Championing Lincolnshire
Celebrating the London 2012 Games in Lincolnshire Issue 1 | 27th July 2011
Why should Lincolnshire care about London 2012?
Find out how and why London 2012 will affect us all.
Lincolnshire hosts 2012 School Games
Over 800 children compete at the School Games in Grantham - one of only nine pilots in the country
Will you be carrying the Olympic Flame?
“I want to represent GB at the 2012 Paralympics; I deserve to represent GB!� Meet Lincolnshire Sitting Volleyball Athlete Andrew Skinner
8000 people will run with the Olympic Torch next year. Have you nominated someone inspirational?
www.championinglincolnshire.co.uk
Lincolnshire Sports L ts Partnership is a sports charity c harity whose main main aim is to increase se participation p in sport ort and physical activity across across the county. county. Recent projects include R include: e: Quest for Gold Lincolnshire Coach Coaches hes Week Week Bike 4 Life Inclusive Fitness Initiative In nitiative Exercise Referral Behind the Fence Silver Spirit Sports Zone at the Lincolnshire Show A EAP) Lincolnshire Elite Athlete Programme (LEAP) Fit Kids Health W Walks alks Sports Force Lincolnshire Sportss Awards Awards Sportivate Find Find out more about Lincolnshire Lincolnshire Sports Partnership P and how we w can help your sports sports club or organisation, organisation, by contacting contac cting us: Telephone: Telephone: 01522 585 5 580 (PDLO RI¿FH#OLQFROQVKLUHVSRUWV FR XN ( RI¿FH#OLQFROQ QVKLUHVSRUWV FR XN www.lincolnshiresports.com w www .lincolnshiresports.com
Contents On the Front Cover: 6 9 18 12
Why should Lincolnshire Care about London 2012? Ranbir Bhullar looks at why our county can be proud
Lincolnshire hosts 2012 School Games - One of nine UK Pilots for the School Games was held in our county this year
Carrying the Flame for Lincolnshire - We know that the Olympic Torch will visit Lincoln, but who will be carrying it?
I want to represent GB at the 2012 Paralympics - Meet Lincolnshire-born Sitting Volleyball Player Andrew Skinner
Other Features: 5
17 20 22
Introduction - by Lincolnshire’s Champion for the 2012 Games Cllr Mrs Doreen Stephenson
Your Voice - Do you think the London 2012 Games will affect us in Lincolnshire?
Who said the Olympics were all about sport? A look at the Cultural Olympiad in the run up to the Games Spotlight on... Geoff Capes
Photographs from top (clockwise): Andrew Skinner, London 2012 Mascots Mandeville and Wenlock at the Lincolnshire School Games, Moving Colour at SO Festival 2011 and Geoff Capes.
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For much moree visit us online at ww www.activenation.org.uk ww.activen activen Yarborough Lei Yarborough Leisure isure Centre Riseholme Roa Roadd Lincoln LN1 3SP
01522 87360 873600 00
Welcome
It gives me great pleasure to officially launch the first issue of this special online magazine; specifically produced for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and its impact within Lincolnshire.
As Lincolnshire Champion for the 2012 Games, I have been working hard since 2005 to inspire people to become involved with such an iconic sporting event, and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate students at the University of Lincoln, who by working together with Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, have shown the initiative to develop such an outstanding magazine.
The Olympic and Paralympic Games are about more than just sport, and in the last five years, London’s East End has magnificently transformed. A number of things in Lincolnshire have also changed thanks to the 2012 Games and our reporters in this magazine have looked at numerous projects throughout the county which are truly inspired by the Games.
Cllr Mrs Doreen Stephenson; Lincolnshire Champion for the 2012 Games
I encourage you all to ‘Champion Lincolnshire’ over the next 12 months as we countdown to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and I hope that you will all have the opportunity to be actively involved in Olympic-inspired activities throughout the county.
We do not want to regret that we didn’t do enough as a county to inspire the people of Lincolnshire to get involved with the Games, so I truly hope that you will read this magazine with excitement and perhaps find a way for you, your friends, family and colleagues to get involved with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games here in Lincolnshire. Councillor Mrs Doreen Stephenson Lincolnshire Champion for the 2012 Games
FOLLOW Championing Lincolnshire on Facebook and Twitter: www.twitter.com/ lincs2012
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And don’t forget to keep checking the website for regular updates about the London 2012 Games in Lincolnshire: www.championinglincolnshire.co.uk
This magazine has been produced by Lincolnshire Sports Partnership and the lincoln School of Journalism at the University of Lincoln.
