Local children join London 2012 ‘Construction Crew’ programme

Twenty year-six students from eight schools across the Host Boroughs – Hackney, Newham, Waltham Forest, Tower Hamlets and Greenwich – have been individually nominated by the schools to take part in the programme. They will visit the Olympic Park and see the progress being made first-hand, and take part in workshops to promote leadership, responsibility and presentation skills.

Through these visits and workshops the students will develop a better understanding of the London 2012 project which is creating the largest new urban park in Europe for 150 years. They will be encouraged to take these new skills and knowledge back to their schools and present the information to their peers.

The Crew have completed a two-day introductory workshop which included a talk from ODA Chief Executive, David Higgins, and a trip around the Olympic Park. Further sessions will initially run until March 2009, during this time the ODA will work closely with the Crew, and a member of staff from each of the participating schools.

ODA Chief Executive, David Higgins said: 'The Construction Crew is a great way for young people to get involved with the construction phase of the project. They will be able to see the world-class venues that we are building for the London 2012 Games and that will be available for them to use in legacy.

'We will be encouraging and supporting the Crew to communicate their experiences from the programme to the rest of their school, family and friends.'

Notes to editors:

1. The eight schools involved in the programme are:

• Jubilee Primary School, London Borough of Hackney
• Brook Community Primary School, London Borough of Hackney
• Roman Road Primary School, London Borough of Newham
• Marner Primary School, London Borough of Tower Hamlets 
• Willow Brook Primary School, London Borough of Waltham Forest
• Jenny Hammond Primary School, London Borough of Waltham Forest
• Cardwell Primary School, London Borough of Greenwich
• Middle Park Primary School, London Borough of Greenwich

2. Representatives from the ODA will present to the group on three core themes that run through the construction of the Park, they are:

• environment and sustainability
• history and archaeology
• employment and skills

3. Images from the first Construction Crew workshop are available from the ODA press office.

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For further information please contact the Olympic Delivery Authority Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 700.

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