Council and University awarded London 2012 Inspire Mark

Kent County Council and Canterbury Christ Church University officially received the London 2012 Inspire Mark on Tuesday 23rd June for an innovative Olympic and Paralympic education project.

Sarah Hohler, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Kent County Council, and the University's Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Sue Piotrowski, received the Inspire Mark, one of the first to be awarded to a Kent project, from Danny Crates, the Great Britain Paralympian who attended as a representative of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

The Inspire Mark is awarded to innovative and exceptional projects directly inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and has been given in recognition of the Kent Schools 20 in 12 Learning Programme. Working in partnership, Kent County Council and the University have laid the foundation for a significant number of educational opportunities for the young people of Kent and to date have encouraged more schools to sign up to the London 2012's national Get Set education programme than any other county.

Danny Crates met with 70 Young Ambassadors from schools across the county. Young Ambassadors are aged between 14 and 19 and promote the 2012 Games to other young people, acting as role models in their own communities, promoting Olympic Learning projects and encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle. The Young Ambassadors came together to explore how they can lead the 20 in 12 Learning programme over the next few years within their own schools and partnerships.

The University's Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Sue Piotrowski, said: "We are delighted to receive this award in partnership with Kent County Council in recognition of the excellent work on the Kent 20 in 12 Learning Programme. Our aim through this project is that all the young people of Kent will have the opportunity to benefit from and be inspired by the London 2012 Games and I am pleased that our commitment to the young people of Kent in this regard has been recognised by LOCOG with this award."

Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said: "We want to use the power of the Games to inspire change. The Inspire programme is recognising the work our partners all round the UK are doing to help us achieve this vision now - three years out from the start of the Games. I congratulate everyone involved in the Kent Schools 20 in 12 Learning Programme for securing the Inspire Mark and wish you every success with your work."

Sarah Hohler, Kent County Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: "We're delighted to receive the Inspire Mark, which recognises the enthusiasm and dedication of everyone involved in this project. The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games present fantastic opportunities for our young people and it's vital that we support them to make sure that they benefit as much as possible."

Source: Canterbury Christ Church University