London 2012 Olympic And Paralympic Games To Inspire Youth In England And Wales
Young people in England and Wales are to be given the chance to become the first ever Opportunity 2012 graduates, Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said today.
Five hundred 14-19 year olds from England and Wales will take part in Opportunity inspired by 2012. The new scheme will target young people that other initiatives find difficult to engage, such as young carers, those not in education, employment or training and those who have crime or behavioural problems by using the unique appeal of the 2012 Games.
On successful completion of the scheme, graduates will be offered London 2012 rewards such as shadowing international fitness coaches and team physios, watching Olympic athletes in training and sought after work placements with 2012 organisers, LOCOG.
Graduates will come from existing schemes – The Department for Children, Schools and Families’ ‘Youth Community Action’ initiative which is running pilots in Brighton and Hove, Kent, Lincolnshire, Salford and City of York, and the Home Office’s ‘Positive Futures’ initiative which has projects across England and in Wales.
The scheme has been awarded the London 2012 Inspire mark – the badge of the Inspire programme which recognises outstanding non-commercial projects inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Tessa Jowell, Minister for the Olympics and Paralympics said:
“The new scheme will offer 500 young people unique opportunities inspired by 2012. They will receive intensive help, learning new skills and getting new experiences that will change their lives for the better. Those that successfully complete the course will earn unique and exciting Olympic rewards that will further their development.”
The scheme will operate under the management of prestigious youth charity, The Prince’s Trust, between June 2010 and September 2012.
Participants will learn new skills, volunteer in their communities and take part in sporting and cultural themed events to put them on a pathway to employment and/or further training or volunteering.
Each graduate will also be supported by a mentor who will work with them to set objectives and create a personal development plan, as well as offer advice and encouragement to ensure they benefit from the full range of opportunities up until Games time.
The scheme has a total cost of about £900,000 over three years and will be shared by the Government Olympic Executive, the Home Office and the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
Martina Milburn, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Trust, said:
“Young people not in education, training or employment are often overlooked. This scheme will bring benefits to young people, aiming to leave a lasting legacy.”
Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said:
“We are determined to prevent young people getting involved in any form of crime or anti-social behaviour. The Positive Futures programme helps around 59,000 young people each year build relationships of trust and respect through mentoring and diversionary activities. I am delighted that some of these young people will have the opportunity to take part in this valuable scheme.”
Schools Minister Diana Johnson said:
“More young people than ever are volunteering and making a positive contribution to their communities.
“Our Youth Community Action scheme will inspire all young people in England to play an active part in their community and help to close the generation gap.
“It will offer increased opportunities for young people to take part in different kinds of activities through their school, college or training provider giving them vital experience so they can give something back and prepare for the world of work.”
Topics: 2010, 2012, 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Alan Campbell, behavioural problems, Britain, Chief Executive of The Prince’s Trust, college, crime problems, Diana Johnson, diversionary, education, employment, England, Governance, government, Great Britain, Home Office Minister, Inspire programme, international fitness coaches, London, London 2012 Olympic And Paralympic Games, Martina Milburn, mentoring, moniter, monitor, new skills, news, Olympic athletes, Olympics Minister, opportunity, scheme, school, Schools and Families, Schools Minister, team physios, Tessa Jowell, The Department for Children, The Prince’s Trust, training, U.K., UK, United Kingdom, volunteer, volunteering, Wales, young people, Youth Community Action
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