Leaving an Olympic legacy
Through Opportunity 2012, The Prince’s Trust
played a valuable role in involving young people across the UK in
the excitement of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The successful Opportunity 'Inspired by London 2012'
scheme was part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Social Legacy programme.
The Prince’s Trust worked in partnership with The Department for
Culture, Media and Sport and The Home Office's Positive Futures
project to involve young people across the UK in the excitement of
London 2012, helping them to take inspiration from the Olympic and
Paralympic Values.
From December 2010 to September 2012, the Opportunity ‘Inspired
by London 2012’ scheme engaged over 600 young people aged 14-25
from across the UK. They took part in a range of
programmes intended to improve their employability and leadership
skills, and help them progress towards employment, education,
training or volunteering.
The scheme had three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold.
These reflected the increasing levels of skills and
challenge required from young people. Participants learned about
the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Olympic and
Paralympic Values. They were encouraged to make the link between
the motivation and commitment needed by an athlete preparing for
the 2012 Games, and their desire to bring about positive change in
their own lives.
Participants took part in 'Get Started with Sailing' based
from the Olympic sailing village in Weymouth and started their own
community projects using sport and the arts.
Young people met The Prime Minister and Olympic athletes at
Number 10 Downing Street and visited the Olympic site with HRH The
Prince of Wales.
Opportunity 'Inspired by London 2012' was awarded the Inspire
Mark and was recognised by the London Organising Committee of the
Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) as playing a valuable part in
involving young people in the inspiration of the Games, and in the
Olympic and Paralympic Values.
We'd like to recognise the achievements of all
the young people who participated in Opportunity 2012. We'd also
like to thank our partners, in particular the Department for
Culture Media and Sport, the Home Office and Positive Futures for
helping us make the scheme such a success.
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