POSTED: January 27th 2010
NewsUpdate
London Games and BP launch The London 2012 Young Leaders Programme
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT / Sports Features Communications
LONDON, Jan. 27: The London Games and BP employees have set up an initiative to turn around the lives of disadvantaged young people through volunteering. The London 2012 Young Leaders Programme is designed to make a change in their lives and in the local communities by enhancing their skill sets.
Seb Coe, ceo of London 2012, said, “As part of our original bid commitment, the London 2012 Young Leaders project fits clearly with our vision of engaging and inspiring young people. Volunteering is not only an integral part of creating positive change in communities and developing skills in young people, but also essential to the success of the Games.
The programme will be taking place in BP’s four main hub locations of Canary Wharf, Sunbury-on-Thames, Hull and Aberdeen starting in April 2010. The agenda will be centered around an 18 month training programme focusing on their leadership skills and communications abilities and offer training through mentoring classes and events.
Attendees will be able to take part in the mentoring program led by BP employees, Olympians and Paralympians. Then a select group of about 100 people will go on to do outreach in their local areas to recruit others and promote affiliated London 2012 activities.
Dr Tony Hayward, ceo of BP, said: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games are all about inspiring people – especially young people – to raise their sights and fulfil their true potential. So as a London 2012 partner, we’re delighted to be involved in this programme, which aims to spread the spirit of the Games in a very practical way by helping to make a positive change to the lives of disadvantaged young people and their communities.
“Through this project we will be able to help develop the skills in the young people and engage young people across the UK, taking them on a personal journey of development,” Said Coe.
“We’re delighted that BP is our partner on a project that will bring lasting change for individuals and communities, and would not be possible without mentoring support and guidance from BP employees.”
The young leaders will develop and deliver a range of volunteering opportunities in their local community working with the programmes’ delivery partners of v, ‘The National Young Volunteers Service’, and the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust.
Terry Ryall, ceo of v, said: “I never cease to be amazed by the energy and ingenuity of young people to lead positive change in their communities. The Young Leaders Programme is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the leadership potential of young volunteers, equipping them with the skills to make a positive difference to issues that matter to them. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to BP for investing in a new generation of young leaders, and look forward to working with the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust to deliver this exciting programme.
“I am confident that our shared commitment to inspire young people through the magic of the Olympics, and equip them with leadership qualities to make positive difference, will have a tangible and lasting impact on their communities and society as a whole.”
The chosen young leaders will have a chance to make an impact by contributing to the delivery of the London Games and Paralympics.
Keywords · London 2012 · Seb Coe · Tony Hayward · Terry Ryall
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