[WiLT] Fw: London Development Agency News Release: Londoners can train as sports officials in 2012 Games run-up

[WiL Admin]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Andreas Christophorou" <AndreasChristophorou at LDA.GOV.UK>
Subject: London Development Agency News Release: Londoners can train
as sports officials in 2012 Games run-up


PR 218    24/03/2009    Londoners can train as sports officials in
2012
Games run-up    [Embargoed until]

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Londoners can train as sports officials in 2012 Games run-up

Londoners are being offered the opportunity to become sports officials
in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The London Development Agency and Sport England are running a skills
development programme for people aged 16 and over who want to support
grass roots sport as a volunteer in one of 17 Olympic or Paralympic
disciplines.

'Official Sports London' works with National Governing Bodies of those
sports to help people gain a recognised qualification and 15 hours
officiating experience in roles including being a referee, umpire,
line
judge, scorer and timekeeper. Those with appropriate national
experience
may be given the chance to improve their skills to the level that they
might be eligible for a role at the 2012 Games.

The programme has been set up to help Londoners gain valuable
employment
skills while at the same time helping to support the development of
grassroots sport. More information can be found at
www.officialsports.org

Tom Russell, Group Director for Olympic Legacy at the London
Development
Agency, said:

"Increasing training opportunities and developing grassroots sport
participation are fundamental parts of providing a legacy now from the
2012 Games. With sports governing bodies needing more and more
officials
there is a real opportunity for Londoners to get trained and get
involved.

"Official Sports provides a unique opportunity to get involved in the
excitement of the 2012 Games, and maybe a chance to be part of the
Games
themselves."

Phil Smith, Sport England's Director of Sport, said:

"Increasing the quality and quantity of sports officials in London
will
create more opportunities for Londoners to play and enjoy sport. The
capital needs more referees and officials, so I would urge anyone with
an interest in sport to get involved. You don't need to be a top
player
or athlete, you just need enthusiasm and a commitment to making a
difference - so that you can help other Londoners get into sport."

The Mayor's Sports Commissioner, Kate Hoey, said:

"The shortage of officials is a major issue for grass roots sport,
both
in London and nationally. It is certainly something that we will be
seeking to address through the Mayor's forthcoming legacy plan for
grass
roots sport. It is encouraging to see the LDA and Sport England taking
a
lead on this and I am fully supportive of the programme. As well as
the
obvious sporting benefits, the skills learnt as an official are an
asset
in many other facets of life and I would encourage everyone to sign up
and take part."

Seb Coe, Chair of London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic and
Paralympic Games said:

"Official Sports is helping to realise our vision of the 2012 Games to
encouraging more young people to take up sport. With more qualified
officials the opportunities in the capital will increase for well
organised and ultimately more enjoyable grassroots competition for
athletes and spectators alike."

Course participants are also put in contact with the National
Governing
Bodies of those sports during the course so they can use their new
qualifications and experience at events and competitions.

So far 17 people have completed the programme with around 100 people
signed up. They include Luana Valentini, 32, from Sutton, a building
site manager who is training to be a Volleyball line judge, and former
Paralympian Justin Frishberg, 37, from Harrow who has completed a
Wheelchair Rugby Entry to Officiating Course.

Luana, who was a line judge at a recent Australia v New Zealand
volleyball match in Tooting, said:

"Volleyball is a fantastic sport and I wanted to get involved in
supporting its development in the UK. I am already volunteering as a
line judge through the Official Sports programme and I hope that other
people will sign up and see just how rewarding it is."

Justin said:

"Every sport needs officials and it is important that people are given
the support so they can get involved. My sport, wheelchair rugby, is
just a great environment to be around and anyone thinking of getting
involved should come down and watch a games to see how exciting and
enjoyable it is. After playing for so long I want to stay involved
through refereeing and Official Sports have given me the opportunity
to
do that."

* If you are over 16-years-old, live in the 33 London boroughs and
interested in taking part in Official Sports visit
www.officialsports.org or email admin at officialsports.org or call 020
7749 9173.

Note for media: Case studies are available for interviews along with
the
head of the Official Sports London programme at the LDA.

For further information contact Andreas Christophorou at LDA Media
Team
020 7593 8444, LDA out of hours: 07977 439371 Public enquiries: 020
7593
9000

Notes to Editors

* The London Development Agency aims to improve the quality of
life for all Londoners - working to create jobs, develop skills and
promote economic growth.
* Official Sports helps to meet course costs, transport costs,
membership/licence, equipment, accommodation, clothing and childcare
costs. There are 600 places in the three year programme.
* The sports are: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing,
Equestrianism - show jumping, Fencing, Football, Gymnastics, Judo,
Swimming (Open Water, Synchronised, Water Polo, Paralympic Swimming,
Diving), Table tennis, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, Wheelchair
Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby and Wrestling.
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