Last updated at 22:48, Thursday, 14 June 2012

Workington’s own version of the Olympic games went like a dream this week.

Thousands of schoolchildren and their families packed out the Derwent Park stadium for a spectacular Workington Olympics 2012 event.

It was a brilliant idea to stage the games with all local primary schools involved, their own torch relay, opening ceremony and medal presentations.

It was a joyous occasion that went like clockwork.

There has much talk about over commercialisation of the Olympics, but this was what it should be about; engaging youngsters in sport, exercise and the idea of healthy competition.

It will have created a lasting memory for the children who brought the Olympic spirit to life on their own field of dreams.

Next up will be the Olympic torch relay which comes through our area next Thursday.

This a marvellous, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For a day we will be at the heart of the Olympic movement, and the rest of the UK will be watching.

This time it will be our streets of dreams; can you believe it, from Olympia to London via Aspatria, Maryport, Flimby, Workington, Cockermouth and Keswick?

If these twin events, this week and next, manage to encourage more local youngsters to take up sport, then we can certainly say the Olympics have given us a fine legacy.

First published at 19:23, Thursday, 14 June 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk