Community Games mean London 2012 won’t become ‘distant memory’
People suffering from post Olympic and Paralympic blues are getting their spirits lifted thanks to one legacy programme that vows to keep the spirit of the Games alive.
When Britain’s new Paralympic swimming star, Ellie Simmonds, declared she ‘didn’t want the Games to end’ she was speaking on behalf of the country.
Now, thanks to Community Games – a Cabinet Office funded programme – it is anticipated the legacy of the Games and Simmonds’ sentiment, will live on for years to come encouraging people all over the country to enjoy in their own min-Olympics, annually.
The grassroots project, which encompasses sporting and cultural activities, was originally set up in, and for, the West Midlands but was such a triumph it was later rolled out across the country.
One year on, nearly 2,000 Community Games have taken place throughout England attracting around two million people to them.
Graham Oatridge, Physical Activity Contracts Manager, for YMCA England -who is delivering the Community Games project alongside the County Sports Partnership Network - said it was an honour to be involved in the legacy programme.
He said:
“The Olympic and Paralympic Games brought people together from a variety of different communities and cultures in a way like no other.
We do not want these magical Games to become a distant memory, we want to keep the spirit of them alive in communities across England for years to come.
We can do this through Community Games, which have already successfully succeeded in uniting communities and families, throughout the Games, who have been able to enjoy their own Olympic moments.”
Lee Mason, Chief Executive, at the County Sports Partnership Network (CSP) said:
“Seb Coe said ‘the way we view sport has changed’ and he’s right. We want to keep the momentum going and encourage more people to become active. Community Games is a great way for those inspired by sport to try new activities in a welcoming and local environment.
Community Games are yet another success story of the Olympics and it’s my vision that future athletes will be stood on an Olympic podium claiming a gold medal in sport all because they were once inspired by a Community Games event.”
The brainchild of Legacy Trust UK, Community Games were inspired by the Wenlock Olympic Games, founded by Dr William Penny Brookes in 1850, which were also the inspiration behind the modern Olympic movement.
ENDS
KEY FACTS:
Community Games:
- The Community Games programme was launched in the West Midlands in 2009 and was originally funded for three years by Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity set up to help build a lasting cultural and sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- Since its launch more than 750 games have already taken place involving more than 500,000 people.
- Community Games is inspired by the Wenlock Olympian Games founded by Dr William Penny Brookes in 1850 and still held annually in Much Wenlock, Shropshire. The Wenlock Olympian Games were the inspiration behind the modern Olympic and Paralympic Games when Baron Pierre du Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic movement, visited the games in 1890. The Community Games programme pays homage to a community event that inspired a global event, and now uses that global event to inspire a new raft of community events.
Legacy Trust UK:
- Legacy Trust UK is an independent charity set up to create a lasting cultural and sporting legacy from London 2012 in communities across the UK.
- The Trust is funded by a £40 million endowment from the Big Lottery Fund (£29m), Department for Culture Media and Sport (£6m) and Arts Council England (£5m), and is a Principal Funder of the Cultural Olympiad and London 2012 Festival. www.legacytrustuk.org
The YMCA:
- Founded 168 years ago, the YMCA in England is made up of 121 member YMCAs working to ensure that young people have opportunities to thrive and contribute positively to their communities.
- YMCA operates in over 530 different communities in England impacting upon the lives of over 500,000 people every year.
- Every night YMCAs provide over 9,000 beds for young people. The YMCA is the largest voluntary sector provider of safe, supported accommodation for single men and women aged between 16-30 years old.
- The YMCA enables nearly 24,000 people every year to engage in education, skills and training to enable them to improve their opportunities in the job market.
- The YMCA is the largest voluntary sector provider of health and wellbeing services promoting physical activity.
- For further information please visit http://www.ymca.org.uk
The County Sports Partnership Network (CSPN):
- The County Sports Partnership Network brings together 49 County Sports Partnerships from across England, and is responsible for supporting the delivery of national sports policy at a local level by shaping it to the needs of local communities.
- The CSPN contributes to the health of the nation by helping local people lead healthier, active livesThe CSPN brings together the knowledge and expertise of a range of local delivery partners – including local authorities, clubs and schools – which enables it to use resources in the most efficient way possible to deliver sport in local communities.
The CSPN brings together the knowledge and expertise of a range of local delivery partners – including local authorities, clubs and schools – which enables it to use resources in the most efficient way possible to deliver sport in local communities.
Donna Roddy, Citydesk Sport, on behalf of Community Games.
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