Rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield made Freeman of the Borough of Oldham
Oldham’s rugby legend and fundraiser Kevin Sinfield, who ran seven ultramarathons in one week, received the county’s top honor.
On Monday night, during a ceremony in front of councillors, relatives and friends, the former Leeds Rhinos star was officially given the title of honorary citizen of the borough, the most prestigious award a council can bestow.
Chief Executive Harry Catherall said it was a “token of the high regard” the 42-year-old enjoys from “the citizens of the Greater Borough of Oldham and in recognition of his outstanding service and inspirational achievement”.
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The sports star is one of just 27 people to receive the honor and joins the ranks of former Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, suffragist Marjory Lees and Olympic gold medalists Nicola White and Matt Walls.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest kickers of all time in rugby league, the former Patt had a successful playing career for over two decades, beginning at Waterhead ARLC in Oldham before blossoming at Leeds Rhinos and he is now the England national defensive manager Rugby Union side.
A seven-time Super League Champion, two-time Challenge Cup and three-time World Club Challenge winner, Kevin has played with both England and Great Britain on the international stage.
He is widely known outside of rugby for his incredible sporting challenges to raise money for former team-mate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in December 2019.
These included seven marathons in seven days and seven ultramarathons in a week, raising millions of pounds for charity.
At the ceremony, Kevin described the Freeman award as a “great honor.” “I’ve lived in the city all my life, was educated here and my boys grew up here too,” he said.
“To receive such an honor is fantastic for the family. We love living in Oldham. I take pride in every opportunity to spread the word about the great city we live in.
“I have found that I have had quite a number of individual awards over the last 20 years, but I have played a team sport and over the past three years through the challenges we have made for Rob Burrow and the MDN community, were all there crew as well.
“There’s been a huge number of people who have supported me and been right by my side and they have to be a part of that and they’re a big part of that.”
Council leader Amanda Chadderton said Kevin has become “a fan favorite and a club legend” at Leeds Rhinos.
She added that his athletic achievements alone were enough to bring the honor of freedom to the district, but that it was his community service that “captured the hearts and minds of millions of people.”
“Because of the devotion he showed to his friend and former teammate Rob Burrow after Rob was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2019,” she said.
“We all wish we had friends like Kevin Sinfield and we should all strive to be friends like Kevin.
“He is a remarkable athlete, a truly inspirational individual and exceptional, and there is no better way to recognize his achievement than with the highest award our district can give him.”
Liberal Democrat Group leader Councilor Howard Sykes said “the boy did well, to say the least”.
Coun Luke Lancaster, the Conservative group’s vice-chairman, said: “As an outstanding athlete alone, Kevin Sinfield would more than deserve to be an honorary citizen of our county, but we all know the man has so much more to offer than just his sporting ability in that iconic number 13 jersey.”
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