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Derby pupils to be Inspired by London 2012

11 October 2011

The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The two projects, organised by Derby City School Sport Partnerships, will provide opportunities for pupils in schools across the city to take part in cultural and sporting opportunities that arise from the Games next summer.

Both will draw from the inspiration of the Games to help young people be active and creative.

A series of competitions will form the ‘Derby’s Designs on the Games’ project, with pupils designing posters and images linking their school and Derby to Olympic and Paralympic Values, as well as to overseas countries.

Further links to overseas nations will be provided through the second project, the’ Derby International Cultural Festival’. Through this schools are ‘adopting’ overseas countries that will take part in the Games next summer. They will then be helped to examine the culture of that country through a series of cultural, artistic and sporting workshops and events – including costume, torch and banner making workshops, photography projects, dance events and a Victorian-style Olympic Games in historic parts of the City.

The projects will be co-ordinated by Derby City School Sport Partnership and delivered by local partners, including Derby City Council Leisure and Cultural Development, Spiral Arts and Film City.

Will Evans, Partnership Development Manager of the Derby City School Sport Partnership, said: "The Inspire Mark is a great sign that the work we are doing with schools is exciting and innovative. The Olympic and Paralympic Games give an unprecedented opportunity to excite young people to take up cultural opportunities, as well as sport.

"Many people across Derby can trace their roots back to countries that will be a part of the Games, these programmes will give us a chance to create greater understanding of the cultures of those nations. It is very encouraging to know that the organisers of the games agree with us."

Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: "The Inspire programme is ensuring the legacy of the 2012 Games starts now as projects like Derby’s Designs on the Games and the Derby International Cultural Festival are enabling people in Derby to make positive life changes."

Councillor Hilary Jones, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said: "I am delighted that activities in Derby Schools have been awarded the Inspire Mark in recognition of their enthusiastic and innovative approach to the 2012 Games. These inspirational projects will help us to reach young people in Derby and connect them with the power of the Games. We are confident that we can build a positive and lasting legacy in Derby through involvement in sport and cultural activities."

Gaynor Nash, 2012 Young People’s Co-ordinator for the East Midlands, said: "These two great Inspire Mark projects confirm Derby's commitment to a lasting legacy from the Games for children and young people. They will deepen cultural knowledge and international understanding as well as providing the kind of fun engagement that will live long in the memory of the participants. Well done, Derby."

Delivery on the projects will take place throughout the academic year, building towards the arrival of the Olympic Torch relay in Derby on Friday 29 June 2012 and onwards towards the start of the Games on Friday 27 July 2012. Additional funding to enable delivery of the full programme is currently being sought from various sources.

Further information will be available through www.derbycityssp.co.uk (opens in a new window)