Newsletters
December 2009 download
Welcome to the latest edition of the West Sussex–Ahead of the Game Newsletter. We have now passed the 1,000-day countdowns to the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Opening Ceremonies, and have some significant milestones of our own to celebrate.
Over 1,000 West Sussex businesses have registered for CompeteFor, London 2012’s chosen website for publishing Games-related contract opportunities; more than 90 West Sussex schools have signed up for Get Set, the London 2012 Education Programme; and over 100 people recently took part in an animated showcase of ideas for the new outdoor work of The Child and the Magic, part of the Ahead of the Game cultural programme.
London 2012 Open Weekend 2010 will provide the next major countdown moment, marking two years to the opening ceremony in 2012. Do let us know if you have started to make plans for the Open Weekend on 23-25 July.
Physical activity, sport and pre-games camps
More businesses join the Active Workplace initiative
Recent successes include new business tournaments and links to National Obesity Week.
Over the past two months, the Active & Healthy Workplace initiative has seen new companies participating, with those already part of the programme staying involved. The programme is now rolling out with Horsham District Council and Crawley Borough Council, and will soon kick-off in Mid Sussex.
The first Sussex Sports Series – Battle of the Businesses tournament was launched, consisting of 6 events, run over 12 months including netball, basketball, cricket, football, golf and volleyball. Eight teams have registered so far.
The first week in November was National Obesity Week (N.O.W) and the active & healthy workplace initiative linked up with local leisure providers Worthing Leisure and DC Leisure to raise awareness of the problem of obesity and offer programmes. During the week the Weight Loss Challenge was launched in Worthing, where colleagues were encouraged to get together and enter a team. In Horsham businesses and employees were offered a free 7-day pass to try out their local leisure centre.
Also in Horsham, managers representing a selection of companies took part in a free one-day training course on managing stress in the workplace. The course, which took place on Tuesday 10 November at the Park Barn in Horsham, was an initiative organised in partnership with Horsham District Council’s Environmental Health department.
The Active & Healthy Workplace initiative is offering businesses a fantastic package including:
- Free Consultation Service
- Free Online Audit
- Corporate Tournaments
- Funding to kick start your programme (limited funding for eligible companies)
- Plus much more
Contact: Donna Imrie, Sussex Workplace Officer
D.Imrie@brighton.ac.uk or call 01273 644103
* The Sussex Active Workplace initiative is coordinated by the Sussex County Sports Partnership Trust, and has received Lottery funding from the Big Lottery Fund and Sport England. West Sussex–Ahead of the Game is one of the key funding partners.
Winners of the Sussex Sports Awards 2009 announced
15 winners were announced at the awards evening in Brighton on Friday 13 November.
The evening was hosted by Derek Redmond, one of GB’s greatest 400m runners. The Sussex County Sports Partnership, who organise the awards, received a record breaking number of nominations this year.
The West Sussex-Ahead of the Game Disabled Sports Personality of the Year was won by the swimmer Sascha Kindred, who has strong connections to Crawley. Sascha has recently won 3 gold medals in the European championships, and in his career has won over 350 medals, breaking many British, European and world records. Earlier this year, Sascha attended London 2012 Open Weekend events in Crawley, Steyning, Horsham and Worthing, marking the three-year countdown to the Games. The award runners-up were Liam Beresford, a boccia player from Ringmer, and Richard Schabel an athlete from East Grinstead.
The Freedom Leisure Sports Personality of the Year was the swimmer Gemma Spofforth from Slindon, who became the first woman to win the world 100m backstroke title and the first since 1958 to hold the world record. She also set a new British record in the 200m backstroke and 4 x 200m medley relay.
To find out more about the awards and to see all the winners visit www.sussexsport.org
Contact: Stephanie Mizon, Events and Communications Officer, Sussex County Sports Partnership Trust
smizon@brighton.ac.uk or call 01273 644153.
