MP joins bid to save Much Wenlock Olympic Games after competition comes under threat
An MP has joined a bid to save the Much Wenlock Olympic Games after the future of the sporting event that inspired the modern Olympics has come under threat.
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South Shropshire MP, Stuart Anderson has offered his support to help save the annual sports competition that has taken place in the town since 1850.
Former resident, Dr William Penny Brookes, pioneered the annual tournament and inspired Pierre de Coubertin to create the International Olympic Committee in 1894.
But, doubt has been cast on the future of the historic event in Shropshire - due to a deteriorating running track.
The organising committee, Wenlock Olympian Society, has launched an appeal to raise funds for upgrades to the running track, discus cage and long jump areas.
The facilities require urgent investment, or the event may have to re-locate.
Mr Anderson said the society told him that if funds cannot be raised for the renovations, the event will move to Cosford.
The MP is keen to see the historic event continue in Much Wenlock and has since written to Sports Minister, Stephanie Peacock MP, asking for a response to be provided at the earliest possible opportunity.
He said securing the future of the event would be a practical way in which the Government can deliver on the national sports strategy ‘Get Active‘ that was published last August with the aim of getting millions more people active by 2030.
South Shropshire MP, Stuart Anderson said: "I am keen to champion the health and wellbeing of my constituents. This priority was shared by a former fellow inhabit of the area, Dr William Penny Brookes, who founded the modern Olympiad here in 1850 to inspire residents to take part more in sport and physical exercise.
"I was concerned to learn about the critical conditions of the facilities in Much Wenlock, with the running track, discus cage, and long jump areas requiring urgent investment. I have called on the government to remain committed to the national sports strategy, ‘Get Active’, which was published last August with aim of getting millions of more people active by 2030.
"Securing the future of the Olympian Games in Much Wenlock is one practical way in which we can deliver this for my constituents. I hope we can secure enough funds to ensure that the Games can be held in here for future generations."
