Children’s artwork unveiled on new Olympic Site hoardings in Hackney

The ODA and Tower Hamlets-based social enterprise Signs of Life have been working with primary, secondary and special needs schools in the Five Host Boroughs in a creative engagement programme to design the images which are now on display.

The ODA held a celebration event for all the children and young people involved in the project from 17 different schools at Hackney Wick Community Centre.

Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said: 'I am extremely impressed with all the hard work that local children have put into this project. They have demonstrated not only pride in their community but also a real enthusiasm to be part of London 2012.

'These hoardings will remind local people what the Olympic and Paralympic Games is all about – working together in and around the Park for a lasting sporting and cultural legacy.'

London 2012 Organising Committee Chair Sebastian Coe said: 'The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are Everyone’s Games and this project is one example of how children and young people living closest to the Olympic Park are directly contributing to our preparations.

'London 2012’s four year Culture and Education programme will start in the Autumn of this year, providing many more opportunities to build on the sense of pride and celebration of those involved today.'

ODA Chief Executive David Higgins said: The hoardings around the Park offer us a blank canvas to bring alive the London 2012 story and excite everyone about what is happening on site.

'Placing artwork on the hoardings on the Hackney Wick towpath is an important part of our communication with the local community to engage them with the 2012 project, and I am delighted that so many young people have had the opportunity to be involved.'

Jules Pipe, Mayor of Hackney, said: These hoardings are a great way to show how incredibly talented young people from this part of London are. In just a few months’ time, London becomes the official host for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the eyes of the world will be upon us.

'The hoardings will be a media backdrop for reports on the Olympic Park’s progress. This artwork will be become a recognisable piece of imagery representing our hopes and aspirations not only for the Games themselves, but for their lasting legacy for the East End.'

Notes to Editors

1. The schools involved are:

• John F Kennedy Special School, Newham
• Hallsville Primary School, Newham
• Brampton Manor Secondary School, Newham
• Ickburgh/ Downsview Special School, Hackney
• William Patten Primary School, Hackney
• Cardinal Pole Rc Secondary School, Hackney
• Willow Dene Special School, Greenwich
• Greenacres Primary School, Greenwich
• Haimo Primary School, Greenwich
• Thomas Tallis Secondary School, Greenwich
• Phoenix Special Needs Mixed School, Tower Hamlets
• Seven Mills Primary School,Tower Hamlets
• George Green's Secondary School, Tower Hamlets
• Whitefield Special Schools And Centre, Waltham Forest
• Ainslie Wood Primary School, Waltham Forest
• Heathcote Secondary School, Waltham Forest

2. For photographs of the new hoardings please visit http://www.london2012.com/news/image-library/venue-images/index.php

3. For media enquiries only and photographs of the event, please contact Holly Wheeler at the ODA press office on 0203 2012 669.

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