Contributors include: Ranbir Bhullar, Hayley Cook, Bradley King and Gemma Pass. Magazine designed by: Ranbir Bhullar, Stephanie Bolton and Hayley Cook. For more information contact Hayley Cook on: Telephone: 01522 585 580 Email: hayley.cook@ llincolnshiresports.co.uk
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Why should Lincolnshire get excited about the London 2012 Games? The Olympic and Paralympic Games are often branded as ‘The Greatest Sporting Event on Earth’ and in one year’s time, the magnificent event will be held in our capital city; London. But, how will the Games affect us in Lincolnshire? And why should people of the second largest county in England care about the Games? There are many reasons to get excited about the Olympics and Paralympics, Ranbir Bhullar explains why.
Be proud of Lincolnshire’s athletes
Lincolnshire can be proud of the pool of athletes striving to represent Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic or Paralympic Games, including: Lizzie Simmonds (Swimming) Kate Haywood (Swimming) Rob Welbourne (Swimming) Hayley Williams (Swimming) Crista Cullen (Hockey) Georgie Twigg (Hockey) Hannah McLeod (Hockey) Lauren West Shona McCallin (Hockey) Glenn Kirkham (Hockey) Rob Tobin (Athletics) Vikki Hubbard (Athletics) Hollie Arnold (Athletics) Sophie Wells (Equestrian) Lauren West (Equestrian) Andrew Skinner (Sitting Volleyball) Kieran Tscherniawsky Kieran Tscherniawsky (Seated Discus) Luke Campbell (Boxing) Richard Sargent (Wheechair Basketbal) Emily Taylor (Rowing) Aaron Heading (Shooting) Sarah Woods (Shooting) Simon Terry (Archery) Leanne Stephen (Table Tennis) Katie Colclough (Cycling) Sarah Woods Daniel Cox (Tennis) Eight athletes represented Lincolnshire at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. How many will compete in 2012?
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It’s a ‘Once in a Lifetime Opportunity’ London is the first city to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games three times, having previously done so in 1908 and 1948. Whilst there are some that will witness both the 1948 Games and the Games next year, for many the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will truly be a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’. Whether competing, volunteering, working or spectating, those involved with the Games next year will be involved in something spectacular; something which happens only four years, and something which is unlikely to happen again in our lifetimes.
Nathan Cook, 21, from Boston, said: “Lots of my friends didn’t even try to buy tickets which I think is ridiculous this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get involved and see the Olympics or Paralympics in our country. I’m going to see the Table Tennis and the Tennis and I can’t wait - I won’t get chance to do anything like this again. I hope eveveryone takes the opportunity to get involved.”
Lincoln swimmer Lizze Simmonds, who represented Lincolnshire in Beijing, is one of many Lincolnshire’s hoping to represent Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics.
Try new sports and be inspired by the Legacy of the Games
There are plenty of reasons for playing sports. Whether it is to keep fit, discover a new hobby, or support your local club; playing sports should be fun and enjoyable, and if you haven’t thought about playing sports before why not start now, and be inspired by the 2012 Games? In 2005, Lord Sebastian Coe promised to inspire young people to play sport, and now thousands of children and young people aged 14 - 25 will benefit from a new sports programme called Sportivate. £32million has been invested into the programme which hopes to encourage 30,000 teenagers and young adults to take part in sport over the next four years. Nearly 4,000 of those young people will be from Lincolnshire.
70,000 individuals will volunteer at the Games next summer helping at the venues, with the athletes or behind the scenes, and sports volunteers are in high demand right across the UK. Next month, a new programme called Sports Makers will be launched as part of Sport England’s legacy from the 2012 Games. If you’re interested in volunteering then why not become a Sports Maker?
Lincolnshire Sports Partnership’s new programme called ‘Quest for Gold’ encourages people to try new Olympic and Paralympic sports at clubs and leisure roviders across Lincolnshire. Quest for Gold costs £5.00 to sign up, but 30 sports then offer beginner sessions for free (some may ask for donations towards equipment etc.). If you’re looking to try a new activity, but not sure which one, this programme is great for trying lots of new sports.
Whether you are excited about the 2012 Games or not, this much is clear - in less than year, Lincolnshire will be involved in the 2012 Games. The Olympic Torch will be carried through our county and Lincoln will host an evening celebration for everyone on 27th June 2011. So, take this opportunity to get involved with the Games, even if you aren’t lucky enough to be in London. 7
Communication | Events | Volunteering | Facilities | Increased Participation
Creating a lasting legacy for sport in Lincolnshire www.lincolnshiresports.com
Will you be competing at the Lincolnshire School Games next year?
800 athletes, 12 sports and 74 teams: all competing for a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal. Sound familiar? It’s supposed to. Hayley Cook attending the Lincolnshire School Games - inspired by 2012.
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he Lincolnshire School Parading around the Games emulates the Athletics track to a rather London 2012 Olympic and expected mix of Take That Paralympic Games in every and M-People, 74 schools way; an Opening from eight School Sports Ceremony to inspire Partnerships (SSPs) athletes, spectators and officially started the VIP guests; athletes from Ceremony, reflecting all across the county Olympic and Paralympic competing in a variety of Opening Ceremonies all sports at the highest level over the world. Followed by in Lincolnshire; and a an impressive entrance Closing Ceremony to from the British Parachute honour and recognise the School at Langar Airfield achievements of such and six skydivers who Eight Young Leaders from Lincolnshire opened the inspiring children and remarkably descended into School Games with Olympian Jonathan Edwards young people. But instead the Athletics stadium of taking place over a four week period in a major one-by-one wearing the colours of the Olympic rings, worldwide city, and building an infrastructure worth they landed in simultaneous rings laid out on the middle millions of pounds, these Games took place in one day of the track before handing over a special message from in the south of the county in Grantham. Lord Sebastian Coe, delivered to Young Ambassador As one of nine pilot School Games across the country and well-known sports representative in Lincolnshire, this year, the Lincolnshire School Games always aspired Debbie Foote. to be a spectacular event, and at Grantham Meres 17 year-old Debbie from Grantham addressed the Leisure Centre on Thursday 14th July 2011, it didn’t athletes and read Lord Coe’s message which reinforced disappoint. Amongst an impressive backdrop of one of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Lincolnshire’s top sporting complexes, the School Paralympic Games (LOCOG) ambitions to utilise the Games started with a truly inspirational Opening Games not only to inspire athletes, but to inspire children Ceremony. and young people across the world. She highlighted the Commencing the ceremony with an escort of eight seven Olympic and Paralympic values of Respect, Young Leaders from schools across Lincolnshire was Excellence, Friendship, Courage, Determination, Olympic Gold Medallist and Triple Jump World Record Inspiration and Equality which were an underlining holder since 1995 Jonathan Edwards. Escorted by theme of the School Games throughout the day, and Charlie Bonner (Kirton Middlecott), Melissa Pool (North welcomed two well-known figures from the 2012 Games Kesteven), Daniel Evans (St. Andrews C of E), Matt – mascots Mandeville and Wenlock who entertained the Smith (Priory Ruskin), Kelly Beanlett (Kesteven and crowd and athletes as they made their way around the Grantham Girls), Jason Duckett (Caistor Grammar), stadium. Naomi Smith (Spalding High School) and Amir Ameen As we all celebrated 379 days until the Olympic (Queen Elizabeth School), Jonathan was followed by Games in London, Secretary of State for Health, Andrew 800 competitors. Lansley, motivated participants with his thoughts on the
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School Games: “The greatest aspect of sport is fun and we want to make sure that children and young people from across the country enjoy taking part in sport and activity. We want to create a sporting legacy and a health legacy for generations to come.” However, the most inspirational words came from Jonathan Edwards; a gentleman who had competed at four Olympic Games but had The Netballers get the chance to meet never taken part in an Opening Ceremony 2012 Mascots Mandeville and Wenlock until Lincolnshire; a Gold Medallist who is a modest and friendly ambassador for sport, Marketplace with Zorb Balls, and a World Record holder who has held his title since Skateboarding, inflatables and 1995 – an impressive fete in a world of ever-changing BMXing – a chance for technology: “Being here reminds me of where it all children to still get involved in started; at school. My first triple jump was 9m long; I was Tag Rugby was 1 of sport and activity without 11 years old and I never thought that I’d compete at an 12 sports on the day being too competitive. Olympic or Commonwealth Games, or hold a World Jessica Lewis, 16, a Year 11 student from Caistor Record at 18.29m! I think that sometimes the most Grammar School, also showcased her contribution to the important competitions are the ones you fail, it forces London 2012 Olympics; a Lincolnshire mascot she you to try again and you can’t realise your greatest designed which will be sold as a pin badge across the potential without a few failures on the way.” country, and Gaynor Nash, Regional Coordinator for the After declaring the Games officially open; athletes, Children and Young People’s Legacy from the 2012 volunteers, guests and spectators made their way to Games, exhibited a remarkable treasure from the 1948 various events across the complex. 74 schools London Olympics; an original 1948 Torch. competed in 12 events; Cricket, Golf, Netball, The whole day was spectacularly wound up with a Wheelchair Basketball, Athletics, Badminton, Boccia, Closing Ceremony to honour and recognise all of the Table Tennis, Hockey, Tennis and Rugby. Despite athlete’s efforts throughout the day, and reward the formats differing for each sport and participants ranging winners with trophies and photographs with London from 7 – 18 years old, it was clear that the main goal 2012 mascots Mandeville and Wenlock. As well as remained the same for everyone; to compete at the winners for each sport, a team from each of the 12 highest standard reflecting Olympic and Paralympic activities were also presented with an Olympic and values throughout the day, and most importantly to enjoy Paralympic Values award – not necessarily for winning, sport. but for showing Respect, Excellence, Friendship, One of the highlights of the day for me was walking Courage, Determination, Inspiration or Equality around the venue to see the enthusiasm from each throughout the day. 24 awards were presented in all to school team, the ambition to succeed and the eagerness 18 different schools – a diverse range from across to have fun. Lincolnshire – and for those who weren’t lucky enough to Whether 7 or 17, win anything, they formed part of Lincolnshire’s own the children and Olympic Rings – five rings in the centre of the field young people at compiling of 700 school children in five different coloured the Lincolnshire T-Shirts – an inspirational image for parents, spectators, School Games VIPs and of course, athletes. really were The Lincolnshire School Games 2011 was one of nine enjoying sport; pilots from across the country. It is hoped that next year, and it was great every county across the UK will organise a similar to see them School Games to truly celebrate the London 2012 learning about Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Games hope to the Olympic and inspire and enthuse individuals to take part in sport and Paralympic activity, and undoubtedly, the event at Grantham Mere’s values along the did this perfectly. I certainly cannot wait to see what the way. Opening Ceremony will look like next year, or see how For those who many schools will take part in the event, but I hope that it weren’t Jessica Lewis’s (16) mascot will be will inspire as many children and young people as it competing, there made into pinbadges and sold undeniably did this year. was an Activity
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“I have the belief that I will compete at the 2012 Games next year and if you don’t have the belief, what’s the point of playing?” Photographer and father of two Andrew Skinner, may seem like your typical 41 year old man. But, this Lincolnshire man is hoping to compete for Great Britain at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Ranbir Bhullar meets the man behind the goggles.
D
espite struggling with funding for travelling and for Physio (£60 per hour) to train with the GB squad and hardly seeing his family, Andrew remains positive that he will compete at the Paralympic Games: “Even though I'm injured, I still want to be at the Games next year; I deserve to be there. I've taken part in every other major competition in the world apart from the Paralympic Games. It's the highlight of I think everybody's sporting career to compete at an Olympics or Paralympics, especially in your own country, so I'm lucky that I
have that opportunity. I’m committed a thousand per cent; no matter what obstacles I face, I will try my best to be there.” Andrew’s shoulder injury, which has been plaguing him since his accident five years ago, has meant that he has been unable to compete with the GB squad for the last few weeks but still remains in London to train with the team. With the European Championships in Holland drawing closer in October, he is hoping that his injury will improve and he will have the chance to take ...continued overleaf
Photographer Andrew Skinner from Lincoln is training with the Great Britain Sitting Volleyball Team in preparation for the London 2012 Paralympics next year.
part: “My shoulder kept dislocating sitting volleyball, volleyball, and and I've now got arthritis of the shoulbeach volleyball”, said Andrew. der so I had surgery in December There is a competitive nature 2010 to try and rectify it. It has to the sport, and Great Britain worked a little bit, but it has relapsed has earned recent success again, so it's a case of waiting on the against established countries NHS list to get it sorted out. I just such as USA, Canada and need to get through the next 500 Kazakhstan. “When I had my leg days and I could do with playing in amputated I googled the European Championship to put ‘Paralympic and disability my case forward to be in Team GB. sports’ and ended up emailing It's our last major competition before the Paralympic Association to tell them about my disability, the Paralympics next year.” and my abilities in sport. They Andrew, like so many other elite invited me to a Talent ID Day in athletes across the country, also Loughborough, which was the struggles with funding to compete first of its kind, and although I at such a high level. And his age knew my age would be an issue, played a large factor in not I tried out for volleyball. That receiving as much funding as was five years ago now and I've other athletes: “Because of my been doing it ever since.” age, I'm not eligible for SportsAid Being an athlete involves a lot or TASS and if it wasn't for funding Despite funding issues, Andrew is of hard work, and Andrew exfrom the Lincolnshire Elite Athlete determined to compete at the Games. plained how much he has to do Programme (LEAP), I wouldn't be and how much he has to sacrifice in order to be fit able to be in the position I am now. I know a lot of enough to compete: “I'm in full-time training in LonParalympic athletes are in the same situation, but I don and being away from the family is very hard. I’m do struggle more because I’m that much older.” a bit older than the rest of the team so that was hard Andrew also feels that the recession has played a too – an old man against a team of youngsters is a large part in companies and commercial businesses bit daunting! And it’s full time, so I get up at 5.00am, not sponsoring athletes. “If you look at Beijing, train from 6.00am and work on the court or in the sponsors were lining up to help athletes. For our gym sometimes until 10.00pm, before starting again [Paralympic] Games, because of the recession, the next day! It’s very hard work.” no-one is able to give any money. Sometimes I don’t even need money, but ask for clothing or equipment, I’m going to keep going but still companies are finding it much harder to help out.” And the confident father of two knows that you until I’ve made the team don’t get anything unless you ask for it: “I ask Andrew is adamant about putting on a GB vest in sponsors to help me out, and promise that I will help London next year, and five years of hard work won’t them in return by promoting their businesses or go to waste. “I'm going to keep going and going until wearing their clothing, but it doesn’t always work!” someone tells me that I’ve made the team. I’ve been sitting volleyball for five years and have Because of my age I’m not eligible playing represented Great Britain so many times. I’ve played for Sports Aid funding...I struggle at every other major tournament apart from the Paralympic Games and my ambition is to compete because I’m that much older for GB in London next year.” Of course, this is all 'ifs' and 'buts' because Great Sitting Volleyball is becoming more recognised for Britain still has to qualify for London, and that is by its importance throughout the UK and this could no means a guarantee. However, if they do manage help Andrew to secure more funding from local to qualify, then the squad is likely to be announced businesses. “It's massive worldwide. Believe it or in June or July next year, and Andrew is confident of not, the number one team in the world is Iran, securing a place at the Paralympics: “We've put in number two is Bosnia, number three is Egypt, and some really good performances over the last 12 we are ranked 16th in the world Recently, the top 12 months. A year ago we would have been finishing teams came to the UK to compete in a competition. bottom, but we've beating teams we shouldn't have We came 7th, which was great because we beat the including Canada, Kazakhstan and America. We are Americans 3-1 (Ranked 10th), and it's a great testagetting better and better and I want to be a part of ment to that squad.” Follow Andrew on Twitter: @skinnns Volleyball England and their continuing missions to
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Do you think the 2012 Games will affect us in Lincolnshire? Your Voice
Every issue, one of our reporters will be asking your opinion on issues surrounding the London 2012 Games. This month Hayley Cook asked residents in Lincoln City Centre whether the 2012 Games would affect Lincolnshire. Joseph Turner (10) and Cassia Turner (9) from North Hykeham, near Lincoln.
Jillian Thacker (centre) with friends Sophie Walker (6) and Hannah Walker (12) from North Hykeham, near Lincoln. “I’m not sure - it’s affecting most of the county as more people are talking about sport and there are more ways for people to play sport. I’ve seen a few things happening across Lincolnshire, but I’m not sure if it will directly affect the county.”
“Yes - The Olympics mean that we take part in more sports at school which is good, and more adults might play more. And we’re only a few hours away to London by train so people can get tickets and go and see sports at the Olympics.”
