With the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games less than 1,000 days away, the message is for everyone to get involved and take full advantage of the opportunities that this major international event has to offer.
Last Thursday more than 150 people from Bedfordshire, Luton and even Harlem, New York came together at the UK Centre for Carnival Arts in Luton for a day of dance, music, poetry and workshops at The London 2012 BOOST Conference to promote opportunities, especially for young people, through a whole range of activities and programmes linked to the Games.
“The games are not just about ‘putting on a show’ but creating a legacy.” said Lloyd Conaway, Chair of BOOST.
“The aim of our day was to showcase the stuff that we are already doing and to find out how we can do even more and really put Bedfordshire and Luton on the map for London 2012.
“We had an excellent line-up of speakers and guests including Charles Allen from the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) who is responsible for bringing about the UK-wide benefits of the Games and Cllr Stephen Castle, Chair of Nations and Regions East.
“We were also honoured to have with us a group of 30 young people from the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, who were visiting with talent developer Jane Jackson Harley who has been responsible for putting more than 20,000 young performers onto the stage in America.
“The workshop Jane held on the day attracted more than 60 people who want to be performers.
“She gave tips and advice as well as talking about the realities of the entertainment business and giving them the opportunity to demonstrate their singing, dancing and acting abilities.
“All guests were mesmerised by a dance piece ‘Makin Sport’ that BOOST specially commissioned. This was a 20 minute performance created by the Luton-based Diversity Arts Incubation Programme.
“Hopefully it is the first stage of a large musical theatre production called ‘Sporting Heroes’ which will celebrate the lives of many UK sporting personalities and aims to tour the country.
“Local singer songwriter and composer Aaron Soul also gave a stunning performance of the title song which brought the house down.”
Mr Conaway added: “It was an amazing day full of positivity, fun and entertainment but we mustn’t forget that the main message is to ensure that everyone across Bedfordshire and Luton is getting involved and maximising the benefits and opportunities that the Games offer both leading up to, during and after the event.
“We mustn’t underestimate the impact that the London 2012 Olympic Games will have not only on the capital city but on every area across the country in terms of creating jobs and business opportunities, attracting tourism and developing talent and potential not just in the world of sport but across the whole diverse area of arts and culture.
“We want to make sure that Bedfordshire and Luton aren’t missing out.” The London 2012 Conference was a partnership event organised by BOOST, Experience Bedfordshire and London Luton Airport.
For more information about the London 2012 BOOST Conference visit:
What is BOOST?
Boost (bedfordshire Olympics Opportunities Support Team) is a partnership of Local Authorities in Bedfordshire and Luton along with the University of Bedfordshire and The Harpur Trust.
They are working to make sure that the London 2012 Olympics make a real contribution to the local and regional economy, regeneration, tourism and culture as well as leaving a lasting and positive legacy.
BOOST has had 12 venues accepted as possible training locations for visiting teams, a number of which have already been to both Bedfordshire and Luton.
The area’s location and excellent communication links are also making it an attractive option for visitors to the Games from across the world.