Welcome
It gives me great pleasure to introduce the 2010 St Thomas’s Community Games. Over the last four years the games have become a local tradition being held biannually. These bring together local school children, parents, community groups and businesses to participate in a number of activities that are competitive and above all some fun. The games foster the ethos of teamwork, hard work, training, determination and discipline, as well as enjoyment and fitness.
We have been honoured to have local sporting heroes such as Ryan Bradley, Commonwealth medallist and Anna Ika-Oqua, 2012 Olympic prospect, carry the Olympic Torch through the streets of Dudley Town into the historic grounds of Dudley Castle. These sporting heroes make us immensely proud of their achievements and help inspire our children; sportsmen and women in Dudley achieve their aspirations and ambition. We are also privileged to welcome the Ed Balls, MP, Shadow Education and Children’s Secretary and Ian Austin, MP to officially open this year’s games.
Members of the Organising Committee have put in a great deal of work, dedication and commitment in ensuring that the games happen. We are indebted to everyone who has contributed to the success of the games. In particular our heartfelt thanks to local schools, our sponsors, businesses, charitable, community, voluntary and statutory organisations who have once again without any hesitation supported the games either financially or in kind. The games are an excellent example of partnership in action and we hope that these games will continue to grow from strength to strength as we move closer to the spectacular 2012 Olympics.
I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has helped and supported the Organising Committee in the planning of these games.
Councillor Shaukat Ali
Chairman, Organising Committee