Posts Tagged ‘London 2012’
-
By vFffion 30th July 12
London 2012 has launched in style, and we’re proud that young people played a central role in the opening ceremony.
For the past two years vInspired has worked on the London 2012 Young Leaders Programme alongside LOCOG, BP and the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust. Together we provided support for young people to deliver community projects in local areas combined with personal development opportunities and volunteer roles at London 2012.
Below Matt Hutchings, a young leader from the programme, reflects on his experiences…
Sitting watching the Opening ceremony on Friday evening I realised the lengths that the organisers had gone to ensure these games will inspire a generation.
The lighting of the Cauldron by seven young athletes who were chosen by seven Olympic legends is something I will never forget.
It was an opportunity for Young People to shine. Likewise, the London 2012 Young Leaders programme has allowed 100 young people to help change their local areas and apply for a volunteering role at either the Olympic or Paralympic games.
The Olympic legacy may not be crystal clear to everyone – but for me it’s been realised through taking part in such a positive and life-changing experience.
The people I have had the opportunity to meet and work with has been amazing and inspiring; from peers up and down the country to Olympic legends.
I ran projects with local schools; from creating a community mural based on the Olympic and Paralympic values, to running workshops and debates reflecting on what it takes to succeed in any given field.
Without my experience on the Young Leaders programme I would not have attempted to improve my community in such a way.
During the programme I was lucky enough to meet Olympic and Paralympic athletes alike. I was so inspired by the determination and excellence of Paralympic athletes that I decided to apply to be a Games Maker at the Paralympic Games.
Moreover the opportunity has shown me the value of volunteering to the point that I’m now addicted. The opportunity led me to join the vInspired Youth Advisory Board whilst also increasing my leadership involvment in Scouting.
I believe the Games has already inspired young people to be the best they can be, through sport, volunteering or employment.
The true legacy of the Olympics will be the opportunities it has offered to a generation. Opportunities they have taken and will never forget.
The Olympics has changed me. How about you?
Have you been involved directly or indirectly, in London 2012 and have a similar story to share? We’d love to hear them!
How do you feel the Olympics has or will impact on future generations? Share your comments below.
-
-avatar.jpg)
By vJoe 25th July 12
As far as sporting years go, Summer 2012 is nothing short of epic.
The London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games are sure to be a once in a lifetime experience for everyone across the country.
It’s the combination of athletes, spectators, and not least the range of volunteering and community projects happening across the country, that are set to make up the Games’ lasting legacy.
As if that isn’t enough inspiration to get involved, the summer holiday season and its current glorious weather (at the time of writing) is a great opportunity to get sporty.
As well as keeping the body and mind in good shape, sport can bring communities together, provide the opportunity to try something different and meet some new and interesting people along the way.
Here’s our ideas ways to get sporty and get involved in the 2012 celebrations this summer…
London 2012 events and festivities
London 2012 has already created a host of legacy programmes and events - and there are still plenty of ways to get involved in the Olympic festivities and become part of something special. Check out the London 2012 “Join in” webpages for a full run-down of local programmes running during and well beyond the Games.
The 2012 Community Games
The Community Games are a great opportunity to bring your community together to take part in sporting and cultural activities inspired by, and in celebration of the Olympics. It’s up to you to organise your Games in a way that works for you and celebrate the uniqueness of your community. There are still plenty of events running well beyond the Games. Find out more on the website.
Sports Makers
This year, anyone can be a hero. Whether it’s planning the route, finding the pitch or encouraging people to take part – sport doesn’t just happen, it needs people to make it happen. Become one of 40,000 Sport Makers and you’ll not only get the skills, knowledge and opportunities you need to get more people playing sport, you’ll become part of the official London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sports legacy. Now that really is something to add to your CV. Find out more and get involved.
GoodGym
This is nothing short of ingenious. Pairing runners with isolated, less mobile people in the community, GoodGym really does provide a meaningful way to excercise. Fit and willing volunteers can combine their exercise regime with any number of helpful tasks – from shifting rubble, and planting gardens to making deliveries and friendly visits to older people. The project has initially launched in East London, but plans are afoot to spread the initiative further. Find out more and get involved.
How are you celebrating 2012?
We’d love to hear how you’re getting involved in the London 2012 legacy. Share you experiences below.
For ideas and inspiration, why not check out the range of sports-related opportunities available on vinspired.com?
See the Sport England website for more useful information, advice & support for sports volunteers.
-
By Terry_Ryall 20th April 12
We recently received a letter from Seb Coe, Chairman of the London Organisation Committee of the 2012 Olympic Games, thanking us for our support of the Young Games Makers programme.
It was a really lovely gesture and made us feel incredibly proud of our involvment in the programme and excited for all the Young Games Makers ahead of London 2012!
In the letter, Seb Coe said:
“I wanted to write to you personally to thank you for all the work that vInspired has done in support of our Young Games Makers Programme…
“I strongly believe that our volunteers will make the difference between a good and great Games, and this would not have been made possible without the help of vInspired.
“I hope all of your volunteers have thoroughly enjoyed their involvement in the programme and are proud of the important contribution they have made.”
See the full letter from LOCOG .
-
By Guest Blogger 21st March 12
Julie Morrow, Communications Manager at Legacy Trust UK tells us about the exciting roll-out of the Comunity Games – bringing communities across England together to create their own Olympic and Paralympic-inspired event.
You can also get involved with the Olympic games by becoming a LOCOG Local Leader, as well as checking out our Olympic-inspired volunteering opportunities.
Jonathan Edwards taking part in the 2010 Community Games
This week the Office for Civil Society announced £2 million of funding to roll out Community Games across the UK. The project was originally set up in 2010 with Legacy Trust UK funding in the West Midlands.
The Trust is an independent charity which is creating a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games across the UK, and we fund a wide range of arts, sports and education activities across the UK open to everyone, with a particular focus on young people.
Since 2010, there have been more than 200 Community Games across the West Midlands, but this new funding, and new partners in the form of YMCA and County Sports Partnership Network will bring Community Games to people right across England.
Community Games is a simple concept – it brings communities together to create their own Olympic and Paralympic-inspired event by organising a day of sports and arts activities for local people. Events can have a competitive edge or just be about trying something new, from archery and climbing to face painting.
The importance is on getting everyone involved and inspired by London 2012. The Olympic torch route has also been announced this week, so Community Games are a great way to celebrate the torch visiting towns and cities across the UK.
There are three main ways for young people to get involved in Community Games:
1. As a participant – visit the Community Games website which will soon have full details of all the current Community Games planned across England this summer
2. As a volunteer – once you have found an event near you on the website, you can contact the organisers to see if they’d like any help running the event on the day
3. As an organiser – if you are keen to develop event and project management skills you might be interested in organising your own Community Games. The website has a wealth of information on how to go about doing this and a toolkit to help you plan the day.However you get involved, Community Games is a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends, all on your own doorstep.
Recent comments: