London 2012 Launches UK Schools Initiative
London 2012 has launched an initiative to encourage schools across the UK to support Olympic and Paralympic teams around the world in the run up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games next summer.
The scheme will help students prepare for the arrival of athletes and visitors from around the world to their towns, cities and communities ahead of the Games.
Launched to coincide with International Education Week, the new initiative called ‘Support a Team’ is a major new strand of Get Set goes global’, part of the official London 2012 education programme which aims to help students explore and demonstrate how sport brings the world together.
Schools will be encouraged to learn about the athletes and cultures of their chosen teams, along with Team GB and ParalympicsGB, in the lead-up to the London 2012 Games.
Seb Coe, chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, launched the scheme at Perryfields Primary School in Oldbury, Sandwell, near Birmingham.
The school has chosen to support the Ethiopian Olympic team because they have been inspired by the achievements and values of Haile Gebrselassie, and have also chosen to support the Zambian Paralympic team because they have a link with a Zambian school and would like to use this to build on the learning they have done about the Paralympic Games.
LOCOG chair, Seb Coe said: ‘We have always said that we want every Olympic and Paralympic team to feel welcome on their arrival in the UK, while celebrating the multiculturalism and diversity of the UK. This is a fantastic example of how we plan to do that.’
‘The Get Set programme continues to inspire and engage young people across the UK and I am delighted to think that, through ‘Support a Team’, we will have a knowledgeable, interested and excited group of young supporters to welcome our athletes in 2012. I would urge all schools to select their teams now.’
Haile Gebrselassie, Olympic gold medal winning athlete commented: ‘I am delighted to hear that young people will be learning about and supporting my fellow Ethiopian athletes in the lead-up to the London 2012 Games. Knowing that there are young people following your preparations and cheering you on is hugely motivational for an athlete.’
‘Thank you to the young people at Perryfields Primary School, and to all of the other young people planning to follow Ethiopia, for your support.’
President of the Zambian Paralympic Committee, Lango Sinkamba added: ‘The ‘Support a Team’ initiative sounds a great way for young people in the UK to learn about Zambia, our athletes and our culture. We hope all participating schools and in particular the young people at Perryfields Primary School enjoy learning about our nation and following the preparations of our team, and other teams, in the lead-up to the London 2012 Games and we thank you for your enthusiasm.’
Schools will also get the chance to showcase what they have learned about their teams and to celebrate the athletes, cultures and sports of the world on Monday 25 June 2012 as part of London 2012 World Sport Day, presented by Lloyds TSB.
Schools that join the ‘Get Set network’ reward and recognition scheme before Friday 16th December 2011 will also secure an allocation of tickets to the Games for students aged 10-18 at no cost, through the London 2012 Ticketshare initiative, as well as other exclusive rewards and opportunities.
