2012 Contacts
Staffordshire sets sights on 2012 London Olympics
London 2012 presents a fantastic opportunity to promote participation in sport and build a lasting legacy for the development of sport across the country. Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are determined to make the most of these opportunities.
Chris Kirkland
Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Co-ordinator for the 2012 Games
T: 01785 854595
M: 07773 791118
E: chris.kirkland@staffordshire.gov.uk
In September 2007 all the local authorities in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent agreed to provide funding to enable the appointment of a Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Co-ordinator for the 2012 Games. Chris Kirkland started in this post on 2nd January 2008 and is working with key stakeholders to ensure the sub region plays its part in making the 2012 Games a resounding success, and to derive the maximum economic, sporting, health and social benefits from them before, during and long after the event.
Pictured above: Maureen Compton and Chris Kirkland,
2012 Games Co-ordinator for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
Significant progress has been made in maximising the opportunities for the sub region from the 2012 Games.
- A 2012 Steering Group has been established with representation from local authorities, primary care trusts, education, culture, Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, economic development and volunteering
- A successful Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent 2012 Conference was held on 7 January 2008 to raise awareness of opportunities and consult partners on the vision for the sub region
- Cannock Cricket and Hockey Club and Fenton Manor Sports Complex have been included in the Pre-Games Training Camps Guide for London 2012
- Staffordshire County Council launched a Young People's Sports Grants scheme for aspiring Olympic and Paralympic athletes
- Stoke-on-Trent City Council has also appointed a 2012 Co-ordinator who will work closely with the sub regional co-ordinator to develop opportunities for the City
Plans for the next 12 months
2008 is a very important year in the journey to 2012 as 24 August is when the handover from Beijing to London takes place and 26-28 September is the launch of the 4-year Cultural Olympiad. In Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent our plans will include:
- Development of the Sub Regional 2012 Legacy Action Plan
- Hosting a visit from Lord Coe to raise the profile of the good practice locally
- Promote Pre-Games Training Camps facilities to National Olympic and Paralympic Committees and secure teams to base themselves in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
- Hold events across the sub region to mark the Olympic Handover to London on 24 August and Paralympic Handover on 17 September 2008
- Deliver a range of activities during the Cultural Olympiad Launch Weekend
- Develop a wide ranging programme for inclusion in the Cultural Olympiad, including accessing Legacy Trust funding for delivery of a dance programme and Community Olympian Games events
- Stoke-on-Trent will host the finish for Stage 4 of the Tour of Britain cycling event
- Schools, colleges and education providers in the sub region will participate in the London 2012 Education Programme
- Confirmation of plans to host a Live Site/BBC Big Screen in the sub region
- Hold further 'Prepare for 2012' business workshops and provide ongoing support to enable local companies to access contract opportunities related to the Games
- Address the implications of the Government's 2012 Legacy Action Plan, including access to free swimming across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
- Assess the support available for local athletes
| For more information on 'Flying the Flag - London 2012' events are taking place across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent on Sunday 24 August click here. |  |
On 17 September 2008, the Paralympic Flag will be handed from the Mayor of Beijing to the Mayor of London. This Handover Ceremony marks the start of the build up to the London 2012 Games and the beginning of the London 2012 Education Programme. This programme aims to create a once in a generation Games experience for children and young people, inspiring them to fulfil their potential and create long-term benefits for themselves and their communities. For more information click here.
Opportunity for schools to get involved in Paralympic Handover events and London 2012 education programme
Staffordshire pupil wins trip to 2008 Paralympic Games
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Ten-year-old Reece Berrisford from St Peter's C of E (Aided) Primary School in Caverswall, Stoke-on-Trent is celebrating after having won a five-day trip to the Beijing Paralympic Games which run from 6-17 September.
The Visa Trip Package includes flights and accommodation, tickets to the Opening Ceremony and sporting events, along with visits to key cultural and tourist sites. For more information click here. |
County Council celebrates sporting talent
Sporting young people across Staffordshire were presented with a cheque to support their ambitions. The ceremony took place in County Buildings in Stafford on 25 June 2008 when 27 young people received £200 each.
Their sporting talents ranged from athletics, swimming and cycling to volleyball, sailing and canoe slalom. What they have in common is an ambition to represent their country at a senior level and compete at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Deputy Leader, Councillor Robert Simpson commented: "I am very pleased to be able to recognise and support so much sporting talent in the county. While we encourage every young person to participate in sport as part of a healthy lifestyle, it is a real privilege to be able to support our elite competitors. I hope very much to see every one of them compete in London in four years time."
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Athletes from Newcastle-under-Lyme (left) and Stone (right) who received a cheque to support their ambitions
Vanessa Darlington
Stoke-on-Trent 2012 Olympic Coodinator
T: 01782 236156
E: vanessa.darlington@stoke.gov.uk
Vanessa has been appointed as Stoke-on-Trent 2012 Olympic Coodinator and will work closely with Chris Kirkland to develop opportunities for the City.
London 2012 - official site that previews the preparation involved in bringing the summer Olympics to the City of London.
