Hackney: A Host for 2012

Joining In

Our vision for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is to give everyone in Hackney the chance to join in this once-in-a-lifetime event.

During the Games, 70,000 volunteers will be needed to carry out a range of roles including directing and helping visitors to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

To give local people the best chance of becoming volunteers in 2012, Hackney Council is encouraging people to become involved with local volunteering projects. This will enable residents to help others in their communities, to learn new skills and to build up a wealth of experience before 2012.

Culture and the arts thrive in Hackney and we are working with local groups to ensure their place in the Cultural Olympiad – which begins as soon as the Olympic Flag is handed to London at the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Games.

We are leading on a new annual cultural festival to include local people from across the five host boroughs – Hackney, Greenwich, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. Our vision is for this to remain as an annual event for East London as part of our cultural legacy, and we are working with cultural partners to ensure this happens.

We want to see people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds getting into regular sports and leisure activities. Hackney Council will also work with local schools, colleges and sports groups to identify our young sporting stars of the future and to make sure they are given the best possible opportunities to compete at the highest level. This includes searching for both Olympic and Paralympic talent in the borough.

The host boroughs, Olympic and Paralympic organisations and statutory agencies are working together to ensure a safe, secure and healthy environment for the Games in 2012. Hackney Council will ensure services for residents are provided without disruption and to a high standard, and that the borough looks its best for residents and visitors alike.

What our supporters say

Jean Tomlin, London 2012 Director of Human Resources, responsible for Games-time workforce, including volunteers

“Volunteering has the wonderful power to bring together people from different cultures and with different experiences to work together towards shared goals. The London Games’ volunteer programme will provide opportunities for everyone around the UK, London and Hackney to get involved in the Games - to be part of the greatest show on earth, learn new skills, make new friends and change their lives forever.”

Simon Thomsett, Chief Executive of the Hackney Empire

“The 2012 Games should bring fantastic opportunities to raise awareness of the arts in Hackney. The emphasis on involving more people in cultural events will have a lasting impact on this part of London.

What is Hackney Council doing?

• Volunteering – creating volunteering opportunities inspired by 2012
• Culture – using the Games to promote London’s rich and diverse cultures
• Talent – creating opportunities for talented young people
• Everyone – involving as many people as possible in sports and other physical activity
• A safer, healthier Games – helping to make sure the Games area is safe for everyone

Feedback

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

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Page updated: 17 Jan 2008