A Strategy to help the City of Leicester and County of Leicestershire benefit from the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 is to be launched on Wednesday 24 September alongside the 3rd Annual PE and School Sport Conference at Loughborough University. The Strategy aims to create a lasting legacy for the whole of Leicestershire arising from London’s success in being chosen to host the 2012 Games. It sets out the co-ordinated action needed across the City and County to help businesses win contracts and sub-contracts associated with the 2012 Games, attract visitors to the area, inspire people to lead more healthy and active lifestyles and help develop local sporting talent.
The Leicestershire Steering Group for the 2012 Games has produced the Strategy following a successful public consultation exercise in the summer. Kishor Tailor, Chief Executive of the Leicestershire Economic Partnership, who chairs the Steering Group, said “We believe the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London will inspire people, communities, businesses and other organisations in Leicestershire to be the best they can. This Strategy aims to create a lasting legacy for the City of Leicester and County of Leicestershire arising from London hosting the 2012 Games. It also seeks to build on the enthusiasm and inspiration generated by the recent success of Team Great Britain at the Beijing 2008 Games. I would like to thank all those that contributed to the consultation process and look forward to the successful implementation of the Strategy.”
The Leicester Shire Economic Partnership has co-ordinated the work on the strategy. Rick Moore, Chairman of the Leicester Shire Economic Partnership said, “There are significant opportunities for businesses in Leicestershire to benefit from the 2012 Games. This Strategy provides a focus for action to ensure businesses can access the right information, support and advice to help them win contracts and sub-contracts associate with the 2012 Games. We are also looking to use this experience to help businesses to be able to compete for other significant public sector procurement opportunities”.
Andy Reed, MP and Chairman of Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport will launch the Strategy on 24 September and said, "As the world’s biggest sporting event, the Olympic and Paralympic Games offers a unique opportunity to inspire and galvanise the sporting community. This Strategy will underpin our efforts to drive up participation rates, encourage healthier lifestyles and support our local sportsmen and sportswomen to bring gold back to Leicestershire in 2012"
Leicester City Council is represented on the Steering Group. Councillor Ross Willmott, Leader of Leicester City Council said, "The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games provide opportunities, not just for London, but for the whole country to benefit from business opportunities, increased tourism and pride in the achievements of our local sporting stars. It will also act as a catalyst for encouraging people of all ages to participate in healthier lifestyles. It is indeed a once in a lifetime opportunity and I would urge everyone in the City and County to get involved and make the London Games a success right across the country".
Leicestershire County Council is also represented on the Steering Group. Councillor David Parsons, Leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: "The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will offer exciting and wide-ranging benefits for local businesses and the economy, as well as sporting opportunities for communities and individuals. This Strategy will allow us to capitalise on this magnificent opportunity to ensure a lasting legacy for the area."
Sue Smith, Chief Executive, Harborough District Council represents the Leicestershire district councils on the Steering Group and said, "All of the district councils in Leicestershire are committed to encouraging participation in sport and this Strategy promotes the valuable opportunity that we have in Great Britain through hosting the Olympic Games. In addition, the benefits as a consequence of the volunteering opportunities and cultural events are welcomed."
