Working with existing environmental groups, the programme aims to secure lasting environmental and social benefits for the communities around the Olympic Park and other Games-time venues. It will help to educate, train and provide volunteering opportunities for local people.
Over 50 volunteers joined London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) Chief Executive Paul Deighton for the launch of the project at Three Mills Island, next to the Olympic Park site. They spent the day removing graffiti, cutting back overgrown vegetation and repairing a tow path by the canal.
The day was organised in association with Thames21, a London-based environmental charity which works with communities to bring the city’s waterways to life.
Paul Deighton said: 'The work being done on the Olympic Park is well documented, but it is important to remember that this work goes on against the backdrop of one of the most disadvantaged areas in London.
'People will rightly be proud of the new park that is being created, but it is just as important that people are proud of their local community. This programme will help communities come together to make the most of their area both in 2012 and beyond.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Olympic torch will only tour Britain
THE Olympic torch will only tour Britain in the run-up to the 2012 Games in London, it was confirmed yesterday.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned world tours of the torch following widespread protests during its journey to last year's Beijing Olympics.
People demonstrating against China's human rights record tried to extinguish the flame
during several legs of the relay, including in London.
The torch's world tour has been short-lived. It was launched for the 2004 Athens Games but then dropped because of difficulties with national Olympic committees in several countries. Last year's tour only went ahead because it had already been organised.
London had already decided to limit the flame's tour to Britain, with the 2010 Winter Olympics, at Vancouver in Canada, doing likewise.
The IOC's decision will introduce a formal ban on tours outside the host nation from 2016.
A London 2012 spokeswoman said: "We have always said the primary focus would be on a domestic torch relay, whose main purpose is to excite and inspire the UK in the build-up to the Games."
She said that 95 per cent of the UK population should be no more than one hour away from seeing the tour.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned world tours of the torch following widespread protests during its journey to last year's Beijing Olympics.
People demonstrating against China's human rights record tried to extinguish the flame
during several legs of the relay, including in London.
The torch's world tour has been short-lived. It was launched for the 2004 Athens Games but then dropped because of difficulties with national Olympic committees in several countries. Last year's tour only went ahead because it had already been organised.
London had already decided to limit the flame's tour to Britain, with the 2010 Winter Olympics, at Vancouver in Canada, doing likewise.
The IOC's decision will introduce a formal ban on tours outside the host nation from 2016.
A London 2012 spokeswoman said: "We have always said the primary focus would be on a domestic torch relay, whose main purpose is to excite and inspire the UK in the build-up to the Games."
She said that 95 per cent of the UK population should be no more than one hour away from seeing the tour.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Vale Royal runner looks at London 2012 legacy
A VALE Royal AC star met a double Olympic gold medallist to talk about a legacy for London 2012.
Charlotte Roach this week joined Dame Kelly Holmes and Olympics minister Tessa Jowell MP for a workshop about how the event could benefit young people.
“It was an enjoyable and informative day,” she said.
“I am intrigued to see the results of the consultation on the London 2012 volunteering legacy and the impact that our input might have.”
The 20-year-old was one of three On Camp with Kelly athletes – a scheme fronted by the champion to help talented young female middle distance athletes to achieve their dreams – to take part.
The workshop, for young people from a variety of backgrounds took place, in London on Monday.
There Roach gave her view on what form the London 2012 legacy should take, in particular how the Olympic Games can be used to get more young people participating and volunteering in sport.
She also toured the Olympic Park.
”The workshop was a fantastic opportunity for the young people to pass on their views to the government about how the Olympic Games legacy plans should be developed,” said Holmes.
“I am very pleased that three of my mentees were able to take part.”
Roach’s Vale Royal AC clubmate Stevie Stockton is also part of the On Camp With Kelly scheme.
Olympic torch will only tour Britain
THE Olympic torch will only tour Britain in the run-up to the 2012 Games in London, it was confirmed yesterday.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned world tours of the torch following widespread protests during its journey to last year's Beijing Olympics.
