A number of influential sports stars are joining forces with UNCIEF UK to add their support to International Inspiration, London 2012’s legacy programme for children and young people. David Beckham, Sir Chris Hoy, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Denise Lewis and Colin Jackson have joined forces have pledged their support to help deliver the promise made by the London Olymic bid team to –
reach children all around the world and connect them to the inspirational power of the Games and to see millions more young people across the world participating in sport and improving their lives as a result.
The International Inspiration is a partnership of public and private organisations to bring to fruition the idealism as a core strand of the London 2012 education programme. Partners include the Department for Culture, the Premier League, the British Olympic Association and the British Paralympic Association.
David Beckham said
My involvement, both when London won the bid in Singapore in 2005 and at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, made me realise the power of the Olympic Games. Sport is a language that everyone speaks, and it can be used to change lives. Through International Inspiration, we have an opportunity to give millions of children the chance to experience the thrill and excitement that being involved in sport brings. We can use sport to teach them about trust and respect and we can boost their confidence. It’s a chance for them to learn how to stay safe, keep healthy and in some cases stay alive.
International Inspiration hopes to reach 12 million children in 20 countries by the 2012 Games, with children in the UK also benefiting through a network of schools that will provid opportunities to learn from each other’s cultures and experiences. By incorporating high quality physical education, sport and play, International Inspiration is working not only with children, but also their teachers, coaches and governments to ensure that the results are sustainable for generations to come.
Colin Jackson added –
Sport is the greatest passion in my life and it has played such an important role in shaping me in to the person that I am today. It has given me discipline, focus and the confidence to believe in myself. Every child has the right to play, learn and grow, whatever their background, but millions are missing out on this vital part of their development. That’s why I am supporting International Inspiration which is getting children and young people around the world involved in sport and helping them to grow into responsible members of their communities.
