Oxfordshire 2012 Launch
Sir Roger Bannister launches
oxfordshire2012
Oxfordshire Olympian Sir Roger Bannister CBE today attended the
launch of Oxfordshire2012.com at the Iffley Road running track in
Oxford where he famously ran the world record breaking first 4
minute mile back in 1954. The launch was attended by members of the
2012 steering committee and regional press alongside some of the
counties young Olympic hopefuls.
Also in attendance at the launch were Oxfordshire Junior
Sportsperson of the year John Paul who at just 17 is one of the
hottest prospects in UK cycling following a fourth place at this
years Team Sprint at the Commonwealth games in Delhi, four time
British Solo Ice Dance Champion Katie Richardson (15) and Para
Olympic hopeful Andy Gardiner who has just broken into the Great
Britain Disability Shooting Squad. All of them have very real
aspirations of making their respective GB squads for the games in
2012.
Roger Bannister said at the launch "The Olympics are an amazing
gift that has been given to the country, Oxfordshire 2012 is about
how we as a county can make good use of it working in partnership
across all sectors including Culture, Education, Sports and
Business, the games should also add a new enthusiasm to the
provision of sporting facilities for all"
Oxfordshire 2012 is a partnership between Oxford Inspires,
Oxfordshire County Council, Oxfordshire Sports Partnership, Oxford
City Council, University of Oxford, BBC Oxford, SEEDA and Thames
Valley Police.
The purpose of the website is to promote community
participation and events around the 2012 Olympics, Paralympics,
Cultural Olympiad and the Diamond Jubilee. It will also aim to
increase involvement in sport, develop economic opportunities and
signpost volunteering and initiatives for children and young
people.
Kathelene Weiss, Director of Oxford Inspires, said
"Oxford Inspires is delighted to be working with our partners on
the Oxfordshire Olympic Steering Committee. Together we are
launching Oxfordshire2012.com a website whose aim is to provide
local people a way to find out more. Oxfordshire2112.com will
provide news, and information on events and activity around the
county, it will also signpost opportunities for getting involved
through volunteering, promoting tourism, and encourage the
business, education, sport and cultural communities to engage in
projects and leave a lasting local legacy to the games"
Mike Walker, Chairman, Oxfordshire Sports Partnership and
Oxfordshire 2012, said
"This is such and exciting time for sport and a huge opportunity
for the whole of Oxfordshire"