Over 500 schools signed up for 2012 UK schools competition

Still time for schools to get involved in design competition

With the stunning designs for the London 2012 Olympic Stadium hitting the headlines around the country this week, there is still chance for schools across the UK to come up with their own inspiring Olympic designs by entering the Olympic Delivery Authority’s UK schools design competition.

The closing date for entries is Friday 30 November 2007 so schools around the country still have time to enter the competition and get involved in the excitement of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A world-class Velodrome and BMX facilities will host the track and BMX events during 2012 and after the Games, a road cycle circuit and mountain biking facilities will be added to create a legacy VeloPark. The VeloDream competition for school children aged 5 – 16, is asking schools to tap into the creative talents of their pupils to design their own dream VeloPark to host the cycling sports of a future Games.

Schoolchildren have a blank canvas to work with and their VeloPark designs can be illustrations, paintings, drawings, photos, computer images, presentations and even films. The competition has been planned to complement the Design and Technology school curriculum. Information packs developed with The Design & Technology Association are available to download from the London 2012 website to help teachers and pupils bring the VeloDream competition to their school.

David Higgins, Olympic Delivery Authority Chief Executive, said:

'Youth participation, world-class sport and design excellence are all at the heart of our plans for 2012 so the VeloDream competition is a great way to bring these elements together in the classroom and inspire schoolchildren around the country.

'The stunning images we have unveiled for the London 2012 Olympic Stadium show the endless possibilities and excitement of world-class design and with the VeloDream competition, young people have the chance to let their imagination run wild in designing their own dream Olympic cycling venues of the future. I encourage young people to get involved in the VeloDream competition today and bring the excitement of 2012 into their school.'

Olympic Cycling Champion Chris Hoy said:

'Winning gold at the Olympic Games was an unmatchable experience that will stay with me for as long as I live. The VeloDream competition presents a superb opportunity for any young person who has ever dreamed about the Olympic Games to put themselves in the shoes of a competitor, spectator and local resident — and really think about how they could enhance that experience through design. Aside from being on the track, it’s the next best thing!'

After the deadline for entries closes on Friday 30th November, regional judging of design entries will take place with a panel including design experts and young people. A winning primary and secondary school from each region will be selected for the competition final early next year where a primary and secondary school will be announced as national winners. The prize for the two winning schools will include the unique opportunity to work with the 2012 VeloPark designers, and learn at first-hand how to create a world-class sports venue.

Full details about the VeloDream competition and resource packs for schools are available at www.london2012.com/velodream

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For further information please contact the London 2012 Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 700. Find out the latest from London 2012 HQ on our Work in Progress blog.