Issue - meetings

Laura Brown, Corporate Improvement Officer, reported that working with Members and partners, the Council would deliver a programme of Olympic associated events and activities that would encourage people to live healthier lives, see more of Rotherham residents join clubs, volunteering and learning to coach and becoming more involved in social and cultural events.

The report highlighted progress to date in forging an Olympic partnership with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and the planning and initiating of a wide range of Olympic focussed events during 2012 as well as the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.

Informal partnership working arrangements had been in place enabling the development of a joint events calendar.  A draft Memorandum of Understanding had been drawn up which formalised the arrangements and focussed on aims, shared responsibilities and the partnerships structures.  This was currently with Barking and Dagenham for review prior to final sign off by both authorities.

It was extremely important to encourage healthy lifestyles and cultural experiences, not only for 2012, but for years to come.

Any organisations that had planned events that could be linked to the programme should notify Laura so they could be included in the promotional activities.  It was hoped to have an Olympic page on the Council’s website which would not only publicise events but also be a gateway to partners and their activities.

Rotherham’s approach to the Olympics had been recognised by London 2012’s Inspire programme.  A revised application had been submitted in mid-January with confirmation received that the Council had been awarded the coveted Inspire Mark.  This enabled the Inspire Mark to be included on marketing, subject to licence.

Resolved:-  (1) That the report be noted

(2) That members of the Board consider areas of work/initiatives which could be linked to this wider project