People demonstrating against China's human rights record tried to extinguish the flame
during several legs of the relay, including in London.
The torch's world tour has been short-lived. It was launched for the 2004 Athens Games but then dropped because of difficulties with national Olympic committees in several countries. Last year's tour only went ahead because it had already been organised.
London had already decided to limit the flame's tour to Britain, with the 2010 Winter Olympics, at Vancouver in Canada, doing likewise.
The IOC's decision will introduce a formal ban on tours outside the host nation from 2016.
A London 2012 spokeswoman said: "We have always said the primary focus would be on a domestic torch relay, whose main purpose is to excite and inspire the UK in the build-up to the Games."
She said that 95 per cent of the UK population should be no more than one hour away from seeing the tour.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned world tours of the torch following widespread protests during its journey to last year's Beijing Olympics.
People demonstrating against China's human rights record tried to extinguish the flame
during several legs of the relay, including in London.
The torch's world tour has been short-lived. It was launched for the 2004 Athens Games but then dropped because of difficulties with national Olympic committees in several countries. Last year's tour only went ahead because it had already been organised.
London had already decided to limit the flame's tour to Britain, with the 2010 Winter Olympics, at Vancouver in Canada, doing likewise.
The IOC's decision will introduce a formal ban on tours outside the host nation from 2016.
A London 2012 spokeswoman said: "We have always said the primary focus would be on a domestic torch relay, whose main purpose is to excite and inspire the UK in the build-up to the Games."
She said that 95 per cent of the UK population should be no more than one hour away from seeing the tour.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Artists are being challenged to use the nation as a blank canvas and create 12 inspirational commissions, as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad
The £5.4 million project, 'Artists taking the lead', will award up to £500,000 for each of the 12 works in the most ambitious art prize on offer in the UK. It is being developed by Arts Council England, in partnership with London 2012 and the Arts Councils of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Each new work will reflect the UK’s artistic vision and become a creative celebration of the London 2012 Games.
Successful artists, who can submit ideas in any art form, will see their works displayed in iconic and unexpected locations throughout the UK, whether a hillside, beach or public space.
There will be nine commissions in England and a further three, one each, in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Moira Sinclair, Executive Director of Arts Council England, London, said on behalf of the UK Arts Councils: ‘The London 2012 bid was always about more than England’s capital city and about more than sport.
'Artists taking the lead' illustrates that bigger, bolder vision – of art inspiring people up and down the UK to celebrate the Games, of nurturing and developing our artistic talent, and of culture and creativity at the heart of our national life.
‘We’re excited to be laying down such a unique challenge to artists. We want them to look at their region and their connections with fresh eyes, to mark a moment in our histories in unexpected ways and places across the country, to surprise and delight the world with their extraordinary artistic vision.’
Artists can submit their ideas for the commissions online at www.artiststakingthelead.org.uk from today, 19 March, until 29 May 2009.
Arts Council England expects to announce the shortlisted artists in July 2009, and the final twelve commissions in October 2009. The successful commissions will be developed across 2010 and 2011, and all twelve will take part in a final unifying celebration before the opening of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Dispelling some myths about Equestrian events at Greenwich Park
There is much debate around the use of Greenwich Park for the Equestrian events at the 2012 Games; many myths that need to be dispelled. Below are my thoughts on the subject (first appearing in my column in today's Daily Telegraph):
With the spring-like temperatures, a budding Olympic Park is sprouting from the ground and a whole new landscape is taking shape in East London. Much has been written about new venues, but around two thirds already exist. One such venue is Greenwich Park, a mere 5 miles from the nascent Olympic Park and Village and home to our equestrian events in 2012. It is a venue which has attracted a great deal of attention and frankly some ill-informed analysis.
For so many years the lament of Equestrian competitors is that they reach a Games, the pinnacle of their careers and when they get there they don’t feel part of it. Events often take place miles away from the main Games hub meaning they live and perform in a bubble, away from the Athletes’ Village and fellow competitors. In Beijing, the Equestrian events were in Hong Kong – a three hour flight. The first time the Equestrian team generally see the rest of the team is on the plane home. Throughout the bid, top riders from all around the world – many of them good friends – said to me, 'make sure we're part of the action' and we took this on board.
