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 authority Councillor 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 doers 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.” The council also wants 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.
Councillor Corfield added: “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.” For more information about signing up visit www.london2012.com.
The Newsletter would be interested in hearing about Olympic themed events or of anyone who is taking part in them or the games themselves.