Barbados delegation views training camp facilities
K2 Crawley and the Gatwick Diamond Venues have welcomed visitors from Barbados.
A delegation from the Barbados National Olympic Committee recently visited K2 Crawley. They viewed the swimming pool, athletics arena, gymnasium and main hall on a tour of facilities, before being escorted to view accommodation options at Cottesmore Golf and Country Club, and the Arora International. They were also informed about the other Gatwick Diamond Venues, and the wider support services available in the area.
The delegation visited as part of a tour of London 2012 approved pre-games training camp venues in the South East Region. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding to come to the South East for pre-games training camps, and are discussing with their national federations which venues will best meet their needs.
In addition, we have been visited by the Secretary General of the Association of National Olympic Committees for Africa, who represents 53 countries, and by a Chinese delegation who are considering wider business and education links in the lead up to 2012.
Contact: Carolyn Carr, West Sussex Coordinator for the 2012 Games
Carolyn.carr@westsussex.gov.uk or call 01243 753849
Culture
Ahead of the Game cultural programme update
The programme goes from strength to strength, as we look forward to taking part in a meeting with London 2012 and the BBC on benefits for local people from the Cultural Olympiad.
The cultural programme goes from strength to strength with all development strands now underway. In acknowledgement of the strong community engagement of the programme, we have been invited to join a meeting with LOCOG (the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) and the BBC to contribute to the understanding about how 2012 can have real benefits for local people.
Paul Ackerley, the Creative Producer, provides an update on progress:
Blue Touch Paper Carnival (awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark)
A vision to create the most accessible, inclusive, integrated and friendly carnival experience in the world, working with disabled people at an unprecedented level of quality, building slowly over three years in time for London 2012. Recent milestones:
- Securing grant of £10,000 from regional Accentuate funding.
- Feature article ‘Burning Ambition’ in Heart of the Matter, the NALGAO magazine.
- Jodi (Museum, Libraries and Archives) nomination for national award for web site www.btpcarnival.co.uk
- Featured at the launch of Accentuate, the 2012 Legacy Project for the South East region
The Child and The Magic (L'Enfant et Les Sortileges)
Supporting the research and development stage of a large-scale, outdoor production of Ravel’s 45 minute Children’s Opera masterpiece, L’Enfant et Les Sortileges, translated into English as The Child and The Magic. Recent milestones:
- Creative Partners national meeting to explore logistics at The Ropetackle, Shoreham-by-Sea.
- Confirmed Steyning and Swaledale Festival as development partners.
- St Andrew’s CE Primary School, Steyning to provide children’s chorus.
- Showcase of ideas with over 100 people held on the 19 November.
Great Gardens of Sussex
Supporting the research and development stage of a new Dance and Theatre-led commission with the five high-profile West Sussex visitor attractions: Wakehurst Place, Nymans, Borde Hill, Leonardslee and High Beeches. The gardens are working together to develop a strong, collective brand, to boost visitor numbers, develop awareness and new perceptions of the unique collections. Recent milestones:
- Commission confirmed with Goat & Monkey.
Whispering Woods
Supporting the research and development stage of a large-scale singing project that is designed to bring together up to 500 singers from all over West Sussex to create a public music performance taking place in a wood after dark. Milestones to date:
- Introductory sessions on Bulgarian traditional music and dance with Steyning Grammar School and Bourne Community College, Southbourne.
Community Creative Producers
We have secured three leading producers from around the country to support and mentor the first cohort of West Sussex-based community leaders, and discussions with the mentors are in progress.
Contact: Paul Ackerley, Creative Producer
paul.ackerley@talktalk.net or call 07768 287207
Business
Business workshops a success
Five 2012 business workshops took place in West Sussex during September, October and November, with over 130 people attending.
