Olympian and former 5000 metre world record holder, David Moorcroft visited Burton upon Trent recently to speak to delegates at the third Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent 2012 Conference.
The event at the Pirelli Stadium was well attended with people coming from across the county and region. David spoke about his experiences as an Olympic athlete, broadcaster and his new role as Chair of the West Midlands Leadership Group for the 2012 Games, highlighting a range of opportunities available within the region.
Staffordshire Young Ambassador and former Chase Terrace Technology College pupil, 18 year old Hannah Corbett from Burntwood, also spoke about her London 2012 experience so far whilst working for the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) through their Get Ahead School Leavers Programme.
Delegates were treated to a lively contemporary dance performance -`Slam’ choreographed by Rachel Huyton, East Staffordshire Borough Council Arts Manager. The performance saw dance and sport combine and formed part of their contribution to the Cultural Olympiad.
A series of interactive workshops also took place which focused on the Cultural Olympiad, Community Games, dance, major events, volunteering, business opportunities and workplace health.
County Councillor Ben Adams, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture and one of the Staffordshire representatives on the West Midlands Leadership Group for the 2012 Games said: “With the London Olympics just two years away, the momentum is beginning to grow. Having these games on our home soil is something which is set to inspire people of all ages, whether it is to participate in more sport or cultural activity or to encourage young people to be the best they can be”.
In the afternoon, representatives from schools and colleges from across the West Midlands had the opportunity to find out exciting ways in which Games can be brought to life within the classroom through the official London Education Programe, Get Set.
The Education Team from the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) ran workshops and gave examples of what schools across the country are already doing and discussed how to join the Get Set network, linking ideas to the curriculum.
A presentation was also made to representatives from Cardinal Griffin Catholic High School, Cannock, the first school in Staffordshire to join the Get Set network.
To download the conference presentations and updated Theme Action Plans from the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Legacy Action Plan for the 2012 Games please click here.