Minister sets Open Weekend challenge

Sports Minister Nelson McCausland today called on people across Northern Ireland to register events for the London 2012 Open Weekend.

The Open Weekend will take place on 23 - 25 July, and will coincide with the 2 year countdown towards the greatest sporting showcase in the world.  It was developed to help people see, touch, hear and take part in new things to spark interest and enthusiasm in the run up to the Games in 2012.

Minister McCausland said: ““Participation in London 2012’s annual event, Open Weekend, is the best way that local organisations and venues can get involved in highlighting the countdown to the Games, by getting people involved in a range of activities.  

“I am calling on organisers of cultural, sporting, heritage and environmental events to set a challenge that the public can take part in between 23 and 25 July 2010."

The theme for this year’s Open Weekend will be for organisers to set a ‘challenge’ for the public to participate in as part of their offering.Examples of challenges could be creating a new piece of art in 24 hours, with contributions from the public; hosting a back stage workshop; organising a sporting or cultural themed treasure hunt; opening up space for people to write, produce or perform their own compositions; or organising a mass aerobics session. Creating a challenge will be a key criteria for taking part in the Open Weekend Programme for 2010.

In recent years across Northern Ireland over 9,000 members of the public have taken part in Open Weekend activities Last year, Beverley Whyte, and the Open Arts Choir rode a Translink bus and invited passengers to join in with the singing, whilst Lisburn City Council held a Triathlon and Aquathon for local enthusiasts of swimming, cycling and running.

The Minister added:  “The countdown to London 2012 is well and truly underway and I would urge everyone to go out and enjoy the weekend’s events that will take place across Northern Ireland.  The Olympics will never again be as close to these shores – and we can all play a role in the Games.”

To register an event with London 2012 go to the London 2012 website.

Notes to editors:

1. Open Weekend marks the countdown to the start of the Olympic Games. 2010 will see the 3^rd Open Weekend take place from 23-25 July 2010.
2. The 2010 Open Weekend sets a challenge that the public can take part in and is open to everyone.
3. Events must be non-commercial and not for profit and not have any commercial sponsorship or marketing rights.
4. To be included, organisers must register their event on the London 2012 website.
5. Registration willclose at 12noon on 16 July 2010.
6. Successful registrants can apply for Open Weekend branded marketing and publicity materials linking their event to London 2012.
7. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office. Tel (028) 9051 5047 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.