We also had a clear steer from the IOC on venues. Compact venues were the way forward. Competitors not commuters. With this in mind, we unashamedly chose Greenwich as the venue for the Equestrian sports. Why? We wanted to win the bid.
What about legacy? It is a key deliverable of our project, but I’ve always said legacy is not just about the bricks and mortar we leave behind.
It may not surprise you to learn that Equestrianism as an Olympic sport does not attract huge viewing figures. We are bringing it to an inner city site and with that, a new audience – both at events and via television. With the greatest respect to existing Equestrian venues, they are not equipped to host three events simultaneously to Olympic standard and, again speaking frankly, having the Equestrian events at Badminton or Burghley is not necessarily going to put one more child on a horse.
These venues are also essentially temporary and after trials return to their ‘day job’, be that farmland or whatever. We also want our venues to be accessible via public transport which Greenwich is. For the money being spent on this venue – which comes from LOCOG’s privately raised budget – we believe that we are making the best decision for both the sport and for London 2012.
That's not to say we are resting on our laurels – we are also in early discussions with the British Equestrian Federation and London Borough of Greenwich to talk about other legacy ideas, the former having already launched a campaign to get more people across London riding horses.
We hear the minority voices against Greenwich loud and clear, but Olympic mythology is not just rooted in the Ancient Games. (The modern Olympic Movement is also subject to myths).
Myth: Trees in Greenwich Park will be cut down.
Fact: No trees will need to be cut down, there may be some pruning but this will be done alongside The Royal Parks' existing programme
Myth: The Park will be closed for a year
Fact: We will keep large sections of the Park open as much as possible, inconvenience will be kept at a minimum. Construction of the temporary arena starts in April 2012, but this won’t mean the whole park being shut. Many Cross Country course jumps will be portable and will be brought in and positioned in the final weeks running up to the Games to minimise disruption.
Myth: The Park is too small for Cross Country
Fact: A very good Cross Country route has been identified meeting International Federation specifications comfortably, and we are using course designers of international repute.
Myth: Having horses racing round the Park will irreversibly damage the ground
Fact: The Cross Country is not like the Grand National – 75 horses go round one at a time, once, throughout the day. We have promised to return the park in the same state as it was given to us. Don't forget, five days after the Cross Country in Hong Kong last summer, people were back playing golf there.
Myth: We are being secretive, misleading and lying about our plans.
Fact: We are being open – some plans are still being worked through, but we are clear that the borough, local residents and the equestrian community are partners in this project. Later this year we will be submitting a planning application for the work and we are conducting assessments on all aspects of the venue and the Cross Country course. This includes, ecology, trees, archaeology and built heritage, community impact and transport. We will go through a formal process of public consultation on all aspects of our plans before that application is submitted.
Delivering successful Games involves partnership at every level. We have already met with many of the local groups who have an interest, we have attended public meetings, we have teams out in the borough on a regular basis answering questions. We work closely with the British Equestrian Federation and the International Federation – both of whom are fully supportive of Greenwich Park. It is in nobody's interest to be misleading about the project.
For me the benefits are clear.
The London Borough of Greenwich is a diverse part of London, containing both affluent and disadvantaged communities. I'm confident that many of its residents will welcome the world to their corner of London in 2012. In addition, the Equestrian world has an opportunity to move the sport on, taking it to new audiences.
We will continue to listen to what people have to say. But the loudest voices do not necessarily represent the majority. Even less so when the facts are ignored.
With the spring-like temperatures, a budding Olympic Park is sprouting from the ground and a whole new landscape is taking shape in East London. Much has been written about new venues, but around two thirds already exist. One such venue is Greenwich Park, a mere 5 miles from the nascent Olympic Park and Village and home to our equestrian events in 2012. It is a venue which has attracted a great deal of attention and frankly some ill-informed analysis.
