Wales

Achieving our vision

We will focus on key areas to achieve our vision:

• Improving health – We want to use the Games as an opportunity to realise a real step change in the nation’s attitude towards healthy living.
• Encouraging sport and activity – We want to make sure the Games inspire people, especially children and young people to choose sport.
• Performance and excellence sport – Our aim is to develop the systems and structures that enable Welsh athletes to deliver increased and sustained international success.
• Pre-Games Training Camps – We hope to generate new business opportunities for local suppliers of goods, services and facilities as well as opportunities for volunteers and for new events.  We are also aiming to raise the profile of the Games in Wales and the profile of Wales in the world through sustainable sporting, cultural and economic relationships with those countries that come to Wales for pre-Games training or during the Games.
• Generating business – We will invest in efforts to ensure Wales secures the maximum possible economic and commercial benefits from the Games. We will showcase the best in Welsh innovation, science and technology through London 2012 business case studies.
• Developing skills and education – We will use the Games to increase involvement in education and skills development.
• Increasing tourism – We want to provide a sustainable boost to the visitor economy and improve standards of training and skills in all areas of the tourism sector. Hosting Games events at the Millennium Stadium will raise the profile of Wales and we will maximise the potential this opportunity creates.
• Promoting volunteering – We aim to use the 2012 volunteer programme to help boost the recruitment, training and active contribution of volunteers across Wales.  We want as many Welsh volunteers as possible to make a positive contribution to London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games and the successful hosting of the Games and to continue volunteering long after the Games.
• Celebrating diversity – The Games will reflect and honour diversity across the UK, with the opportunity to showcase a powerful, contemporary, distinct and inclusive image of Wales across its many dimensions and diverse populations.
• Showcasing Welsh culture – We aim to maximise Wales’ contribution to the Cultural Olympiad programme, promoting a powerful and contemporary image of Wales to the World. The Cultural Olympiad programme in Wales aims to connect with 1.5 million children and young people by 2012.  We will add sustainable value to Wales’ cultural events and tourist appeal, engaging diverse communities in active celebration across the nation.
• Promoting Welsh language – We will work with LOCOG and other partners to maximise the profile and use of the Welsh language in a London 2012 context.
  
• Leaving a lasting legacy – The objective in terms of legacy is not to re-invent the wheel or invest in large projects linked to the 2012 Games. Instead we will assess and decide what existing opportunities and priorities can be legitimately advanced, making the most of the opportunities offered by the Games.

Planning and delivery - making it happen

The Wales Steering Group for the 2012 Games is working to achieve our vision. It is made up of representatives from government with sporting, cultural, business and voluntary sectors also represented.

Getting involved

If you live in Wales, there are lots of ways to get involved in 2012 Games.

Whether it's supplying the Games as a business, getting involved in a cultural project or volunteering in your local community, you can be part of the 2012 experience right now. There are a wide range of programmes and projects that may be eligible for London 2012’s unique ‘Inspired By’ logo and branding.

Contact us

For all enquiries related to Wales’ plans to benefit from the 2012 Games email: Sandra.wooldridge@wales.gsi.gov.uk.

Finding a spiritual home in Wales...

Lynn ‘The Leap’ Davies Olympic Long Jump gold medallist 1964, former British Team Manager, former Technical Director of Canadian Athletics:

'There is no sporting event in the world that can't find a spiritual home here in Wales. Wales has sport at its heart and it harnesses that power to touch people, young and old, and brings them together to support one goal.

Our country’s sporting stature and burgeoning cultural prominence has seen us welcome a host of top-flight fixtures to our shores and we have showcased our facets such as the Millennium Stadium, National Velodrome and the National Indoor Athletics Centre in some style.

The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are among the greatest sporting events staged and we must see the London 2012 platform as an incredible opportunity for our small nation to showcase what we have to offer the rest of the world on a silver – or should that be golden – platter!’

See also