Manchester inspires future Olympians

21 Dec 2011

The University of Manchester has been awarded the Inspire Mark by the London 2012 Inspire programme for an event organised to engage with local schools and educate children about various aspects of the 2012 Games.

Sport & Culture United will take place on 28 March 2012 at the Armitage Sports Centre in Fallowfield and marks the first collaborative project undertaken by the University’s Sport, Careers & Employability, Widening Participation departments, the International Society and the Students’ Union.

Over 360 children from 12 local schools are expected to participate and over 100 student volunteers will be required to deliver the event.

The aim of the event is to increase physical activity and raise awareness about the different cultures of participating nations and local communities, something the 2012 Games is seeking to achieve on a much larger scale.

The children will experience various activities within different zones, each colour-coded with a colour of the Olympic rings. The zones comprise of the Sport zone, Rocketworld zone, Cultural zone and Food zone which will seek to raise awareness around health and cultural issues. At each zone the participant will collect a wristband and eventually on completion will have a full set of colours from the five Olympic rings.  

Katy Young, Sport Development Officer said: "We want to develop a greater understanding amongst young people in our local communities about the history and values of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  

"It is also an opportunity for our student volunteers to get involved and develop essential skills that will enhance their employability."

Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: "The Inspire programme is ensuring the legacy of the 2012 Games starts now as projects like Sport & Culture United are enabling people in Manchester to make positive life changes."

The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.