. He won lots of medals and has met so many new friends.
“I can’t begin to say how proud I am of him.”
Ryan said: “I loved playing tennis and coaching other people how to wrestle. It has been a really enjoyable thing to take part in.”
The ceremony looked back on some of the highlights of the event and gave special mention to the volunteers who made it possible.