Bid Writing and Tendering workshops took place in Crawley and Chichester, to help businesses be aware of best practice if short-listed for a London 2012 contract, or bidding for a Public Sector contract. Quality Management Statement Workshops ran in Burgess Hill and East Grinstead, to support businesses to produce a Quality Management Statement needed to compete for London 2012 and public sector contracts. A Fit2Supply Workshop was held in Shoreham-by-Sea, and offered an introduction to London 2012 opportunities.
Business Link are planning the dates for the next series of 2012 business support workshops across the South East region, and a number will take place in West Sussex. The first to be confirmed is a Quality Management Workshop on the 11 February at the Arora Hotel, Crawley.
Contact: www.southeast2012events.co.uk or call 0845 600 9006.
Over 1,000 West Sussex businesses are involved with CompeteFor
More than 500 are `published` and ready to tender for 2012 contracts.
Business Link data (October 2009) shows that 1,154 West Sussex businesses have registered on CompeteFor, and of these 557 are published and ready to tender for contracts. The published businesses by District and Borough area are:
Adur 46
Arun 52
Chichester 85
Crawley 79
Horsham 123
Mid Sussex 121
Worthing 51
Opportunities throughout the London 2012 supply chain are listed on CompeteFor - London 2012’s chosen website for publishing Games-related contract opportunities. It gives businesses of all sizes access to London 2012 opportunities, acting as a brokerage service between buyers throughout the London 2012 supply chain, and potential suppliers.
Businesses should visit the London 2012 Business Network for details of current and future opportunities, and information on how to register on CompeteFor, and sign-up for business e-alerts.
Education & skills
The Get Set network is launched!
London 2012 has launched its special new community, the Get Set network.
Any school or college registered with Get Set can apply to join the network. Schools and colleges who have demonstrated a commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic Values can apply to join the network using the 3-step online application form on the Get Set website. Members of the network gain access to the London 2012 education logo, which they can use on their school sign, headed paper, website and newsletter. They will also be given priority access to exclusive London 2012 rewards and opportunities. Eighteen schools and colleges have already joined the network.
To find out more visit the London 2012 Get Set network.
By November 2009, 90 West Sussex Schools had registered for Get Set, and more are encouraged to join in and take advantage of the opportunities.
The West Sussex Physical Education conference in January 2010 will feature Get Set and London 2012 opportunities.
Contact: Carolyn Carr, West Sussex Coordinator for the 2012 Games
Carolyn.carr@westsussex.gov.uk or call 01243 753849.
Sports Masterclasses for Coastal West Sussex
Over 200 Year 10 students are due to take part in March 2010.
West Sussex–Ahead of the Game is working with Young Enterprise South East in Sussex and with Aimhigher, to provide Young Enterprise Sports Masterclasses in 4 schools on the coast in March 2010.
The Sports Masterclass involves students studying PE and Sport in business and enterprise activities. The events will have Olympic and Paralympic Games' themes, including activities on core values and the torch relay, and will draw on the London 2012 Education Programme ‘Get Set’.
During the Sports Masterclass the students will be judged on all their main tasks and awards for the Most Innovative Sport and Masterclass Champions will be presented at the end of the day.
West Sussex–Ahead of the Game partners, including local sport and leisure providers will be invited to be involved in the masterclass events. West Sussex–Ahead of the Game is also seeking official London 2012 recognition for the workshops and will endeavour to secure local press coverage.
Contact: Georgina Angele – Area Development Manager, Young Enterprise Sussex georgina.angele@yese.org.uk or call 07795 462286.
Security & emergency management
Sussex Police and Sussex Resilience Forum news
County security and emergency management plans are taking shape.
Sussex Police has set out initial planning on police implications for 2012, making a presentation to the West Sussex Working Group for the 2012 Games. Considerations include the role of Gatwick airport, and the implications of any pre-games training camps in the county.
The Sussex Resilience Forum has agreed to establish a 2012 sub-group, chaired by Damien Adams, West Sussex County Council’s Head of Emergency Management.
