- Andrew Mitchell MP will join the Board of newly merged charity, International Inspiration
- Charity aims to work in partnership to inspire, empower and transform lives through sport
It has been announced today that Andrew Mitchell MP, and former International Development Secretary of State, will join the Board of the newly merged charity International Inspiration: International Development through Sport.
International Inspiration is named after its flagship programme, the London 2012 international sport legacy initiative, which has already enriched the lives of over 12 million children in 20 countries around the world and developed more than 200,000 teachers, community coaches and Young Sports Leaders to deliver high-quality, inclusive physical education and sport. This was the first international sport and social legacy commitment delivered on this scale by any Olympic and Paralympic host nation. It's phenomenal impact was welcomed and recognised by the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, the United Nations and Rio 2016 organisers, who are developing their own legacy programme inspired by International Inspiration.
Lord Coe, Chair of International Inspiration, said: “International Inspiration is an essential part of London 2012‟s legacy, it has already used the power of sport to benefit over 12 million children in 20 countries. Looking to the future, the charity will continue to use inspirational power of the games to benefit children and young people around the world and we are delighted that Andrew will bring his experience and knowledge of international development to support that effort.”
With strong foundations already in place, International Inspiration will continue its journey to secure funding that allows it to "inspire, empower and transform lives through sport". The charity is actively seeking individual, Trust and Foundation donations and commercial partnerships which can help deliver a sustainable legacy for London 2012 across the global sporting community.
Andrew Mitchell MP said: “I am delighted to be joining the Board of International Inspiration. I care passionately about international development, and look forward to helping ensure that the power of sport can be utilised to bring developmental benefits to some of the poorest and most disadvantaged groups in the world.”
The charity will enable the continuation of the "Singapore Vision"; the promise made by the London 2012 bid team to "reach young people all around the world and connect them to the inspirational power of the Games so they are inspired to choose sport".