County Durham plans Olympic legacy (From The Northern Echo)
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County Durham plans Olympic legacy
8:50am Monday 30th January 2012 in Consett News By Duncan Leatherdale
OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL: Gymnast Amy Tinkler is held up by Durham Wildcats’ Paul Elderkin and Durham County Council leader Simon Henig at the launch of the Join in...2012 campaign at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre
YOUNG sports stars hoping to represent Great Britain at the Olympic and Paralympics have joined a campaign hoping to get County Durham excited about the games.
With just 20 weeks until the Olympic Torch Relay enters the county, Durham County Council launched its Join In... campaign on Saturday, supported by a host of talented sportsmen and women.
The campaign will officially start today and run until the beginning of London 2012, with the aim of getting residents of all ages to join in with sports and activities, as well as celebrating the culture of County Durham.
Council leader Simon Henig said: "I know that many thousands of residents will be inspired by the Olympic Flame as it passes through at least 20 of our towns and villages this June.
"We want to capture that moment in history and use it to provide a lasting legacy for our younger residents in particular.
"Our programme links into what is already on offer in our thriving communities to ensure that new interests or activities can continue.
"I hope it will prove life-changing for some and enjoyable for all."
The campaign was launched prior to the Durham Wildcats BBL League basketball game on Saturday night in Newton Aycliffe.
Speaking at the event, Paralympic swimming hopeful, Lyndon Longhorne, 16, from Crook, who had both legs and an arm amputated after contracting meningitis as a baby, said: "I’m happy to support Join in....
"It’s a great way to encourage people to take part in sport or other activities in whatever way they can and I hope that I can help inspire others to have a go at one, or more, of the many activities taking place."
Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said: "Join in… is encouraging young people in County Durham to fulfil their potential.
“I am proud that with the help of partners such as Durham County Council we are delivering our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in the county."
Activities planned over the coming weeks include walking groups and competitions, and an International Youth Games tournament featuring competitors from across the globe.
For more information visit durham.gov.uk/joinin
Comments(13)
sherburn
says...
10:29am Mon 30 Jan 12
I don't know how he dare what a plonker Rodders, this is the same man who leader of the Council and Labour Cabinet was hell bent on closing our Leisure Centres so young people, and residents would have no where to go so when he talks about local residents being inspired he needs to remember he was the one who nearly put the flame out in our communities
swissball
says...
10:59am Mon 30 Jan 12
the-big-yin
says...
1:41pm Mon 30 Jan 12
sherburn wrote:well said...the only lights that are important to us all, are the ones that need putting out on SIMON HENIG!!!!!!
Council leader Simon Henig said: "I know that many thousands of residents will be inspired by the Olympic Flame as it passes through at least 20 of our towns and villages this June.
I don't know how he dare what a plonker Rodders, this is the same man who leader of the Council and Labour Cabinet was hell bent on closing our Leisure Centres so young people, and residents would have no where to go so when he talks about local residents being inspired he needs to remember he was the one who nearly put the flame out in our communities
why the hell would we be inspired by a god **** torch.....the legacy we will have is more closures ..more people on the dole, due to this incompetant piece of s...t...who cannot run d.c.c.
give up your job....prove to us all that you listen to the public.....
sherburn
says...
3:10pm Mon 30 Jan 12
Birdyy
says...
6:36pm Mon 30 Jan 12
sherburn
says...
6:49pm Mon 30 Jan 12
Birdyy
says...
7:31pm Mon 30 Jan 12
For example; has anyone seen a BBL game? I never realised there was even a team in Durham.
sherburn
says...
7:54pm Mon 30 Jan 12
Tis wot tis
says...
9:12am Tue 31 Jan 12
sherburn
says...
9:29am Tue 31 Jan 12
the-big-yin
says...
10:43am Tue 31 Jan 12
sherburn wrote:people of the north east do love their sports...however d.c.c. again ripping out the hearts of our commuities does not help anyone...this council needs a full re-think on whats gone wrong...closure after closure ..money wasted left right and centre....try bringing on board the council a commitee of local residents drawn from all areas and backgrounds...i bet they could run the council better that the idiots running it into the ground now......don.t forget elections coming up ......vote them out.....as for the **LONDON OLYMPICS** WHO CARES??? NOT ME..........AS THEY SAY IT IS THE LONDON OLYMPICS...WE GET THE SCRAPS I.E. FOOTBALL......WOW!!!
Tis wot tis I agree we will be inspired without his input the people of the North East love their sport
!!!!!!
sherburn
says...
12:18pm Tue 31 Jan 12
GeordieB says...
10:08am Mon 30 Jan 12