Staffordshire sets sights on 2012 London Olympics

The economy, health and culture of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent could receive a major shot in the arm from 2012's London Olympics.

That was the message from a special conference, held on 7th January 2008, to chart out how the county can reap maximum benefit when the greatest sporting show on earth comes to Britain in four years.

The conference brought together representatives from a host of organisations within the county and the city of Stoke-on-Trent. These included local authorities, health organisations, businesses and a considerable number of young sportspeople.

An action plan will now be drawn up to see how Staffordshire will gain from an event that will attract thousands of the world's best athletes, tens of thousands of extra tourists and TV audiences of hundreds of millions.

Maureen Compton the county council's Cabinet Support Member for Culture and Heritage said: "The potential benefits are far-reaching and not simply economic. The Olympics will inspire people of all ages and offer a large range of opportunities for people to become involved.

"Today's conference has been a major success in bringing together a range of organisation to discuss our priorities. We can now begin to plan in detail how we can make sure that Staffordshire achieves a legacy from this one-in-a-lifetime event."

Maureen Compton and Chris Kirkland, 2012 Games Co-ordinator for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

Pictured above: Maureen Compton and Chris Kirkland, 2012 Games Co-ordinator for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent's planning will focus on five key areas: children and young people; healthier communities; culture; tourism and economic and business development.

Cllr Compton continued: "The potential is enormous but needs to be planned for. For instance the games could give many young people the inspiration to become more active, even if they have no real ambition to become Olympians themselves. There will also be countless opportunities to volunteer, either by getting directly involved with the Olympics or taking part in community activities. We also need to ensure that local firms can benefit from the business opportunities as there will be very many contracts connected to the games that they will be able to tender for."

Councillor Derek Capey, Deputy Lord Mayor for Stoke-on-Trent said: "In Stoke-on-Trent we are committed to working with the rest of Staffordshire to make the most of the opportunities presented by the Olympics.

We are in advanced discussions with the Pakistan Olympic Team about them staying and training in the city. That would provide an economic boost and a cultural exchange between our communities. It would improve links between our two countries, help to raise Stoke-on-Trent's national and international profile and give local people a real sense of pride during the 2012 Olympics.

We are also working to ensure as many young people as possible are inspired to train, get fit and take part in sport in their communities. We have some of the best young athletes in England in Stoke-on-Trent. We will support them and, hopefully, help them to reach the Olympics too."

For more information contact:

Chris Kirkland
Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Co-ordinator for the 2012 Games
Telephone: 01785 854595
Mobile: 07773 791118
E-mail: chris.kirkland@staffordshire.gov.uk

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