An estimated 42,000 people from across the West Midlands had their very own ‘Olympic or Paralympic Moment’ this weekend by taking part in one of 56 events that took place across the region as part of London 2012 Open Weekend.
Marking the beginning of the countdown to two years to go until the start of the 2012 Games, London 2012 Open Weekend is an annual event and the UK’s largest celebration of cultural, sporting and educational activity. This year, London 2012 Open Weekend saw literally hundreds of arts, sports, family and educational events taking place right across the UK.
This year’s theme was ‘challenge yourself’ and each event included a challenge to members of the public to try or learn something new as part of the activity. From learning to vogue New York style, to a re-enactment of a Saxon battle, a South Asian arts mela and finding out what it’s like to play blind football, there was literally something for everyone whatever their age, ability or background, as part of the West Midlands’ London 2012 Open Weekend programme.
Some of the highlights in the programme included:
In Staffordshire, the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery ran a torchlit Saxon storytelling session and discussion around the Staffordshire Hoard – the largest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold ever found. And in Lichfield, people saw a re-enactment of a Saxon battle and got a taste of Saxon England - also in celebration of the Staffordshire Hoard
In Herefordshire, members of the public were invited to become an archeologist for the day, excavate a Celtic skeleton and create some Celtic inspired art as part of Digging up the Celts.
Elsewhere in Herefordshire, people were challenged to put on a blindfold and find out what it’s like to play blind football in celebration of the World Blind Football Championships being held in the region next month.
In Birmingham, Centenary Square became the backdrop for a photographic project where members of the public had their picture taken to become part of a huge image installation that will be projected onto the side of the New Library of Birmingham hoarding later this year.
And in the Arcadian Centre in Birmingham, wannabe divas were challenged to learn to Vogue New York style as part of ‘Come on, Vogue’ – a series of open workshops hosted by professional Vogue-ers, held alongside a high-low fashion show on a catwalk.
Elsewhere, internationally renowned South Asian dance company, Sampad, challenged people to learn a Bollywood dance routine and perform it in the space of an hour at a summer arts mela held in Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham.
In Warwickshire, people tried out new sports from football and tennis to bowls and volley ball at Caldecott Park. Elsewhere, the historic Rugby school and museum opened its doors to members of the public for tours of its grounds and buildings – and budding singers were invited along to open auditions to become part of a 100-strong choir as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad project, Godiva Awakes, in Coventry.
In Burton-upon-Trent, a fun filled Community Games day inspired by the Wenlock Olympian Games challenged people to ride a Rodeo bull and take part in a knitting competition, alongside more traditional sporting pursuits!
At The New Art Gallery in Walsall a unique self-portrait booth and medal making workshop kept people entertained. And at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, people were invited to take part in a photography workshop as well as participate in a host of other family friendly activities.
In Shropshire, walks and talks were held to uncover the story behind undiscovered parts of the Wyre Forest and a day of Victorian 'Amusements and Distractions' took place on the Village Green in Blists Hill in Ironbridge.
Also in Shropshire, the public enjoyed sport, music, dance, and the creative arts by taking part in a 2 mile Let’s Get Physical Fun Run as part of CultureFest 2010.
Meanwhile, in Worcestershire people had a go at climbing, canoeing, kite flying, archery and orienteering at Worcester Woods Country Park. And in Worcester City Centre, members of the public were invited to take part in a 10-minute dance challenge.
Dave Moorcroft, Chair of the West Midlands Leadership Group for the 2012 Games, said: “Once again the West Midlands has proved itself to be more than up for the challenge with this year’s London 2012 Open Weekend. The Olympic and Paralympic Games aren’t just about elite athletics and aren’t just about London. And the beauty of London 2012’s Open Weekend is that it brings the excitement and inspiration of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to our region and means that everyone, whatever their age, background or ability, has the opportunity to have their own ‘Olympic Moment’ right here on their own doorstep.”