News, February 2011

Olympic cycling event to be held in Surrey
At 11:00am on 10 February 2011 it was officially announced that the Olympic Games are coming to Surrey! This will be a once in a life-time opportunity for Surrey residents to witness a world wide event unfold on their doorstep. The Olympic Cycling Road Race route will spend over 50% within Surrey borders.

2011 Open Weekend announced
Following the success of last year's Open Weekend, the UK will once again open up to the spirit of the Olympic/Paralympic Games. This will be the final Open Weekend and will mark one year until the 2012 Games begins. Find out more about how to register your project and what to expect at this year's Open Weekend that runs from 22 to 24 July.

Surrey 2012 team member reports on visit to the Olympic Park
On Friday 11 February, representatives from Surrey County Council and partners visited the Olympic Park in Stratford, London. Here Surrey 2012 team member Martyn Hayes provides an interesting insight into his experience at the park, including how the 2012 Games will potentially benefit the UK as well as what to expect during and after London 2012.

Q&A with Surrey athletes: Sarah Webb OBE
In the first part of regular Q&A articles with Surrey athletes, double Olympic Gold medallist Sarah Webb answers questions on what the Olympic Games mean to her and the importance of Surrey residents and businesses getting involved in the spirit of London 2012.

Elmbridge 'Olympic Inclusive Sports Club'
In partnership with Walton Leigh School, Elbridge Borough Council's sports development team have launched an inclusive sports club at the school. The project will use sport as a catalyst to engage young people and activities will explore the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic values.

Coming soon, Q&A with Surrey athletes
Surrey has a rich source of successful athletes. This includes a large number of London 2012 hopefuls and medal winning athletes from previous Olympic/Paralympic Games. During the run up to the London 2012 Games, Surrey 2012 will be featuring ‘Questions and Answers’ articles on a monthly basis. Find out more which athletes will be featured and when to expect the first article.

Chief Executive of the British Olympic Association visits Surrey
The Chief Executive of the British Olympic Association, Andy Hunt paid a visit to Surrey to view how London 2012 was having a wider impact on the country. While visiting the Surrey Sports Park in Guildford Andy Hunt learned of Surrey's commitment to benefiting schools and its plans for the 100-day sports festival. Additional to this Andy Hunt was also informed of the county's Pre-Games training camp facilities and the economic impact that the Games has had on local businesses.

People, Places, Play
As part of the mass participation legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the government and Sport England have unveiled the Places, People, Play programme. This scheme will see opportunities offered to teenagers and young adults to receive 6 weeks of coaching in the sport of their choice, the scheme will also guide them into regular participation within their community.