Staffordshire prepares for Olympic Games at 2012 conference

 

Creating a lasting Olympic legacy for Staffordshire is the aim of organisations which met last week as the county prepares for next year’s games.

 

The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent 2012 Conference took place at Cannock Hockey Club – which could be the host of one of the Olympic hockey teams after it staged three international matches between England and Pakistan in 2009.

 

Staffordshire’s involvement in the games presents a range of opportunities for all ages. It’s not just about encouraging people to participate in physical activities, though this is a priority. The games preparations will tap into the county’s cultural talent through the Cultural Olympiad and become part of Staffordshire’s growing economic success story. There are already 35 businesses in Staffordshire which have landed Olympic contracts.

 

 Back: Chris Holmes (left) and Barry Horne.
Front (left to right) Neil Turner, Ian Marsden and David Moorcroft.

Guest speakers included Olympic 5,000 metre finalist David Moorcroft OBE, Parlaympic gold medallist swimmer Chris Holmes MBE, who is now Director of Paralympic Integration for London 2012, and Stafford athlete Ian Marsden – a former British powerlifter, international handcyclist and Paralympic target shooting hopeful.

 

 Stafford athlete Ian Marsden.

Wheelchair fencing and table tennis demonstrations took place where delegates were able to take part. Various workshops were also held, covering issues such as grassroots disability sports provision, volunteering, health and wellbeing in Staffordshire and arts and health.

 

 Wheelchair fencing demonstration

Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Customers Pat Corfield said: “It is important that Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent seizes as many opportunities as possible in the lead-up to the Games and equally as importantly ensures it has a lasting legacy.”

“Encouraging healthy lifestyles and accessibility to sport is a key aim but there is so much more such as maximising the cultural and economic benefits for our residents.”

“It was encouraging that so many people were able to attend the conference, bringing forward their knowledge, expertise and ideas.”

 

Chris Kirkland
Staffordshire Co-ordinator for the 2012 Games
T: 01785 854595
M: 07773 791118
E: chris.kirkland@staffordshire.gov.uk

Website: www.wmfor2012.com and www.staffordshire.gov.uk/2012