Ray Oxby from Grimsby
“Yes I think the Games will affect us here both in professional and amateur sports. And, with various Olympic teams being based at camps all around the county, this could provide potential revenue for the economy. The big challenge though is sustainability - how do we carry on the benefit after 2012?
Dean Brammer (20) from Lincoln.
“No - we’re too far away from London for it to affect us, especially now. Perhaps nearer the time Olympic-fever will set in like it does with the World Cup and people will get excited. It won’t last though, no-one will be interested once it’s over.”
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The Torch Relay meandered through the Great Wall of China on it’s way to the Beijing Games in 2008. Photograph credited to Edwin Lee.
Carrying the Flame for Lincolnshire 8000 people will carry the Olympic Torch on it’s journey through the UK next year. But who will carry the Flame in Lincolnshire and where did the the tradition of the Torch Relay originate? Bradley King investigates. 18
T
he 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin tend to be remembered for the Nazi Party, Adolf Hitler and a country that would later would spark the deadliest conflict in history. But there was some good to come out of that Olympiad; Jesse Owens was the most successful competitor winning four
The Flame will begin it’s journey on Friday 19th May 2012, and visit Lincoln on 27th June 2011.
gold medals, and the German sports administrator Carl Diem introduced the torch relay. In June 1936, the flame of the ‘Olympic torch’ was lit at Olympia in Greece before embarking on an epic month-long journey through Europe which, over 3000
kilometres later, concluded in Berlin with the Olympic flame being lit. The torch relay has been commonplace ever since those Games. It is now an integral part of the celebrations of each host city. And next year the world-renowned relay will stop off in the historic city of Lincoln, with the great and good of Lincolnshire being encouraged to apply to carry the torch. One of those hopeful of being chosen to be a torchbearer is 34-year-old Dan Hargreaves. Dan heads up the ‘Energize’ project at the New Life Church in Lincoln. The project aims to provide positive activities, such as activity days and band weeks, for the youth of the city in an attempt to inspire them to achieve their potential and improve their self esteem. And he certainly seems to be doing a good job of leading the programme. At the time of writing, almost 200 people
have joined a Facebook group with the aim of promoting Dan’s torch bearing chances. “I am so excited about [the prospect of] carrying the torch,” said Dan.“It would be a real honour to represent this amazing city. I’m not too sure of my credentials but I have worked with loads of young people over the years who have been appreciative of the work we’ve done. “I think the people who do get selected need to be good role models to the community, and especially young people, and know that they are serving the city. They also need to be passionate about the work they do.”
I am so excited about the prospect of carrying the Torch. It would be a real honour to represent this amazing city
Potential Torchbearer Dan Hargreaves
The flame will begin its journey on Friday, 19th May, 2012, when it beaches at Land’s End, direct from Olympia. It will then set off on a voyage which will see it carried by thousands of people, just like Dan, first up the west coast of the country before moving into Northern Ireland and Scotland and then back down into northern England. On Wednesday, 27th June, via Cleethorpes, the torch will arrive in Lincoln and stay overnight, where an Olympic celebration will take place at Yarborough Leisure Centre. When in the county, it will be a rare moment for the people of Lincolnshire to be in the presence of the Olympic torch. It will be made of aluminium alloy and weigh around 800 grams – meaning it won’t be too heavy for the thousands of youngsters expected to be among those carrying it nationwide. The youngsters and other bearers will be represented by the 8000 holes in the Coventry-manufactured torch – the same amount of people who will carry it over its nine week journey. Sebastian Coe, chairperson of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic
Games (LOCOG), believes the design of the torch will make the relay extra special: “The torch that carries the Olympic flame during the Olympic torch relay is one of the most recognisable and significant symbols of an Olympic Games,” said Coe. “Members of the public right across the UK are busy nominating inspiring people to be torchbearers and I am thrilled we have a beautifully designed, engineered and crafted torch for them to carry. Integral to the design are the 8,000 circles, a lasting representation of the torchbearer stories of personal achievement or contribution to their local community that will be showcased with every step of the relay.” Despite still being over a year away, it is clear that the Games are beginning to excite the general public and a genuine anticipation of London 2012 is continuing to evolve. Potential torchbearer Dan Hargreaves is well aware of the significance of the Games, and believes it will motivate people to take up new sports. “I’m very eager for the Games to begin,” he said. “I hope it inspires everyone to volunteer, to get involved and be proud of Lincolnshire. “It really is a once in a lifetime occurrence and I believe it will inspire so many young people to get into sports and team games and that excites me. It will be interesting to see what happens afterwards. “The spectacle itself will be superb too and the whole world’s eyes will be on our country – it will be a real challenge but also a chance to show what is amazing about the United Kingdom.”
