Needless to say our website is a very important communications channel for us. We are working hard to make the most of the medium and showcase video, images, and to keep you informed. We have also scored a number of Olympic Games Organising Committee firsts such as our blog, official social networking channels (see below) and our developing storymaps- no mean feat in the face of the challenges of long established traditions and tightly controlled legal frameworks of the Games.
But we believe new media can do more than simply communicate. We have always said that London 2012 would be ‘everyone’s Games’ and we want to use new media to help you truly share and participate public in the Games, and, of course, have some fun.
That’s why we created our celebrate video . The idea is simple – watch it, create or dig out your celebration video or photos and upload a video response to our youtube channel or add it to our flickr group .
We’ve already created a new edit of the video including some of your youtube responses which was screened on big screens at the Visa London 2012 Party on Sunday. And the video has been viewed almost one million times across all channels, not to mention the many thousands of people who have seen it at live sites, as of last night.
Yesterday we launched a map showcasing hundreds of photos and videos we’ve been sent. Have a browse and add yours. You can also see photos of celebrations around the UK on our flickr feed
Once the excitement of handing over begins to fade the challenge for the new media team is to harness new media to help deliver the London 2012 vision: “use the power of the Games to inspire change”. This means a Games which is about more than six weeks of competition, more than London, more than just sport and more than just traditional audiences. It also means inspiring young people – 35% of viewers of our video on youtube are under 17 which is a great start.
It’s a tough task as most members of the public don’t realise that there is more to a Games than a six week event. That said I think we all recognise that the Games is very special and extraordinary things are possible if we channel the feel good factor effectively.
As a start we have some exciting new initiatives in the pipeline such as a major education website launching in September and a sports participation project sponsored by adidas launching later in the year. Longer term we have an ambitious plan to create digital canvases on and offline which you fill with your content and literally help dress the Games set – imagine your photos and images embedded in Games venues.
We are, of course, always keen to hear your views about how we can make the most of new media and how we can make a difference so please share your thoughts.
