Jonathan Edwards, Deputy Chair of LOCOG Nations and Regions and Vice President of the Wenlock Olympian Society visited Much Wenlock on 27 May to launch one of the region’s major cultural programmes, Community Games.
Johnathan was accompanied by David Moorcroft, Chair of the West Midlands Leadership Group for the 2012 Games.
From dance and handball to quoits and space hopper races the Community Games programme provides advice, guidance and support to enable communities to stage their own Community Games bringing the inspiration of London 2012 to their own streets, towns and cities across the region.
Funded by Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity set up to build a lasting cultural and sporting legacy from the 2012 Olympic Games, Community Games draws on the inspiration of Dr William Penny Brookes’ original concept for the Wenlock Olympian Games in Shropshire. The event in Much Wenlock launched the first support resource for communities wishing to stage their own games; a free Community Games toolkit.
Guests were invited to try out Community Games activities for themselves on the historic Gaskell Field, the site of the original Wenlock Olympian Games, adjacent to William Brookes School.
Jonathan said: “Seeing the heritage of the Much Wenlock Games being taken to the streets across the West Midlands through the Community Games is very exciting. This is what the 2012 Games are all about – inspiring people with the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements and encouraging greater sports participation. Given my involvement in the both 2012 Games preparations and the Wenlock Olympian Society, I am particularly proud to support the Community Games.”
David Moorcrof said: “Community Games provide a wonderful and unique opportunity for communities from all backgrounds right across the West Midlands to come together to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and create their own Olympic or Paralympic moment. I am delighted that Jonathan Edwards is joining us on the historic Gaskell Field to launch Community Games and encourage communities to join in, be inspired and create their own Games wherever they may be in the West Midlands.”
