Unvieling County Council's Olympic Legacy

Durham County Council is unveiling ambitious plans designed to bring 2012 Olympic fever to the county. The authority is finalising an exciting Olympic themed programme of events which will foster excellence and increase participation in a wide range of sports and activities. The proposals, which will now be taken forward by the council’s 2012 working group, include ensuring gifted and talented athletes do not have to leave the county to fulfil their ambitions. The programme was unveiled to Lord Sebastian Coe as he toured potential pre Olympic training camps including the council’s leisure centre in Spennymoor. Council Leader Cllr. Simon Henig said “Hearing Lord Coe tell us what a vital role local authorities played in making his Olympic glory a reality was inspirational, and it is those opportunities we want to bring to young people here in County Durham. Lord Coe seemed genuinely delighted with our plans to both inspire and foster elite athletes pre and post 2012. Our long term aim is to have County Durham athletes at every major international competition but also to make sure our residents feel the immense pride that comes with being the host nation for an Olympic games.” The plans will include County Durham hosting Olympic flame relays and to rolling programmes aimed at inspiring youngsters through schools and clubs and providing complete pathways for gifted and talented youngsters to be their best. There are also early stage plans to host International Youth Games in the county and to run a “golden ticket” style competition to The Games themselves.