"We recognise what a great ambassador he is for our borough and the people of it."
Oldham rugby great and fundraising legend Sir Kevin Sinfield has been awarded a Knighthood in recognition of his outstanding services to Rugby League, Rugby Union and the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) community.
The Prince of Wales bestowed the honour to the former Leeds Rhinos forward on Wednesday.
Prince William presented Sir Kevin with a knighthood to recognise his remarkable sporting career and his tireless fundraising efforts, which have raised millions of pounds and significantly increased awareness of Motor Neurone Disease.
Oldham leaders Cllr Kamran Ghafoor of The Oldham Group, Cllr Sam Al-Hamdani of the Liberal Democrat Group, Cllr Maggie Hurley of the Royton Independent Group, Cllr Arooj Shah of the Labour Group and Cllr Max Woodvine of the Conservative Group have issued a joint statement of congratulations to the rugby legend.
They said: "It is with great pleasure that we received the news of Kevin Sinfield’s knighthood.
"Kevin is a great hero both internationally and locally, and it was only a few days ago that he was out running the streets of Oldham, raising money again for Motor Neurone Disease.
"He has spoken in the past of his love for the town, and we recognise what a great ambassador he is for our borough and the people of it.
"As a rugby legend, starting out at Waterhead, he has scaled the heights as a player in rugby league, and as a coach in rugby union.
"But beyond that, his incredible feats to raise millions of pounds to help treat Motor Neurone Disease have made him particularly valued, and made a special connection with so many people who have sponsored him and cheered him on through the streets, and even joined in with him at events such as the Santa Dash.
"This recognition could not be more deserved, and we would all like to place on record our recognition of a truly great Oldhamer."
The MND Association patron recently returned to his hometown to complete his seventh and final annual fundraising challenge, 7 in 7: The Grand Finale. The challenge saw Sir Kevin run an ultra-marathon every day for seven days in memory of his close friend and former Leeds Rhinos teammate, Rob Burrow CBE, who died from Motor Neurone Disease in June 2024 at the age of 41.
Residents turned out in large numbers to support the former Saddleworth School and Oldham Sixth Form College student as he passed through Saddleworth and Chadderton during the challenge, displaying the pride and admiration felt for him across the borough.
Sir Kevin, who was awarded the Honorary Freeman of the Borough, Oldham's highest civic honour in 2023, was joined by his wife Jayne for the investiture at Windsor.
During 7 in 7: The Grand Finale, Sir Kevin visited all 12 English super league clubs and along the way he met hundreds of people with MND and their families.
Oldham continues to take great pride in Sir Kevin's achievements, both on and off the field, and this latest honour is fitting recognition of his extraordinary contribution to sport, charity and the wider community.