Community Games provide a great opportunity for you to bring your community together to take part in sporting and cultural activities inspired by, and in celebration of, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Community Games aims to encourage people across the West Midlands to get together to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, through organising their own community events.
The programme draws on the inspiration of Dr William Penny Brookes’ Wenlock Olympian Games, which were held in the town of Much Wenlock in Shropshire from 1850. The original Wenlock Olympian Games differed from the modern Games in that they were a celebration of both sporting and cultural achievement.
It’s this spirit that Community Games aims to embrace. By providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to try something new, teach others or show to the rest of their communities their talents, Community Games provides everyone with the opportunity to have their own Olympic or Paralympic moment.
The programme is funded by Legacy Trust UK and was launched in spring 2010. Legacy Trust UK was set up to help create and support projects throughout the United Kingdom that will leave a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As well as funding several national projects, the Legacy Trust UK also funds regional projects, of which Community Games is one.
The Community Games programme is being delivered in the West Midlands by a consortium of the 6 County Sports Partnerships (CSPs) working with Streetgames. The CSPs provide support and training to individuals and organisations interested in running their own Games. A Community Games toolkit is also available, which features useful tips and advice for Games organisers.
Community Games has already had a big impact on communities in the West Midlands, with almost 200 Games having taken place so far:
"I attended the event with two adult friends and their children aged 6 and 7 years old. The activites were varied and appealed to all age groups. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly and actively encouraged public participation." Community Games attendee, Staffordshire
"Great community atmosphere. It was lovely to get the whole housing estate to one enjoyable event and bring in people from the surrounding area as well." Community Games attendee, Worcestershire
How do I get involved?
To find out more about being a Community Games organiser, to download the toolkit or for details on the Community Games taking place in your local area please visit: www.communitygames.org.uk.