Following the success of the UK-wide London 2012 Roadshow last year, an even bigger and more ambitious event, with sports participation and coaching as its theme, is planned for 2007. This year’s 2012 Roadshow will visit 27 different events or locations throughout the UK over the three summer months of June, July and August.
The Northern Ireland leg of the Roadshow in August will visit the Milk Cup in Coleraine and the National Playday, Ormeau Park, Belfast.
Each stop will feature hands on activities designed to encourage young and old to get involved in sport as well as providing information about the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games and how to get involved.
Minister Poots MLA said: “This is a great opportunity for people in Northern Ireland to really feel part of the London 2012 Games. The roadshow aims to inspire people to participate not only in sporting activities, but also to get active in all areas of life.
“Through the Games, Northern Ireland will promote its culture, tourism, business and sporting achievements to an international audience. We can benefit greatly from the close proximity of the Games and I hope that everyone gets involved in this opportunity.”
A London 2012 branded Bus will be the focal point, with an activity area to provide a platform for sports demonstrations as well as opportunities to participate.
There will also be ‘challenge areas’ for people to challenge themselves against time or other criteria. Professional sports advisors and coaches will be on hand to encourage people to take part in the challenges or find out more about sport in their area.
Notes to Editors:
- The Roadshow’s first event will be a visit on 15 June to the Greenwich Sportathon, an event for primary school children in one of the five 2012 host boroughs.
- it will end on 29 August at Stoke Mandeville, the birthplace of disability sport, five years to the day before the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Paralympic Games.
- Media enquiries to Joanne Eland, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. Tel: (028) 9025 4215 or email joanne.eland@dcalni.gov.uk
