Community Games
What are the Community Games all about?
Community games was the brainchild of the Legacy Trust UK, a charity whose role is to create lasting impact from the Olympic and Paralympic Games by funding ideas and local talent to inspire creativity across the UK.
The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be the biggest sporting events ever to take place across the Country. It's not just about two weeks of sport in London, Community Games are a way for you to bring your community together to take part in Sporting and Cultural activities inspired by and in celebration of London 2012.
Community Games is about giving thousands of people across Cheshire and Warrington their own Olympic and Paralympic moment.
What is meant by a Community?
A community could be street, an estate, a local business, regular users of a park or other public spaces; people involved in a shared interest group or who people have a share cultural heritage. This is not an exhaustive list and there will no doubt be other types of communities that come forward to organise a Games. It is important that the games are shaped and driven by a community and although an event can be facilitated by local authority or other statutory organisations, the community itself must be instrumental in the development and delivery of the event.
What are the key features of a Community Games?
A Community Games includes both sporting and cultural events and some sort of ceremony, ideally an opening and/or closing ceremony.
What does a Community Games Event look Like?
They will all look different - some are held on one day at one venue, some over a week at multiple venues. Some involve an element of sporting and cultural competition, others focus on participating in new activities. The important thing is that each event reflects the wishes of the community it is organised by and for.
Can existing events be a Community Games?
Yes, if it includes both sporting and cultural events, and some sort of ceremony. If it doesn't, perhaps you could add to it as you plan your event for this year. If it doesn't incorporate all the key features it could be that by accessing the free on-line toolkit it could become a Community Games in 2012.
What are the characteristics of a Community Games?
Legacy Trust UK, together with other partners involved across Cheshire and Warrington hope that the Games will:
- Be inclusive
- Cross-generational
- Be accessible to all, and ideally free of charge for participants
- Reflect the values of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games
- Involve young people, not just as participants, but as decision-makers
- Reflect diversity and internationalism
- increase the aspirations of communities
Who actually organises the Community Games Events?
We are looking for people to volunteer to engage and celebrate their community by organising Community Games. Although one person will be the Lead Organiser, it is an ideal opportunity to involve other people, particularly young people, to give them valuable experience.
If you would like to be a Community Games organiser, why not enhance your experience, and gain access to further support and training by becoming a Sport Maker as well? Sport Makers are inspirational volunteers that help those around them get active. For more information, click here, or visit www.sportmakers.co.uk.
Support for Community Games - What help is available for Community Games Organisers?
If you decide to organise a Community Games you will be given help, listed below are a few details of the help and support available:
- The Community Games website www.communitygames.org.uk with lots of resources, as well as great ideas based on what other people are doing as Part of their Games
- A free Community Games toolkit with loads of useful information and tips
- Your Country Sports Partnership Officer to advise and help you (details below)
- Free workshops on how to organise and promote your Games, where you will be able to meet other people planning their Games and share ideas
- T-Shirts for volunteers, bunting etc
- An event page on the Community Games website, and bespoke posters and postcards
Is there any funding available?
Yes, groups can apply for up to £200 funding. Click here for funding guidance and click here for application form.
Find out more information about Community Games
If you are interested in finding out more, or organising a Community Games event in Cheshire and Warrington, please take a look at the Community Games website on www.communitygames.org.uk and register your interest. This does not commit you to organising a Community Games. It is just an initial stage so that we can support you and your local community to hopefully stage a Games.
If you are planning an event that you would like to be part of the Community Games, please go to the Community Games website and register your games, telling us about your event and what kind of support you may need.
