Former British Ambassador to Ethiopia Myles Wickstead and Olympian Haile Gebrselassie took part in a race to celebrate the programme coming to Ethiopia.The programme was officially launched with the signing of an agreement between the Ethiopian and the UK Government at the British Embassy, and was marked by 4,000 local children participating in a race in association with the organisers of the Great Ethiopian Run.
International Inspiration will use sport to promote
inclusion in Ethiopia by reaching girls and marginalised children, and will enable schools in the UK and Ethiopia to link and share culture and learning.
Two-time Olympic gold medallist Haile Gebrselassie attended the launch
and said: ‘Communities are brought together through sport and play, and
I’m thrilled that International Inspiration will be working with the
Ethiopian Government to ensure schools and communities are engaging
young people in physical education, sport and play.’
Inspiring change
The programme is bringing to life the promise made by the London 2012
bid team to reach young people all around the world and connect them to
the inspirational power of the Games.
LOCOG Chair Seb Coe said: ‘Our vision from the outset was to use the power of the Games to inspire change – engaging and inspiring the youth of the world through sport. International Inspiration is that vision and I am delighted that children and young people across Ethiopia will be able to benefit from the programme.’
International Inspiration is delivering on its promise a year earlier than planned and, having already achieved its vision of reaching 12 million children and young people around the world, will now focus on ensuring the programme leaves a lasting legacy.
The programme is delivered around the world by the British Council, UNICEF UK and UK Sport. In Ethiopia, the programme is funded by a mixture of organisations, including the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID).
Find out more about the International Inspiration programme
