Individuals, organisations and communities across have been encouraged to establish and gain recognition for projects which use the inspiration of London 2012 to benefit the region.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership for the 2012 Games has urged people to follow in the footsteps of others and use the excitement surrounding London 2012 to create vibrant and innovate projects or events in the area.
Six projects in Coventry and Warwickshire have set the region on its way after they were awarded the official London 2012 Inspire Mark in recognition of their innovative and exceptional projects. This accreditation is awarded to projects that reflect the core values of London 2012 across the themes of sport, culture, education, volunteering, environment and business.Now others are being asked to do the same and make the most of this unique opportunity.
Will Bastin, from the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership for the 2012 Games, said: “The London 2012 Inspire Mark project is a fantastic way of gaining national recognition for projects which go that extra step to encapsulate what the Olympic and Paralympic Games are about.
“London 2012 will capture people’s imaginations like nothing before and so it is a valuable opportunity for us to use it as a catalyst to inspire people to create projects that have positive ambitions for local communities across a range of themes.
“We want to have as many Inspire Mark projects as possible by 2012 and encourage anyone who is planning or has existing projects which fit these criteria to apply for the Inspire Mark at the earliest opportunity.”
Two of the projects which have already been awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark draw on the sporting and cultural influence of the Games. They are Extraordinary Cycles, a partnership project between Hybrid Arts and Coventry Transport Museum and the Festival of Sport, which aims to give children the opportunity to experience different Olympic and Paralympic sports.
Another project Boys Dancing, led by Warwick Arts Centre, aims to encourage boys to participate in dance and combine physical activity with creativity.
The remaining projects focus on the themes of art, culture and education - Germination is an exploration of British culture run by Imagineer Productions, Knickers and Vests, led by Triangle Theatre investigates the experience of physical education in school sport, and Museum on the Move, a mobile museum with an exhibition focusing on Warwickshire’s sporting heroes and Olympic heritage.
Non-commercial organisations or individuals that would like to be involved with the London 2012 Inspire Mark project should contact Will Bastin at will.bastin@cswp.org.uk or visit www.cswp.org.uk/london2012 for more information.