March's newsletter for the 2012 Games

Chair's Introduction

As the Vancouver Winter Olympics come to a close, the eyes of the world are now focusing on the UK as the London 2012 Olympic and Paralymic Games draw closer.

In the West Midlands we are gearing up to ensure we make the most of this opportunity and last month saw us take yet another important step forward when Jamaica signed a contract with Birmingham City Council to base their track and field team in the city in advance of the Games.

February also saw Stoke-on-Trent company Wedgwood appointed to produce London 2012 commemorative and souvenir merchandise, and Coventry selected as a London 2012 Live Site location. Both appointments are proof that our hard work across the region is paying off with the West Midlands continuing to benefit from the 2012 Games.

The region’s cultural programme continues to go from strength to strength.  The International Dance Festival Birmingham has just been awarded the Inspire Mark for its inspirational public engagement programme, along with People Dancing commissions World of Dance and Boys Dancing, who will be delivering performances and activity over the next few months.

In addition to these stories this newsletter also outlines opportunities surrounding Open Weekend, business and volunteering. Please visit wmfor2012.com to find out more about these stories and further examples of how the West Midlands is engaging and benefiting from London 2012.

Dave Moorcroft
Chair, West Midlands Leadership Group for the 2012 Games

Cannock school becomes first in Staffordshire to be welcomed to London 2012 Get Set Network   Pupils and teachers at Cardinal Griffin High School, Cannock are celebrating after becoming the first school in Staffordshire to be officially welcomed in to London 2012’s Get Set network, in recognition of their commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic Values. Read more

Olympic vision pays off for Birmingham   The deal to bring Jamaica’s track and field athletes to Birmingham ahead of the London Olympic Games was formally signed on Saturday Feb 20. Read more

Coventry selected as London 2012 Live Site location   Coventry has been successful in being named as a priority location for a Live Site to be installed by May 2011. Depending on securing planning permission and rights, Coventry is named as one of two preference locations for the Sites to be installed in this round. Congratulations to Coventry! Read more

London 2012 appoints Waterford Crystal, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton as ceramic and crystal licensee

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has announced the appointment of WWRD (owner of Waterford Crystal, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton) to produce London 2012 commemorative and souvenir merchandise. Read more

Birmingham shortlisted for city of culture crown

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has revealed that Birmingham has successfully made the shortlist for the first UK City of Culture title in 2013. Read more  

Birmingham celebrates the International Dance Festival 2010   This April, Birmingham will become home to the world’s leading dancers, dance groups and choreographers as part of the second International Dance Festival Birmingham (IDFB 2010). The festival will see a line-up of exciting performances and participatory events, encouraging the public to put on their dancing shoes. Read more

Running a big event? Need volunteers?   The West Midlands hosts fantastic cultural and sporting events all around the region, and volunteers are a key ingredient to making those events a success. If you are planning a major cultural or sporting event, then we can help. Read more

London 2012 challenges UK to set a new personal best as Open Weekend returns

For the 3rd year running, sporting, arts and culture organisations to open up opportunities for everyone across the UK to try something new or take their interest to the next level. Registration for events is now open – with new ‘challenge’ theme for 2010. Read more 

More than 5000 ways to strike Olympic Gold

CompeteFor, the online ‘business dating’ website which provides business opportunities for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, has celebrated its second birthday with the 5,000th tender advertised on the service since its launch in January 2008. Read more

London 2012 makes the most of learning opportunities in Vancouver

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) sent a team of 50 staff to Vancouver for the Games, with a specific brief to look at Games-time operations, on how the city functions at Games-time and how the enormous logistical challenges are delivered.

Led by LOCOG Chair Sebastian Coe and Chief Executive Paul Deighton, the LOCOG team has identified four key areas in which Vancouver excelled. Read more

Chris Kirkland
Staffordshire Co-ordinator for 2012 Games
Staffordshire County Council
T: 01785 854595
E: chris.kirkland@staffordshire.gov.uk