For so many years the lament of Equestrian competitors is that they reach a Games, the pinnacle of their careers and when they get there they don’t feel part of it. Events often take place miles away from the main Games hub meaning they live and perform in a bubble, away from the Athletes’ Village and fellow competitors. In Beijing, the Equestrian events were in Hong Kong – a three hour flight. The first time the Equestrian team generally see the rest of the team is on the plane home. Throughout the bid, top riders from all around the world – many of them good friends – said to me, 'make sure we're part of the action' and we took this on board.
We also had a clear steer from the IOC on venues. Compact venues were the way forward. Competitors not commuters. With this in mind, we unashamedly chose Greenwich as the venue for the Equestrian sports. Why? We wanted to win the bid.
What about legacy? It is a key deliverable of our project, but I’ve always said legacy is not just about the bricks and mortar we leave behind.
It may not surprise you to learn that Equestrianism as an Olympic sport does not attract huge viewing figures. We are bringing it to an inner city site and with that, a new audience – both at events and via television. With the greatest respect to existing Equestrian venues, they are not equipped to host three events simultaneously to Olympic standard and, again speaking frankly, having the Equestrian events at Badminton or Burghley is not necessarily going to put one more child on a horse.
These venues are also essentially temporary and after trials return to their ‘day job’, be that farmland or whatever. We also want our venues to be accessible via public transport which Greenwich is. For the money being spent on this venue – which comes from LOCOG’s privately raised budget – we believe that we are making the best decision for both the sport and for London 2012.
That's not to say we are resting on our laurels – we are also in early discussions with the British Equestrian Federation and London Borough of Greenwich to talk about other legacy ideas, the former having already launched a campaign to get more people across London riding horses.
We hear the minority voices against Greenwich loud and clear, but Olympic mythology is not just rooted in the Ancient Games. (The modern Olympic Movement is also subject to myths).
Myth: Trees in Greenwich Park will be cut down.
Fact: No trees will need to be cut down, there may be some pruning but this will be done alongside The Royal Parks' existing programme
Myth: The Park will be closed for a year
Fact: We will keep large sections of the Park open as much as possible, inconvenience will be kept at a minimum. Construction of the temporary arena starts in April 2012, but this won’t mean the whole park being shut. Many Cross Country course jumps will be portable and will be brought in and positioned in the final weeks running up to the Games to minimise disruption.
Myth: The Park is too small for Cross Country
Fact: A very good Cross Country route has been identified meeting International Federation specifications comfortably, and we are using course designers of international repute.
Myth: Having horses racing round the Park will irreversibly damage the ground
Fact: The Cross Country is not like the Grand National – 75 horses go round one at a time, once, throughout the day. We have promised to return the park in the same state as it was given to us. Don't forget, five days after the Cross Country in Hong Kong last summer, people were back playing golf there.
Myth: We are being secretive, misleading and lying about our plans.
Fact: We are being open – some plans are still being worked through, but we are clear that the borough, local residents and the equestrian community are partners in this project. Later this year we will be submitting a planning application for the work and we are conducting assessments on all aspects of the venue and the Cross Country course. This includes, ecology, trees, archaeology and built heritage, community impact and transport. We will go through a formal process of public consultation on all aspects of our plans before that application is submitted.
Delivering successful Games involves partnership at every level. We have already met with many of the local groups who have an interest, we have attended public meetings, we have teams out in the borough on a regular basis answering questions. We work closely with the British Equestrian Federation and the International Federation – both of whom are fully supportive of Greenwich Park. It is in nobody's interest to be misleading about the project.
For me the benefits are clear.
The London Borough of Greenwich is a diverse part of London, containing both affluent and disadvantaged communities. I'm confident that many of its residents will welcome the world to their corner of London in 2012. In addition, the Equestrian world has an opportunity to move the sport on, taking it to new audiences.
