Once in a Lifetime
Swindon’s Strategy for maximising the benefits of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
Team Swindon
As London prepares for the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’, Swindon plan their strategy to maximise the benefits and create a lasting legacy for the town. The London 2012 Games have the potential to inspire thousands of Swindon residents to participate in more physical activity and begin or continue their journey towards a healthier lifestyle.
We are committed to raising the aspirations of local people and believe that sport is a fantastic tool to achieve this. We want as many Swindon residents involved in the London 2012 Games as possible; we want to help our coaches, officials, volunteers and participants make their mark. Swindon is a thriving town with talented people; it is within our reach to have our local people on the international stage.
Swindon’s strategy for maximising the benefits from the London 2012 Games will work towards ensuring that all Swindon residents have the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity as well as the chance to contribute to coaching, officiating and volunteering. The London 2012 Games will create the ‘buzz’ that we will use to encourage long term involvement in sport and physical activity. Through educational and inspirational packages we will work with our partners to educate, motivate and support our local community to succeed.
As well as the sporting arena, the London 2012 Games create a platform on which our business and tourism sectors can be showcased. We will look to promote Swindon as a major leader in business, education, tourism, arts and culture, heritage and transport.
We are putting together plans for a Strategy Group to drive Swindon’s Strategy forward. The Strategy Group will share information and consider the range of opportunities and challenges facing us between now and 2012. Members of the group will include key stakeholders from the following areas:
Arts and Heritage
Business Sector
Communication and Media
Economic Development and Regeneration
Education, Skills and Training
Environment and Leisure
Sports and Fitness
Tourism
Transport
Volunteering
Youth
Team South West
The South West Regional Development Agency (RDA) is working with Sport England South West to develop a strategy for the South West region which will reflect the aims of the Nations & Regions Group, but which will also be tailored to local needs to ensure that the South West benefits from the opportunities provided by London hosting the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games - from inspiring greater sporting involvement to hosting major events and preparation camps, increasing tourism, providing goods, services and volunteers and leaving a lasting legacy for the whole community. The region has a representative on the Nations & Regions Group, which involves senior representation from Regional Development Agencies and Regional Sports Boards.
The opportunities for South West England, which is a major tourist destination in its own right, and will host the sailing events for the Games, are particularly significant. The South West RDA, in conjunction with Sport England in the South West, were asked by LOCOG, the company charged with organising, publicising and staging the Games, to establish the right networks through which all central communication and planning can take place.
Benefits include:
Pre-Games athlete preparation camps
An increase in the number of elite sports events held across the UK in the months and years before the Games
A UK wide Olympic football tournament
Enhanced sporting performance for domestic athletes
Increased funding for both elite and grassroots sport
Business opportunities for UK Companies
Significant UK tourism opportunities
A boost to the development of sustainable communities
A boost to culture, arts & science
A massive boost for volunteering
A boost to physical activity initiatives