BECON

One North East

A new specialist has been appointed in the North East to help non commercial projects and events inspired by the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games gain an official London 2012 mark of prestige.

Pipa Ware, based at Gateshead Council, is now offering guidance and support to regional projects and events inspired by the London 2012 Games to help them become part of the London 2012 Inspire programme, and with it carry the prestigious Inspire mark.

Part of London 2012’s branded family, the mark is the badge of the Inspire programme and is awarded to the most accessible, participative, inspiring and stimulating projects and events that work to bring communities together or support personal development in association with the London 2012 Games.

Carrying the Inspire mark opens up valuable new networking opportunities by linking those organisations across sport, culture, education, environment, volunteering and business skills which have become part of Inspire programme .

Pippa says: "The London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games and associated Inspire programme presents a huge opportunity for the North East to become involved in the celebrations. I am delighted to be working for the region to deliver this programme, and to make a positive and lasting contribution to this unique worldwide event.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to encourage young people to become involved and the whole region to join in the celebrations which will help create a lasting legacy for years to come."

Those that achieve the Inspire mark can also, subject to license and approval of artwork, use it on a range of their marketing materials such as the cover of brochure, a poster, an advert or a web-page.

A total of 15 projects have been awarded the mark in the North East so far including the pre-employment programme Personal Best, funded by the Learning and Skills Council North East through the European Social Fund, which early this month saw most of its first cohort of 89 learners graduate at a ceremony held at St James’ Park.

Olympic Triple Jump Gold medallist Jonathan Edwards was present to congratulate the graduates, all of whom received training towards a Level 1 qualification in Event Volunteering.

Jonathan, also a London 2012 Nations and Regions Board member, represented the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, which guarantees Personal Best graduates an interview to become a Games-time volunteer.

Pippa joins a network of eight Inspire mark programmers appointed across all English regions who are working to involve as many communities as possible in the excitement of the 2012 Games. Her role is funded by the Department for Culture Media and Sport.

Stacy Hall, Director of Communications and Tourism at One North East, said: “The Inspire programme and its respective Inspire mark is a great way to bring together a multitude of projects and events across the country in celebration of the London 2012 Games.
“I would encourage those non-commercial organisations that aim to host a programme or event which has gained inspiration from the 2012 Games to contact Pippa and apply to become part of the Inspire programme.”

Councillor Linda Green, Cabinet Member for Culture at Gateshead Council, adds: "We are pleased to support a national programme that will inspire people to be involved in the 2012 Games.
“This is the start of us building a lasting legacy for sporting projects across our borough - an important step this year for Gateshead as European City of Sport 2010 during which we are doing everything we can to promote active and healthy lifestyles for residents."

To find out more about the Inspire mark and to see if your project is eligible, contact Pippa on 0191 4336942 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it