We will continue to listen to what people have to say. But the loudest voices do not necessarily represent the majority. Even less so when the facts are ignored.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Hazel's 2012 dream
British heptathlon starlet Louise Hazel is confident of making her big breakthrough this year as she plots the path to glory at London 2012.
The dream of competing at a home Olympics will finally become reality in just three years time but the talented 23-year-old is currently striving to overcome a number of significant barriers in a bid to keep up with her world class team-mates Kelly Sotherton and Jessica Ennis.
Hazel, who is self funding a forthcoming warm-weather training camp in Italy, is seeking essential further sponsorship to give her the best possible chance of future success, while she's also called on UK Athletics to provide more high calibre multi-event challenges at major meetings.
At the weekend the Birchfield Harrier, originally from Peterborough, showed glimpses of her class when finishing ahead of Olympic heptathlon champion Nataliya Dobrynska in fourth place overall after three events at the Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham.
She nailed two season's best performances in the long jump and 60metre hurdles while a draining first-ever competitive 400m saw her come away from her final event of the indoor season with priceless experience and renewed belief.
Invaluable experience
"For me these kind of events provide me with the ideal training and competition environment," she said. "You get to compete against Olympic champions and I beat one of them, so that's always a result!
"But for me that whole experience is invaluable and it's the level of competition we need as heptathletes.
"We don't always get these opportunities because we're not the fastest in the world so getting into Grands Prix and having three-event challenges for the heptathletes is where it needs to be really. Hopefully UK Athletics can continue to do more for us.
"This was my last winter competition unfortunately so I wish Kelly Sotherton all the best for the European Championship in Turin.
"I'm going to be back in training and then to a warm weather camp in Formia but I actually have to fund that myself. I do have a couple of sponsors on board but I am looking for more because I'm desperate to make that step to London 2012 now and the only way I can close the gap on Kelly and Jessica is with more financial support.
"Basically I'm just trying to get myself out there. I've been lucky enough to be invited all around Birmingham and the city have welcomed me as an adopted Brummie! I've got stuck in, got networking and all the time and energy spent on this is really paying off. But hopefully I can still get a few more sponsors.
"I'll be leaving my job in four weeks time and I'll be doing a bit of part-time work at the University of Birmingham. The next few months are all about training in Italy and gearing up for my first heptathlon of the season."
Follow the leaders
Hazel first stood out as a potential champion of the future back in 2006 when she represented her country at the 2006 outdoor European Championships in Gothenburg alongside Sotherton and Ennis, who she believes can be her inspiration ahead of London 2012.
But ultimately she understands that turning her natural ability into consistent performances is down to her.
"Without Jessica and Kelly we wouldn't have events like we had in Birmingham and we really do pull each other on," said Hazel, who is now coached by veteran heptathlete Julie Hollman.
"In the European Championships in 2006 just having us all there was like the Three Amigos really! We're very supportive and on that weekend we pulled out PBs and bounced off each other. Everyone is concentrating on their own performance but it is nice to have that team spirit.
"But I have to concentrate on my own performance and whenever I go into competition it's all about what I do. I just have to focus on closing that gap between myself and the world elite."
Back with a bang
Last year Hazel's ambitions of qualifying for the Olympics in Beijing were thwarted by injuries, final year exams at the University of Birmingham and the emotional pain following the passing away of her father.
Medal contender Ennis also missed out having cruelly suffered a fractured ankle last summer but Hazel is now adamant they can both bounce back in spectacular fashion this year.
"You just don't know what lies around the corner such as injuries, bereavement or exams," she said. "I think I expected it all to fall into place but when you take a setback it's how you cope with it that determines that kind of athlete you are.
"Jessica and I understood what each other went through - watching our rivals and competitors at the Olympics last year was absolutely gutting.
"But those athletes who don't really want it will fall off the radar but Jess and myself are not shrinking violets so we'll be back with a bang, definitely."
While the chances of a podium place at this summer's World Championships in Berlin are realistically slim, Hazel just wants to ensure she makes a sizeable improvement to underline her credentials for London 2012.
