Agenda item

-        Strategic Director of Resources to report.

The Leader introduced a report by the Strategic Director of Resources, which detailed how the 2012 London Olympic Games would create an enthusiasm never seen before across the United Kingdom, bringing excitement and a reason for celebration. The Council, therefore, wanted the people of the borough to be part of this and recognise that the games could influence their lives for years to come.

Work with Members and partners would deliver a programme of Olympic associated events and activities that would encourage people to live healthier lives, would lead to more residents joining clubs, volunteering and learning to coach and becoming more involved in social and cultural events.

The project team co-ordinating Rotherham’s approach to the Olympics 2012 was making encouraging progress and the report set out in more detail the progress so far.

Further information was provided on the partnership working with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, the friendship agreement that had now been signed and the Joint Events Calendar

The calendar of events was in the process of being finalised with named lead officers currently being identified to ensure the event was delivered on time and to budget.

Many of the events would offer Rotherham’s residents the opportunity to get involved in either sports related or cultural events either in Rotherham or Barking and Dagenham.

Rotherham’s leg of the “Torch Relay” would form a pivotal point in the events calendar.  The Torch would pass through the borough on the morning of the 26^th June, 2012 and be seen as a “celebratory” day with members of the public being encouraged to line the route in both the Town Centre and Clifton Park. Many events were currently being planned to celebrate this momentous day including a Mini Olympics at Clifton Park.

There were a number of projects/events that as yet have not been included in the calendar as they were being explored further or were in the early stages of planning.

The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham were also exploring a number of events that may provide collaborative opportunities and attempts would be made to contact political counterparts in both Local Authorities.

As well as promoting new events and projects existing initiatives would also be promoted on Rotherham’s Olympic Legacy webpages.

The Council’s approach to the Olympics had been recognised by London 2012’s Inspire programme and a revised application, which included the events programme, was submitted in mid-January. Confirmation that the Council had been awarded with the coveted Inspire Mark was received in late January and this could be used on marketing, subject to licence.

All events and projects where possible would be delivered within current budget capabilities, however, where funding was an issue external funding streams would be researched.

Promoting the Olympics and the associated projects/initiatives that the Council and partners were undertaking over the coming months was extremely important in encouraging healthy lifestyles and cultural experiences. Not taking advantage of this unique juncture in time would be a missed opportunity to harness the enthusiasm the Olympics would inevitably create and the impact it could have on communities for years to come.  

Resolved:-  (1)  That the progress made in forging a partnership with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham during the Olympic year and beyond be noted.

(2)  That the progress made in planning and initiating a wide range of Olympic focused events during 2012 be noted.

(3)  That the outline joint events calendar be approved.

(4)  That the next steps in respect of Rotherham’s Olympic Legacy Project be approved.

(5)  That the sustainability of the Rotherham’s Olympic Legacy Project be considered further.