London 2012 - How will you be inspired? 

Tameside's very own Olympic hopefuls are on their marks to make the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics a lasting success for the borough and its residents.

Nationally acclaimed young athletes Andrew Robertson and Tyra Watson joined Tameside Council and its partners to officially launch Tameside's Olympic Legacy Plan.

The legacy plan aims to make sure the games are ‘everyone’s 2012’ by giving everyone in the borough the chance to join in, be inspired and make the Olympics count for Tameside.

London’s 2012 Olympic and Paralympic bid included a commitment to create a unique cultural programme leading up to the Games and to bring sport and culture together ‘like never before’.

With this in mind, a huge two year action plan has been created, full of opportunities for people in Tameside to get active and get involved in sport and cultural activities in the build up to the games and beyond.

The plan includes events such as festivals of sport, a triathlon, a countryside walking marathon and an Olympic themed museums event.

As well as this Tameside has selected some of the borough’s most inspiring people from each of the council’s cultural service areas including, Sports, Libraries, Arts and Events, Museums and Galleries and Countryside.

From a local family history volunteer to a tap dancer, it is hoped that these people will inspire other Tameside residents to try something new and experience how culture can make a difference to their lives.

Coupled with this, residents who have been inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic Games, are being encouraged to make a participation pledge to show what their aspirations and involvement in culture and sport will be in the run up to the Games.

This can be something as simple as taking the stairs instead of the lift, visiting your local library more often or taking part in an organised countryside walk.

People will also have the opportunity to raise money for the Civic Mayor of Tameside's charities through sponsorship of pledges or donations.

Councillor Ged Cooney, lead member for the Cultural Olympic Legacy said: "Part of the vision of the Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games is to ensure that the London 2012 games not only inspire more people to get involved, but that they leave a lasting legacy where people continue to be involved in sports and cultural activities for many years to come.

"Although the Games seems a long way off, the reality is that they will come around quickly and Tameside has recognised this by establishing an Olympic Legacy Group and action plan to ensure that Tameside makes the most of the opportunity that the London 2012 games provides, showcasing the borough and the Olympic and Paralympic Games through a programme of events leading up to 2012."

Tameside's Civic Mayor Councillor John Sullivan said: "The pledges will provide people with a great opportunity to make a positive difference to not only their lives but to the lives of others through sponsorship and donations to my chosen charities."

For more information about Tameside's Olympic Legacy visit www.tameside.gov.uk/olympiclegacy

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