Hackney: A Host for 2012

Involving Everyone

During the summer of 2012, the world will come to Hackney and we will extend a warm welcome to Olympic and Paralympic athletes and visitors alike.

As a host borough for the Games, we are well equipped to offer a home from home to people from all over the world, with more than 100 different languages spoken in Hackney and an eclectic mix of cultures. This puts us in a strong position to build excellent relationships with the Olympic and Paralympic family – competitors, supporters and visitors.

Hackney is a young borough – more than a quarter of people living here are under the age of 19. The more opportunities young people are given, the higher their aspirations become, helping them to build better futures for themselves.

Hackney Council is committed to making sure young people gain as much as possible from the Games. We are working with local colleges to make sure there is good access to training and job opportunities.

We’re also working with local sports and community groups to offer other chances such as volunteering, and to inspire young people to take part in more sports and cultural events.

Schools are at the heart of the 2012 Games, and Hackney Council is working with local schools to make sure there are plenty of opportunities for children to learn about the Games.

Hackney Council is determined that everyone who lives in the borough will feel involved in the 2012 Games and we are committed to giving our disabled residents better access to sports, arts and cultural events, work and volunteering.

It is important residents understand what is happening in the borough in the run up to the Games and have the opportunity to contribute their ideas for the legacy. We are working with our Olympic and Paralympic partners to ensure this happens by holding roadshows, community events and festivals across Hackney.

The Council is fully engaged with residents closest to where the Games will happen through a regular Wick community meeting and the Hackney Wick Partnership Board.

What our supporters say

Jenny Wilkins, Head teacher, Skinners' Company's School for Girls, Hackney

"The 2012 Games give all our young people tremendous opportunities for the future, not only to live in the heart of the Olympics and Paralympics themselves, but also to enjoy the legacy of facilities the Games will leave behind.”

Ade Adepitan, MBE, Paralympic medallist

"The London 2012 Games will bring life changing opportunities to a community that has been neglected for a long time. Their legacy will leave an imprint on the minds of the younger generation that will inspire them for many years to come

What is Hackney Council doing?

• Schools at the heart – ensuring our schools get the full benefit of what the Games have to offer children
• Youth engagement – making sure young people get full access to all opportunities
• Community engagement – involving the whole borough in the Games

Feedback

We welcome your feedback on Hackney: A host for 2012. Please send your comments to the 2012 Unit at Olympics@hackney.gov.uk

Back to top

Page updated: 18 Jan 2008