We defined the 2012 vision with young people at the very outset. We wanted to demonstrate that young people are at the very essence of the Games. We invited 30 young people from the five Host Boroughs to Singapore in 2005 not only to demonstrate our commitment to involving children and young people in 2012 but also because we hoped that it would have a positive impact on them and would help to raise their aspirations as individuals, opening their eyes to the possible opportunities out there for them. We trusted them to represent what is great about London and the UK. This demonstrates that not only do we want young people to receive our education offer but to be part of it and help to shape it over the four years.
That’s what we want from 2012 – for every child and young person to raise their aspirations and fulfil their potential – whatever their interest or chosen pathway.
2012 might also help to raise their aspirations and inspire them through other areas – we want the young dancer, the aspiring journalist, the talented chemist, the ambitious electrician to all have the opportunity to use the Games to help them achieve their goals.
Central to this vision is the promotion of the Olympic and Paralympic values. The Olympic values – excellence, or personal excellence, friendship and respect – are central to the Olympic Movement. The Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality are equally important to the Paralympic Movement. As an ex-athlete these values were evident throughout my experience of the Olympic Games. These values can be, and are, interpreted and reflected in communities across the world and we want to use our Games and, in particular today, our education to promote this more widely.
We should encourage people not to be frightened of exploring what the values mean to them. To me, the values mean demonstrating fair play – playing by the rules and showing respect to others. We want to encourage both adults and young people all over the UK to consider what the Olympic and Paralympic Games means to them.
A key part of our role in delivering the Games is to work with partners - including Government (and especially the DCSF and Education Departments in the devolved administrations), the British Olympic Foundation, the British Paralympic Association and the GLA – to plan the London 2012 Education Programme and capture the imagination of young people.
It’s now only 9 months until the Handover Ceremonies in Beijing and the start of our Olympiad. We look forward to continuing to work with you to explore how we make the most of these opportunities and ensure that every child and young person in the UK has the chance to feel part of the 2012 Games.
