Bring back the Morpeth Olympics

Apr 11 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

THE controversial progress of the Olympic flame seems to have temporarily snuffed out the spirit and the excitement of this year’s Games.

Many have called for the torch procession, created by Hitler and his pal Leni Riefenstahl, to be abolished, and some have even questioned the continuation of the Olympic Games as a touring spectacle.

There is an excellent example of a long-running Olympic Games event taking place successfully for more than 80 years in one location. It’s the Morpeth Olympic Games.

These Games took place regularly between 1881 and 1959. They featured Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, hurdles, 120 and 440 yard races, high jump, pole leap and (my favourite) ‘professional pedestrianism’.

By 1912 the Morpeth Olympics were so popular they stretched across two whole days. They may not quite compete with the multi-billion pound 21st century affair, but they promoted sport and attracted many thousands of spectators to Northumberland.

Taking part in the Olympic Games remains the pinnacle for sportspeople.

Their commitment, excellence and admirable sense of fair play may bring the Beijing Games back on track.

The 2012 Olympics will bombard the South East with millions of visitors and a vast array of sporting activities. We do, however, have time to propose an alternative. I believe we should consider reinstating the Morpeth model and host our own mini-Games.

I was at the recent Sports Newcastle charity dinner that honours North East sports stars. The highlight for me is the focus it gives to young sporting talent, with 14 ‘Rising Stars’ awards.

We have some extraordinary sportspeople being nurtured in the North East, some of whom richly deserve to find a place at the Olympics 2012. As I write, this is still scheduled to take place in London. Take my advice: cut back and relocate.

Nicholas Craig is a partner at Watson Burton law firm