Monday 14 May 2007 @ 17:16
Sport England
Sport England
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England's Northwest to 'Be Inspired' by 2012
Over 250 people gathered at the City of Manchester Stadium last week (11th May 2007) for the launch of 'Be Inspired' - the North West Legacy Framework for the 2012 Games. Sport England and all the partners at this key event welcomed Sebastian Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to the region.
The Framework sets out how the North West will use the inspiration of the 2012 Games to increase levels of sports participation, improve recognition of volunteers, drive up standards in the NW's tourism industry, build on the region's vibrant and engaging cultural life, and increase the competitiveness of the region's businesses.
Outlining how the 2012 Games can leave a lasting legacy for the region, Sebastian Coe said:
"The 2012 Games cannot simply be seen as London-centric, they have to engage all people from around the UK if we are to inspire the next generation. To achieve a truly lasting legacy, we need to work together to drive forward a catalytic effort at a local level. I'd like to congratulate the North West on their Legacy Framework - it's a serious and thoughtful piece of work that can take this argument forward in a practical way."
Other acclaimed speakers included Xavier Gonzalez (Chief Executive of the International Paralympic Committee) and James Hickman (PR and Communications Manager to the 9th FINA World Swimming Championships, Manchester 2008, and former 200m Butterfly champion) who gave an insight into the impact of major sporting events. Meanwhile Colin Grannell, (Executive Vice President Partnership Marketing, Visa Europe) highlighted the opportunities that the 2012 Games present for both business and tourism.
Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), which hosted the event, said:
"With a strong sporting heritage and a culture of delivering major events including the 2002 Commonwealth Games, as a region we already have a lot to be proud of. With a clear and focused framework now in place, the Northwest will use the 2012 Games to build on these strengths and ensure that the region capitalises on the 2012 legacy for years to come."
Using the Games to increase participation in sport and recreation formed an important part of the event. Former Olympians and Olympic hopefuls including Beth Tweddle (World and European Champion gymnast), Sarah Bailey (former Paralympic swimmer and now member of the Great British Cycling team), Steve Parry (Olympic swimmer and member of the Regional Sports Board) and Anyika Onuora (Commonwealth Games athletics medallist), were on hand to discuss how the power of sport inspired their lives. Andy Worthington*, Chair of the North West 2012 Steering Group, who set out the Framework at the event, said:
"This Framework sets out the beginning of the region's journey, which will take us to 2020 and beyond. To create a truly lasting legacy we are thinking and planning for the long-term to use the Games as a catalyst for change. We encourage our partners in the region to use this Framework and join us in ensuring that the North West takes every opportunity to engage with the pride, passion and spirit of the 2012 Games."
The launch of the Framework has been welcomed by Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell, who said:
"When we bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, I made it clear that the benefits should stretch far across the country and far into the future. So I'm pleased to see the North West seizing this once-in-a-generation opportunity to boost local business, tourism, sport and culture. The plans put in place now will help to ensure a lasting legacy from 2012. I congratulate the North West for its commitment to creating this legacy and wish them every success."
The North West Legacy Framework for the 2012 Games is available to download at www.nwda.co.uk/publications
The Framework sets out how the North West will use the inspiration of the 2012 Games to increase levels of sports participation, improve recognition of volunteers, drive up standards in the NW's tourism industry, build on the region's vibrant and engaging cultural life, and increase the competitiveness of the region's businesses.
Outlining how the 2012 Games can leave a lasting legacy for the region, Sebastian Coe said:
"The 2012 Games cannot simply be seen as London-centric, they have to engage all people from around the UK if we are to inspire the next generation. To achieve a truly lasting legacy, we need to work together to drive forward a catalytic effort at a local level. I'd like to congratulate the North West on their Legacy Framework - it's a serious and thoughtful piece of work that can take this argument forward in a practical way."
Other acclaimed speakers included Xavier Gonzalez (Chief Executive of the International Paralympic Committee) and James Hickman (PR and Communications Manager to the 9th FINA World Swimming Championships, Manchester 2008, and former 200m Butterfly champion) who gave an insight into the impact of major sporting events. Meanwhile Colin Grannell, (Executive Vice President Partnership Marketing, Visa Europe) highlighted the opportunities that the 2012 Games present for both business and tourism.
Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), which hosted the event, said:
"With a strong sporting heritage and a culture of delivering major events including the 2002 Commonwealth Games, as a region we already have a lot to be proud of. With a clear and focused framework now in place, the Northwest will use the 2012 Games to build on these strengths and ensure that the region capitalises on the 2012 legacy for years to come."
Using the Games to increase participation in sport and recreation formed an important part of the event. Former Olympians and Olympic hopefuls including Beth Tweddle (World and European Champion gymnast), Sarah Bailey (former Paralympic swimmer and now member of the Great British Cycling team), Steve Parry (Olympic swimmer and member of the Regional Sports Board) and Anyika Onuora (Commonwealth Games athletics medallist), were on hand to discuss how the power of sport inspired their lives. Andy Worthington*, Chair of the North West 2012 Steering Group, who set out the Framework at the event, said:
"This Framework sets out the beginning of the region's journey, which will take us to 2020 and beyond. To create a truly lasting legacy we are thinking and planning for the long-term to use the Games as a catalyst for change. We encourage our partners in the region to use this Framework and join us in ensuring that the North West takes every opportunity to engage with the pride, passion and spirit of the 2012 Games."
The launch of the Framework has been welcomed by Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell, who said:
"When we bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, I made it clear that the benefits should stretch far across the country and far into the future. So I'm pleased to see the North West seizing this once-in-a-generation opportunity to boost local business, tourism, sport and culture. The plans put in place now will help to ensure a lasting legacy from 2012. I congratulate the North West for its commitment to creating this legacy and wish them every success."
The North West Legacy Framework for the 2012 Games is available to download at www.nwda.co.uk/publications
*Andy Worthington is also Chairman of the NW Regional Sports Board
