The London 2012 Inspire Programme has been established to provide official recognition and support to outstanding non-commercial projects and events taking place around the UK that are providing new opportunities for young people and their communities as a result of the Games.

The Inspire Programme runs across the themes of sport, culture, education, volunteering, sustainability and business.  Already in Dorset, a number of great initiatives have been recognised through the award of the prestigious Inspire mark.  These include the ‘Revive' project in Portland and the B-Side multi-media festival coming under the Cultural Olympiad.

All projects wanting to be associated with the Cultural Olympiad must have the Inspire Mark.

All non-commercial organisations can apply for the Inspire Mark for projects that:

• Would not have happened if the Games were not coming to the UK in 2012;
• Are "like never before" - in other words, are either brand new and innovative or build on your existing work
• Meet all three values of the Cultural Olympiad:
• Celebrates London and the whole of the UK welcoming the world;
• Inspires and involves young people; and
• Generates a positive legacy.
• Meet at least three of the themes of the Cultural Olympiad:
• Brings together culture and sport
• Encourages audiences towards active participation
• Animates and humanises public spaces (e.g. street arts, public art, circus skills, live big screen sites)
• Uses culture and sport to raise issues of environmental sustainability, health and wellbeing
• Honours and shares the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games
• Ignites cutting edge collaborations and innovation between communities and the cultural sectors and
• Enhances the learning, skills and personal development of young people by linking with our education programmes.

Andrew Conibear recently came into post (November 2009) as the Inspire Programmer for the South West.  He is working with various groups and organisations across the region to identify and develop projects to be part of the Inspire programme and that create opportunities at a grass roots level inspired by the 2012 Games.  It is anticipated a number of projects will be brought forward in Dorset this year as part of the Inspire programme; providing a direct connection with the Games and creating new sporting, volunteering and educational opportunities.  

If you are developing a project inspired by 2012 in Dorset or are generally interested in finding out more about the Inspire Programme please contact Andrew on 01392 454109 or visit www.london2012.com/beinspired