25th Hour Campaign Launched to Inspire - News - LIVING SPORT

25th Hour Campaign Launched to Inspire

A nationwide campaign using the Olympic and Paralympic Games to motivate the British public to give time in their communities was unveiled on 30th March.The 25th Hour campaign, which has received the London 2012 Inspire Mark, will build over the next 28 months to create a lasting legacy that will touch all parts of the UK. It is separate to the official London 2012 Volunteer programme, and is based on the idea that we can all find the extra hour and more to make a difference.

It will tap into the existing enthusiasm among individuals to give time to the places where they live and work. A recent survey on attitudes to London 2012 for DCMS showed that a third of people in the UK say they would give up their time for an Olympic-inspired activity.

The 25th Hour will also celebrate the outstanding contributions of exceptional time givers with a range of London 2012-themed awards, including 2,012 pairs of tickets to a unique money can’t buy moment – the chance to see the dress rehearsal of the 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.

In October, when the clocks go back and we are all given a real 25th Hour, there will be a national celebration of giving time.

Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tessa Jowell said, ‘Millions of people want to be involved in the Olympics when it comes. This campaign will give them a chance to do that by pledging their time to get involved in their communities and by doing so having the chance to go see the dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony. It’s not just for people who like sport either. Whether you love culture, education or the environment, this is a movement everyone can be a part of.’

Chair of LOCOG Sebastian Coe said, ‘Our vision is to use the power of the Games to inspire lasting change. They offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something extraordinary, to inspire everyone to use their passion to help others. The 25th Hour will allow all of us to make a contribution and achieve our own personal best and leave a lasting legacy in our communities.’

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said, ‘The London 2012 Games bring with them a once in a lifetime opportunity to tap into people’s enthusiasm for giving their time. Most people don’t realise the positive impact one hour can make and the 25th hour campaign will help the many organisations in the capital and across the country that are looking for people to devote their time, energy and skills. There is great work in promoting volunteering already underway in London and I am championing at every opportunity the important role volunteers have to play before, during and after the Games.’

Dame Tanni-Grey-Thompson, Britain’s most successful ever paralympian and trustee of v – The National Young Volunteers’ Service said, ‘We’re delighted to be supporting the 25th hour campaign, using the power of 2012 to harness the talents, energy and enthusiasm of new generation of young volunteers. The 25th Hour will inspire all of us, and especially young people, to make a contribution and achieve our own Personal Best. Together we can achieve something extraordinary if we find a little extra time.’

Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe said, ‘Volunteers are often seen as the unsung heroes of our communities, but this is about to change. From coaching to helping out with kit and catering, people who give their time for the good of their local area will not only feel personally rewarded but will be in with a chance to be the first to see the dress rehearsal of the Opening Ceremony in 2012. I would urge everyone across the country to get involved and play their part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’

The 25th Hour is already backed by a coalition of national sports organisations, charities and voluntary organisations. In the coming months coalition members will create bespoke projects and opportunities inspired by 2012, enabling individuals to give their time to causes they care about in their local area.

The campaign will continue to recruit more organisations as it builds towards summer 2012 and the website will develop to direct people to available opportunities, allowing them to search by postcode and personal interest as well as post their personal experiences of giving time.

Sign up to the 25th hour campaign at http://the25thhour.org.

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