Brent's 2012 Action Plan for 2012 London Olympics
Background
The Olympic Games have been hosted in London twice before; once in 1908 at White City and once in Wembley in 1948.
As part of the new bid to become a host nation, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) visited Wembley Stadium to see an example of a world class sports stadium and to assess the suitability of London as a host city. Brent continued to work closely with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) for the Olympic bid and the Games were awarded to London on July 6 2005.
Brent and West London plans for 2012
Brent has planned a whole series of events that will support the local community up to and beyond the 2012 Olympiad.
- 2012 Action Plan - Brent launched the '2012 Action Plan' in April 2008 at Wembley Stadium, which outlines how Brent residents, community groups and businesses will benefit from the Games.
- 'West London Cultural Offer 2012' - Brent and its' west London partner boroughs are seeking to secure a cultural legacy aimed at cultural and community development, bringing together arts, education and sports.
- Olympic Pre-Training Camp - Willesden Sports Centre and the Capital City Academy have already been identified as hosting one pre-training camp venue for the Olympics and Paralympics.
2012 Brent Olympiad programme of activities
Brent has already been organising and planning special events, new programmes and activities that are delivering the Action Plan and Cultural Offer. Some of these activities are detailed below:
Youth, Sports and Culture
Aug 2007 - Youth Challenge Day, Wembley Stadium organised with Brent Youth Parliament to generate ideas for Brent's 2012 plans.
Apr 2008 - Olympic Torch Relay. Wembley Stadium hosted the first leg of the Olympic Torch relay started by Sir Steven Redgrave and Brent student, Cheyenne Green.
Aug 2008 - 2012 Challenge Day - held at Willesden Green Sports Centre, with lectures and opportunities for young people to try taster Olympic sports sessions.
Jul 2008 - Respect Festival - included the 2012 Roadshow, sports taster sessions, Olympians present to motivate and inspire young people and wheelchair dance showcase.
Sep 2008 - Culture8 - showcase of global music, dance, street entertainment, Olympians and sporting champions present as well as sports taster sessions, the 2012 Roadshow and gourmet food.
Sep 2008 - The People's Record - Brent Museum is capturing people's experiences of living in an Olympic host nation together with their attitudes and feelings towards the 2012 Games.
Sep 2008 - Fun run and walk - held in Fryent Park to encourage family participation for people of all ages to get inspired by the Olympics and 'get active'.
Sep 2008 - Walk to Beijing - April to September, healthy walks programme encouraged people to walk their way to Beijing - it is only 11,875,586 steps!
2008 - Online Marathon - this is an opportunity to run, cycle, walk or swim an online virtual marathon to celebrate the 1908 and 1948 Games. People can register at www.westlondonmarathon.org.uk and monitor how they are progressing over time.
Business and Volunteering
Employer Accord initiative - recruitment training programme for our deprived communities run by Brent in2 Work to widen engagement of employers across London.
The Personal Best Volunteering Programme designed to prepare local unemployed residents to achieve an NVQ accreditation in volunteering. This will lead to accredited volunteers being offered an interview to participate in the 2012 Games.
These are just some of the many activities planned and some that have already taken place in Brent. For a more detailed list please go to the four key themed groups and find out how you can get involved: