Posted on Tuesday 24th January 2012
Staffordshire people who are planning events to celebrate the London 2012 games and the Olympic Torch Relay coming through the county are being urged by the county council to sign up to become Local Leaders.
With less than 200 days to go until London hosts the 2012 Olympics, Staffordshire County Council is appealing to volunteers, schools, community groups and others to get involved by planning a celebration for the Games
Leader of the Council Philip Atkins said: “Our eyes are firmly fixed on the 2012 Games and we are busy getting ready for the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Staffordshire. We will be extremely proud when the Olympic Flame passes through ten Staffordshire communities in May and June.
“The Games are for everyone and we want to make sure all our communities are included. It’s also a great opportunity for Staffordshire to shine. You can visit www.staffordshire.gov.uk/2012| to find out what’s happening or for ideas on how you can get involved.”
Pat Corfield, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Customers, said: “At the heart of every celebration will be those individuals who make it happen and we want these people to put themselves forward and sign up for the Local Leaders programme. We want the county’s volunteers, organisers, planners and doer’s to use their leadership skills to get involved in getting ready for the games.
“We know there are lots of fantastic volunteers ready and willing to get involved, we have had over 700 nominations for the Volunteering Staffordshire awards which was a fantastic response.
“We also want schools to get involved by signing up to Get Set, the official London 2012 education programme. Schools can adopt a country, support them during the games and learn about their people, languages and cultures or even stage their own version of the torch relay with a host of resources available.”
“The Olympics are very much a national event and the torch relay presents a wonderful opportunity for people both on and off the route to take part. As a county we are also making the most of the opportunities to get involved.
“Staffordshire will benefit from participating in the Games and we will continue to play our part in promoting the county as part of the build up to this spectacular sporting occasion.”
Signing up to be a Local Leader takes just a few minutes and whether you invite three friends or your whole community to your event, a host of tools are available to make your celebration, big or small, one to remember.
For further details about how to sign up and to access tools, ideas and further resources visit www.london2012.com|
The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay in Staffordshire
The Olympic Flame will be carried through Staffordshire by inspirational Torchbearers, each with stories of personal achievement or a contribution to the local community.
The Staffordshire communities that will welcome the torch are:
Wednesday 30 May:
• Gnosall
• Haughton
• Stafford
Saturday 30 June:
• Burton-on-Trent
• Streethay
• Lichfield
• Hopwas
• Tamworth
• Great Wyrley
• Newtown
On Saturday 30 June the torch will also pass through the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire
About Local Leaders:
It’s really simple. Just pick an occasion and get planning. If you need some inspiration, have a look at the ideas below. You can also check out the tools and tips to get you started planning your event at |www.london2012.com/localleaders| to get you started planning your event at www.london2012.com/localleaders|
Ideas for celebrations and events anyone can run
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Garden for the Games. Spring 2012: dig out your trowel and get planting! Use your window pot, garden or community allotment to celebrate through all things floral.
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Sports Quiz. May. Know your Fencing from your Phelps? Hold a Big Sports Quiz at home or down the pub to find your local 'brains of the Games'.
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2012 Olympic Flame comes through Staffordshire on May 30 (Gnosall, Haughton & Stafford). Do you know a torchbearer?
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2012 Olympic Flame returns to the county (visiting Burton-on-Trent, Streethay, Lichfield, Hopwas, Tamworth, Great Wyrley, Newtown and the National Memorial Arboretum. Time for Satffordshire to shine?
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School’s Out. Summer 2012: Mums, dads, teachers...every week over the school holidays Local Leaders resource site will provide you with stuff to do to get the kids ready for the Games
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Opening Night In. 27 July. Opening Ceremony: it's showtime. Cook up a storm with themed recipes, or create a VIP gala night as the Games get under way.
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Super Saturday. 4 August. A medal-winning weekend. Invite neighbours you’ve never chatted to round for a BBQ to watch record breaking athletes
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Light a Lantern. 24-29 August. Glow with the glory the Paralympic Games: make a lantern and join a Flame Festival... or make a lantern procession of your own.
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Last Day of the Games. 9 September. It's (almost) all over. Sob. Whether you invite three friends or your whole community, make sure the summer finishes in style.