Do you know someone who is truly inspirational?
All of these people have been nominated, but it’s not too late to nominate someone you know to carry the Olympic torch. Visit:
www.cokezone.co.uk/olympicgames www.lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame www.samsung.com/london2012
The Flame will arrive in the UK on Friday 19th May 2012 from Olympia. On 27th June it will stop in Lincoln.
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Who said the Olympics
Every issue, one of our reporters will be looking at what other benefits the London 2012 Games will have for Lincolnshire. Gemma Pass looked at the Cultural Olympiad and the masses of arts projects taking place across the county to celebrate London 2012.
Igniting Ambition Festival 2011
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he Igniting Ambition Festival is a range of projects taking place in Lincolnshire, Northam October 2011 in the lead up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The programme w celebrating the cultural heritage of the three areas whilst raising awareness of environment well-being. The festival itself will also provide many opportunities to unite cultural organisations and s promote new innovative co-operation between them. The project will signify the East Midla Olympiad, inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Here are some of Lincolnshire’s celebrations of the London 2012 Games:
Knit2gether
Knit2gether is a unique project being run acrossLincolnshire to work with diverse communities to create a knitted athletics track and mascots using natural, recycled and synthetic yarns. It is being run by Unique Farm Studios and 3D mixed artist Carol Parker, and the finished pieces will be exhibited across Lincolnshire. For more information about the project visit: www.knit2getherlincs.wordpress.com
Get Involved: Stamford Arts Centre, Monday 1st August 2011, Various techniques will be taught in a creative family workshop, leaving you with a knitted mascot to go home with.
Knitting together at the Springfields Festival, Spalding
soundSPORT
soundSPORT offers lively, internationally-based music workshops at sporting event throughout the summer. It has been brought together by Lincolnshire Music’s Development Agency and Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, and is officially recognised as part of the UK Cultural Olympiad through the Inspire Programme. For more information visit: www.soudlincs.org
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Moving Colour
Moving colour is a sporting relay of four dance productions brought together by dancers and fashion designers from Lincolnshire and Helsingborg in Sweden. The production was performed at the SO Festival 2011 in Skegness as part of London 2012 Open Weekend from 22nd 24th July and at the Helsingborg Festival a week later.
s were all about sport?
mptonshire and Rutland from May ill be a showcase of projects that tal issues and improving health and
smaller enterprises together to nds’ contribution to the UK Cultural
Games Time was a highlight of the SO Festival 2011 in Skegness
SO Festival 2011
Inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and held on the London 2012 Open Weekend for the past three years,, the SO Festival in Skegness is one of the largest cultural celebrations of arts and dance in the East Midlands.
The three day event, from Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th July 2011, proved to be a huge success with art exhibitions, performances, sports activities and much more.
Moving Colour at the SO Festival 2011
Highlights for 2011 included:
Games Time; A spectacular production which was the first of four special events to mark the countdown to The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Volunteers from across the county, aged 8 - 89, performed at the event. Architects of Air; A luminarium and network of connected chambers constructed from brightly coloured translucent plastic, which was inflated in Tower Gardens for the duration of the festival.
Granny Turismo; A formation shopping trolley team who had previously performed at Glastonbury. Volleyball England Beach Tour; Beach Volleyball teams from across the county competed in this Beach Tour, getting ready for the Olympics next year!
BBC Lincolnshire Introducing; Music artists from across Lincolnshire were given the chance to perform at the Embassy Theatre as part of the Festival.
soundSPORT at the Lincolnshire Show 2011
Circo Rum Ba Ba; A fusion of spectacular theatre with a diverse range of circus skills and disguise. This year, two scurvy pirates sailed their way through the crowds. For more information about the SO Festival visit www..sofestival.org.
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Spotlight on...
Geoff Capes
The fearsome shot putter and World’s Strongest Man
Every issue, one of our reporters will put the spotlight on a famous Lincolnshire athlete. This month Bradley King looked at what makes Holbeach-born and Grantham-based Geoff Capes one of the county’s most celebrated athletes.