"The motivation is unbelievable," she added. "My dad passed away last year but when he heard the Olympic Games were heading to London in 2012 he was screaming more than I was. For me 2012 will be about doing my best for me and my dad because he would have loved to see me compete.
"I've changed coaches, made massive sacrifices and I feel this could really be a crunch year for me. I've still got three years before 2012 and I'm an athlete that progresses slowly but surely, but qualifying for the World Championships is my main target and when I get there it will be PBs all the way."
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Bodies unite to boost 2012 hopes
The UK's leading sports bodies have joined forces in an effort to raise private money for British athletes ahead of the London Olympics in 2012.
Funds raised by Team 2012 will mainly be used to help athletes on UK Sport's World Class Performance Programme.
Sir Clive Woodward's proposed Olympic coaching programme would also benefit.
"We've always believed that delivering a memorable Games will need strong British performances," said London 2012 chief executive Paul Deighton.
The scheme brings together the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, the British Olympic Association, British Paralympic Association and UK Sport, and Deighton added that the new partnership will help Britain in their quest for Olympic success.
"This private sector funding stream will boost our medal chances even further and leave a lasting legacy from the Games."
Andy Burnham
"Locog is committed to helping UK Sport, BOA and BPA maximise private sector funding for elite sport in this country and have been happy to lend our expertise in raising domestic sponsorship to this project," he said.
"The announcement offers a unique opportunity for London 2012 partners to contribute to the development of our athletes in their quest to reach their potential in 2012 and beyond."
It will sit alongside existing schemes, like National Lottery funding, and the organisations will work together to offer sponsors access to a package of rights that brings together branding, access and events surrounding the Games.
Fringe Olympic sports have recently suffered big funding cuts and it is hoped the new scheme will help plug a shortfall of about £50m.
Former England rugby union head coach Woodward has drawn up plans for a scheme to help Olympic coaches costing up to £15m, but it faced an uncertain future, also due a lack of funding.
However, with the backing of Team 2012 it is back on course and Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Andy Burnham believes the new partnership will enhance Britain's medal prospects.
"I challenged our Olympic and Paralympic partners to come together and develop a strong and exciting proposition for business to support our medal prospects," said Mr Burnham. "I am very pleased that they have stepped up to the plate.
"This private sector funding stream will boost our medal chances even further and leave a lasting legacy from the Games.
"We know times are tough for many businesses, but this is a huge opportunity to be associated with the success of our athletes and the excitement that has surrounded Olympic and Paralympic sport since last summer's triumphs in Beijing - to give something and get something back in return."
Sunday, March 1, 2009
The 1948 Olympic Games in London, Kingdom
Though World War II was over, Europe was still ravaged from the war. When it was announced that the Olympic Games would be resumed, many debated whether it was wise to have a festival when many European countries were in ruins and the people near starvation. To limit the United Kingdom's responsibility to feed all the athletes, it was agreed that the participants would bring their own food. Surplus food was donated to British hospitals.
No new facilities were built for these Games, but the Wembley Stadium had survived the war and proved adequate. No Olympic Village was erected; the male athletes were housed at an army camp in Uxbridge and the women housed at Southlands College in dormitories.
Germany and Japan, the aggressors of World War II, were not invited to participate.
There was one major snafu at the Games. Though the United States had won the 400-meter relay by a full eighteen feet, a judge ruled that one of the U.S. team members had passed the baton outside of the passing zone. Thus, the U.S. team was disqualified. The medals were handed out, the national anthems were played. The United States officially protested the ruling and after careful review of the films and photographs taken of the baton pass, the judges decided that the pass had been completely legal; thus the United States team was the real winner. The British team had to give up their gold medals and received silver medals (which had been given up by the Italian team). The Italian team then received the bronze medals which had been given up by the Hungarian team.
Though there had been much debate as to whether or not to hold the 1948 Olympic Games, the Games turned out to be very popular and a great success. Approximately 4,000 athletes participated, representing 59 countries.
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