Olympics
The build up to the 2012 Olympics kicked off in earnest after the Beijing Olympics. This is an exciting time for anybody involved in sport from sport National Governing Bodies, community sports clubs and organisations, and the wider British public.
Olympic Legacy
There has been a lot of publicity about how the Olympic Games will leave a lasting legacy. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has published: Before, during and after: making the most of the London 2012 games
This includes five promises:
Places People Playwill bring the sporting legacy to life in communities across the country, answering London 2012's Singapore promise to inspire a new generation to play sport. The £135 million initiative has been made possible by the Government's National Lottery reforms, which are bringing additional funding into grassroots sport.
NAVCA has produced an article on how the community and voluntary sector can contribute to a 2012 legacy.
How will it be delivered?
All English regions have been working towards legacy plans, the delivery of which will be co-ordinated by the London 2012 Nations and Regions Group. The regional groups include representatives from Regional Cultural Consortia, Regional Development Agencies, Regional Sport Boards, local government and other sports, arts, cultural, commerce, tourism, health and education bodies.
Although there is no specific reference to Regional Voluntary Sector Networks, NAVCA recommends that RVSNs contact their regional group to highlight the important contribution the third sector can make to increasing the numbers participating or volunteering in sport in communities.
Find out more about what's happening in your region.
To encourage people to participate in events in their local area, and to strengthen and enrich communities, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has launched the Cultural Olympiad.
The Cultural Olympiad
The 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are not just about sport - They will offer a unique opportunity for British people to engage with and participate in a major cultural celebration.
From the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Games, the UK commenced its Cultural Olympiad - a four-year period of cultural activity designed to celebrate the Olympic spirit throughout the UK. This will showcase British talent and innovation and reflect the key themes of the London 2012 Games:
- Celebrating London and the whole of the UK welcoming the world
- Inspiring and involving young people
- Generating a positive legacy
It will inspire people around the country to participate in a range of cultural activities, which will reflect and celebrate the diverse communities of London and the UK.
The Cultural Olympiad was launched on the weekend of 26-28 September 2008 and will involve community-driven projects that combine culture and sport. Organisations can apply to be part of it on the Cultural Olympiad pages. You can also contact your regional programmer.
Who is responsible?
- The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is responsible for constructing the Olympic park and village, in effect building the theatre.
- The London Organising Committee for Olympic Games (LOCOG), led by Sebastian Coe (Chair) and Paul Deighton (Chief Executive), is responsible for staging a memorable Games in 2012. It will deliver the best possible Olympic and Paralympic Games experience for everyone involved, ensuring a tangible legacy and inspiring people to participate.
For more information on the work of LOCOG and ODA or the 2012 games in general visit the London 2012 website, an excellent interactive website, including information on 2012 in your region.
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