SPORTING champions, politicians and local runners helped launched a special Royston Olympic event last Saturday.

The dignitaries and athletes got the ball rolling on Royston 2012’s One Year to Go to the Olympic Games .

Royston’s MP Oliver Heald, who is patron of Royston 2012: A Year of Celebrations described the event as “inspiring”.

“It was the kind of event which helps recognise that next year we have the Olympic Games in London,” he said.

“I think it was certainly inspiring for youngsters to meet sporting champions and to see what they had achieved through their dedication and enthusiasm.”

“I believe we can be proud of Royston taking such a leading role in making people aware of the Olympic Games.”

Among the heavy-hitters inaugurating the scheme were Royston’s Commonwealth Games medal-winning shooting competitors Chris Hector and his wife Kathryn, and Commonwealth Games weightlifting medal-winner Tony Morgan.

The committee’s chairman councillor, Lindsay Davidson, said: “The stall certainly captured the public’s attention and was helped by our Commonwealth Games sports stars putting their medal on display.

“It was an opportunity for the committee to meet some of our local sporting champions and talk to them about their achievements,” she said.

Others who attended included tri-athlete Robbie Laughton, who competed in the Triathlon World championships, and mother and daughter judo competitors Lesley Reid and Emma.

Lesley is training for the visually impaired judo event at next year’s Paralympics, and Emma is a member of England cadet judo squad.

Members of Royston Runners – who included chairman Maurice Hill – were also at the stall in the market along with the Mayor of Royston, Councillor Robert Inwood.

Plans for Royston 2012: A Year of Celebrations include local events with an Olympic Games theme, the celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the founding of the Royston Priory 850 years ago.