The International Inspiration Annual Review of 2011-12 is now available, sharing the incredible worldwide impact of London 2012’s international sports legacy programme in the year of the Games themselves. International Inspiration has enriched the lives of over 12 million children in 20 countries around the world through high-quality and inclusive physical education, sport and play.
Delivered through a unique partnership between UK Sport, British Council and UNICEF, International Inspiration fulfilled the promise made by the London 2012 bid team in Singapore to ‘reach young people all around the world through sport and connect them to the inspirational power of the Games.’
The ambitious target of reaching 12 million children was achieved in February 2012, just before International Inspiration welcomed its twentieth partner country, Egypt. Collaborative in-country partnerships continue to ensure the programme is sustainable and leaves a lasting legacy in these 20 countries.
International Inspiration is the first international legacy programme of a host nation, with the phenomenal impact recognised by the International Olympic and Paralympic Committees, United Nations and Rio 2016 organisers who are working to develop their own legacy programme. This momentum will ensure it continues far into the future of the Games.
In the foreword for this year’s Annual Review, Chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), Seb Coe, highlights the true power of sport.
He said: “As I said at the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games, after the summer of 2012 we will never think about sport in the same way again. London’s Games showed spirit, creativity and incredible feats of athleticism and great generosity and friendship between people in the UK and visitors and competitors who came as our guests to these wonderful Games.
“Spirit, creativity, generosity and friendship between people are all characteristics of International Inspiration and I am delighted that through it, the promise I made back in 2005 has led to millions of children experiencing the inspirational power of the Games.”
Read the International Inspiration Annual Review 2011-2012