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HERE are two sides to was only enough for sixth former Olympic shot place, light years behind East putter Geoff Capes. On the Germany’s Udo Beyer, the one hand, there is the eventual Gold medallist. fearsome shot putter of the Not to be deterred though, 1970s who went on to Capes returned to North compete in the World’s America two years later when Strongest Man Championships the Commonwealth Games of the following decade. went to Edmonton. Again he On the other hand, there is claimed the top prize with a the 61-year-old who currently throw of 19.77m. As had lives in the tranquil occurred four years earlier, surroundings of Stoke Capes’ victory meant he would Rochford, just south of go into the Moscow Olympic Grantham, where he has Games in two years time as fulfilled the role as president of one of the frontrunners in the the Budgerigar Society. event.That expectation and A transition has undoubtedly belief was multiplied when an occurred over the past forty eleventh consecutive top three years. Born in Holbeach four finish at the AAA years after the Second World Championships was coupled Geoff Capes; former Olympian shot putter, War, Capes had always with his breaking of the British World’s Strongest Man and President of the possessed a natural strength. and Commonwealth records. Budgerigar Society. However that was not his only Capes threw 21.68m, beating asset. He was a respectable sprinter and managed to the previous record by a relatively massive 77cm. With record a personal best of 23.7s in the 200m. As a result, hopes high though, frustration promptly followed. it was not until Stuart Storey, the Lincolnshire-born Restricted by a back injury, Capes could only manage former Olympic hurdler, spotted Capes that he began to a fifth place finish in Moscow, even though gold medallist hone his dynamism and channel it into becoming a Vladimir Kiselyov only threw 21.35 metres an Olympic successful shot putter. It was that guidance which record, but over 30 centimetres short of Capes’ throw eventually led Capes to compete at the elite level of only months earlier. British athletics. Turning professional immediately after the Moscow His first major championships was the Commonwealth games, Capes began his domination of the Highland Games in 1970, but it wasn’t until four years later in New Games and World’s Strongest Man competitions. Zealand that Capes made his name on the international He won the Highlands Games six times and was the stage, winning a Gold medal in the shot put. World’s Strongest Man twice, finishing above the likes of He dominated the domestic scene throughout the Jón Páll Sigmarsson and Bill Kazmaier in the latter – two 1970s, but it wasn’t until 1976 in Montreal that Capes of the most celebrated Strongmen of all time. made his Olympic debut. He had failed to make it past To this day, Capes remains one of Lincolnshire’s most the qualifying round four years earlier, but was one of the celebrated sportspeople ever. favourites for the gold medal in Canada. Unfortunately, Capes failed to replicate the throw which handed him For more information about Geoff Capes, visit: third place in qualifying – his best result of 20.36 metres www.geoffcapes.com
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Do o you wish you had ha ad MORE MO ORE MONEY M Y to deliver deliv ver sport spo ort in Lincolnshire? Linco olnshire? We e can help Sportiv Sportivate vate is a Sport England Englland initiative to encourage encourage “semi-sporty” “semi-sporty” teenagers and young adults to take part in sport. Lincolnshire Sports Partnership P has £395,000 £395,000 to allocate to ‘Sportivate’ projects proje ects over the e next four years. Sports clu clubs, ubs, schools, commun community nity groups, NGBs, Loc Local cal Authorities, Universities, Univers sities, Y outh clu clubs, ubs, 6th Form and Furt Further ther Educational Colleg Colleges, ges, Leisure facilities and a Youth workplaces workplac es targeting 14 – 25 ye year ear olds can apply for funding.
Downlo Download oad the Funding Application Form m online at www.lincolnshiresports.com www .lincolnshiresports s.com
For deta details ils contact lucy lucy.blakey@lincolnshiresports.co.uk .blake ey@lincolnshiresports s.co.uk or 01522 585 5 580
The dea deadline adline for funding applications is: Fr Friday riday 19th August 201 2011 1
Championing Lincolnshire has been produced by Lincolnshire Sports Partnership and the Lincoln School of Journalism at the University of Lincoln. For more information, contact Hayley Cook: Telephone: 01522 585 580 Email: hayley.cook@lincolnshiresports.co.uk www.championinglincolnshire.co.uk