Ethiopia is the nineteenth country to join the International Inspiration family.
Changing lives
In Ethiopia, International Inspiration will specifically use sport to promote inclusion by reaching girls and marginalised children, including those with disabilities and provide leadership training to young people. 15 schools in the UK will also be linked to 15 schools in Ethiopia so that they can share best practice, culture and learning.
‘Physical education is one of the most important tools available to schools to help develop young people’s leadership skills and give them confidence, irrespective of gender or ability.'
Haile Gebrselassie
With the Ethiopian Government’s support, International Inspiration will help strengthen the provision of physical education, sport and play in schools and communities
The progamme will work in partnership with the Ethiopian government as well as local organisations and community leaders.
Seb Coe, Chair of LOCOG, was delighted by the announcement: ‘I am thrilled that the International Inspiration programme has officially launched in Ethiopia, especially with the support of the Ethiopian Government and Haile Gebrselassie.
'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.’
On your marks...
To mark the launch of International Inspiration in Ethiopia, 4,000 children from local schools and youth centres participated in a race in association with the organisers of the Great Ethiopian Run, including 200 who took part in a special International Inspiration race. The celebration was planned and co-ordinated by 15 Young Leaders who have received leadership and life skills trainings, and are also involved in the UK-Ethiopia school links that are managed by the British Council.
World famous Ethiopian distance runner Haile Gebrselassie helped to launch the programme in November 2011. He shared his thoughts on the difference International Inspiration would make in his home country: ‘Physical education is one of the most important tools available to schools to help develop young people’s leadership skills and give them confidence, irrespective of gender or ability.
'Communities are brought together through sport and play, be it a game of football in the park or a race to win gold on the world stage, 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.’
