New scheme launched to inspire 500 young people through London 2012 Games

Tags: Olympics | Training | volunteering

Young people in England and Wales are to be given the chance to become the first ever Opportunity 2012 graduates, Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell said today.

Five hundred 14-19 year olds from England and Wales will take part in Opportunity inspired by 2012. The new scheme will target young people that other initiatives find difficult to engage, such as young carers, those not in education, employment or training and those who have crime or behavioural problems by using the unique appeal of the 2012 Games.

On successful completion of the scheme, graduates will be offered London 2012 rewards such as shadowing international fitness coaches and team physios, watching Olympic athletes in training and sought after work placements with 2012 organisers, LOCOG.

Graduates will come from existing schemes - The Department for Children, Schools and Families’ ‘Youth Community Action’ initiative which is running pilots in Brighton and Hove, Kent, Lincolnshire, Salford and City of York, and the Home Office’s ‘Positive Futures’ initiative which has projects across England and in Wales.

Tessa Jowell, Minister for the Olympics and Paralympics said: "The new scheme will offer 500 young people unique opportunities inspired by 2012. They will receive intensive help, learning new skills and getting new experiences that will change their lives for the better. Those that successfully complete the course will earn unique and exciting Olympic rewards that will further their development."

The scheme will operate under the management of prestigious youth charity, The Prince’s Trust, between June 2010 and September 2012.

Participants will learn new skills, volunteer in their communities and take part in sporting and cultural themed events to put them on a pathway to employment and/or further training or volunteering.

Each graduate will also be supported by a mentor who will work with them to set objectives and create a personal development plan, as well as offer advice and encouragement to ensure they benefit from the full range of opportunities up until Games time.

The scheme has a total cost of about £900,000 over three years and will be shared by the Government Olympic Executive, the Home Office and the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Find out more about the Inspire programme.