£11m fund for skills

Over 14,000 people - especially the young and disadvantaged - will benefit from the funding for employment, skills and training projects.

The Opportunities Fund 'Engaging in London 2012' includes grants for catering and hospitality training, work placements for Black and Ethnic Minority construction graduates and support for 40 women to start up and develop businesses.

Ken Livingstone said: "The 2012 Games is a once in a generation opportunity for London to transform communities across the capital which have suffered from decades of under investment and neglect.

"Groups who suffer from exclusion, such as lone parents, Black and Ethnic Minority communities and disabled Londoners, will get the advice and training they need to find work.

"This funding will help fulfil the commitments I have repeatedly made that there will be a lasting community legacy and Londoners will receive real benefits from the 2012 London Games."

11 April 2007

Read the full release on the Mayor of London's website