30 June 2011
City of London turns open spaces across the capital from ‘Green
to Gold’ in Olympic countdown
The City of London Corporation is launching a new, pan-London
campaign to get more people involved in sport and activity with one
year to go until the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Green to Gold, which has been awarded the Inspire Mark by LOCOG,
will highlight how members of the public can use open spaces for a
vast range of activities suited to their lifestyle and
interests.
Legendary Olympian Tessa Sanderson and Team GB hockey player
Richard Smith, who won a European gold medal with England in 2009,
will be present on the 6 July launch (Wednesday, 12-4pm) at
Guildhall Yard. Both 2012 Mascots, Wenlock and Mandeville, will
also be making a rare appearance in the Square Mile.
Events will be held in Epping Forest, Burnham Beeches, Hampstead
Heath, City Commons, West Ham Park, and City Gardens during the
morning before groups of cyclists depart from each location to
cycle into the heart of the City: Guildhall.
Sue Ireland, Director of Open Spaces at the City of London
Corporation, said:
“Open spaces are a major asset for local communities and can
play a vital role when it comes to fulfilling London 2012 Olympic
and Paralympic Games legacy ambitions. Green to Gold will
encourage, engage and inspire individuals in the capital and
beyond. The City’s open spaces have something for everyone - from
cycling to conker championships.”
Seb Coe, Chair, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games
and Paralympic Games said:
“The Inspire programme is ensuring the legacy of the 2012 Games
starts now as projects like Green to Gold enable people across
London to make positive life changes.”
A host of activities will be on display during the Green to Gold
launch, which is supported by the Green Flag Awards and held in
conjunction with the City of London Festival. These include: Table
Tennis, British Military Fitness, Hula Hooping, Ball Skills, and an
Eco Bike challenge.
The City of London Corporation owns and manages 10,700 acres of
free open spaces in and around London for the recreation and
enjoyment of the public and as breathing spaces from built-up
developments.
Ends
Notes to editors
- Press enquiries
Sanjay Odedra, Press Officer, City of London Corporation Tel 020
7332 1835 / Mobile 07831 542856 Email
sanjay.odedra@cityoflondon.gov.uk
- About the City of London Corporation
The City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation.
It supports and promotes the City as the world leader in
international finance and business services and provides local
services and policing for those working in, living in and visiting
the Square Mile. It also provides valued services to London and the
nation. These include the Barbican Centre and the Guildhall School
of Music & Drama; the Guildhall Library and Art Gallery and
London Metropolitan Archive; a range of education provision
(including three City Academies); five Thames bridges (including
Tower Bridge and the Millennium Bridge); the Central Criminal Court
at Old Bailey; over 10,000 acres of open spaces (including
Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest), and three wholesale food
markets. It is also London’s Port Health Authority and runs the
Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow. It works in partnership with
neighbouring boroughs on the regeneration of surrounding areas and
the City Bridge Trust, which it oversees, donates more than £15m to
charity annually.
- About the Inspire programme
The Inspire programme is run by the London Organising Committee of
the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is an opportunity for everyone
to be a part of the London 2012 Games – a broad participation
programme spanning sport participation, education, sustainability,
volunteering, and business opportunities & skills. New
opportunities are being created to inspire young people and
encourage the whole of the UK to join in.
- About London 2012
The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are delivered by two
key organisations – the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG)
and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA). LOCOG is responsible for
staging a memorable Games in 2012. They will deliver the best
possible Olympic and Paralympic Games experience for everyone
involved, enabling a lasting legacy and inspiring people to join
in. The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is the public body
responsible for developing and building the new venues and
infrastructure for the Games and converting the Olympic Park for
long-term use after the Games. In the summer of 2012, the UK will
come alive with the Olympic and Paralympic Games.