Contact: Damien Adams, West Sussex County Council’s Head of Emergency Management
damien.adams@westsussex.gov.uk or call 01243 777917.
National & regional news
Nationwide talent search for Paralympic athletes
A nationwide talent search for Paralympic athletes has been launched. This is the last chance to get into a Paralympic programme before 2012.
UK Sport, in partnership with ParalympicsGB, has launched a nationwide talent search for Paralympic athletes for sporting programmes in 2010. The intention is to unearth previously unidentified talent that can be fast-tracked to 2012 medal success against targeted sports - those eligible need to be aged 16 - 35 years. The last date to sign up is Monday 11 January 2010. Potential applicants need to answer yes to the following questions:
- Do you have an impairment?
- Do you have a UK Passport (or are you eligible for one)?
- Are you aged between 15 and 35 years old?
- Do you have a sporting background in any sport?
- Are you up for a once in a lifetime opportunity?
- Do you have the desire, commitment and determination to win?
To find out more about the nationwide talent search for Paralympic athletes visit the UK Sport website.
London 2012 will host a UK-wide Torch Relay to herald the start of the Olympic Games. There is an ambition for 95% of the population to be within an hour’s journey of the Torch Relay.
No decisions have been taken on the entry point for the Torch Relay or specifics around the journey of the Torch. From the beginning of 2010, the Torch Relay Team will begin a programme of engagement across the UK, likely to take the whole of 2010.
It is hoped that regions, cities and local communities will work with the Torch Relay Team to create local events around the theme of the Torch Relay, albeit at their own cost.
The Olympic Torch Relay is expected to last around 60 days leading up to the opening ceremony on 27 July 2012. London 2012 will host a Paralympic Torch Relay to herald the start of the Paralympic Games. This is likely to last between 7 – 10 days leading up to the opening ceremony on 29 August 2012.
Contact: Carolyn Carr, West Sussex Coordinator for the 2012 Games
Carolyn.carr@westsussex.gov.uk or call 01243 753849
The Boat Project wins Artists Taking the Lead
Local people will donate wooden objects to create a boat to be part of the 2012 Games' celebrations.
The winning company, Lone Twin, will create a beautiful sea-faring boat. It will sail the South East coast, and become the focus of celebratory arts events. The boat will be launched in May 2012 in a spectacular event that will include everyone who has participated in its creation.
The Boat Project is one of 12 winners of the London 2012 'Artists taking the lead' arts commissions, totalling £5.4 million.
The projects, one for each region of England and one each in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, form part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. They were chosen from more than 2,000 entries, by independent panels of artists and producers.
For further information visit: Artists Taking the Lead.
Artists taking the lead is being coordinated by Arts Council England in partnership with London 2012, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Scottish Arts Council and the Arts Council of Wales.
Create, Compete, Collaborate (CCC) Global Magnet event for Sussex
The official launch event will take place in January 2010.
The official launch of Create, Compete, Collaborate in Sussex is on Wednesday 20th January 2010 at inQbate on Sussex University Campus between 1.30pm-4.30pm.
CCC is a regional 2012 ambition to ensure that: ‘Every young person in the South East has the opportunity to participate in a project with another young person from a competitor country between now and 2012’.
The CCC Global Magnet events aim to bring together a wide range of people and organisations working with, and providing services for young people in the area in order to:
- Celebrate the launch of CCC in the area and identify how partners might support and benefit from involvement in the programme.
- Explore the potential of 2012 as an opportunity to enrich the lives of young people and communities.
- Showcase the best of local work engaging young people, internationally, including activities inspired by the 2012 games.
- Launch and demonstrate the new CCC e-Community - a free online tool to enable people to communicate across the world.
- Promote dialogue between policy makers and influencers, cultural sector organisations and those who work with young people.
- Draw attention to opportunities available through national organisations such as the British Council.
The event will feature a range of presentations, local case studies and breakout activities. The event is open to all and further details are on the invitation. (237kb)
