The Leader of the Opposition and of the Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, has expressed his delight that amongst the many worthy winners of Team GB at this year’s Rio Olympics, there is an Oldham Gold Medal winner.

Councillor Sykes wants to ensure that Nicola White, a member of the Team GB women’s hockey team, receives the recognition that is due to her from her home town and Council and has written to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Jean Stretton, asking for a Civic reception to be arranged for her.

Councillor Sykes said: “Team GB’s performance at the Rio Games was spectacular with the highest medal score in history.  I was especially pleased to see Nicola White from Oldham, and her team mates, take the Gold medal for Team GB in hockey.  I congratulate them all for their splendid efforts.  It is always great when people from our Borough do exceptionally well in any field and we have a particularly long and proud history of achievement in many competitive sports.

“I have today written to the Leader asking her to join me in writing to Nicola, and her team mates, with our congratulations on her tremendous achievement, and I have also requested that, in addition to the Manchester welcome home parade, the Council should arrange a very special reception for our own very special Olympian.”