Countdown in the Wokingham Borough

The countdown to the Olympics in 2012 has started in the Wokingham Borough with plenty of opportunities for residents, young and old, to get involved in sport and healthy activities.

Take part in sporting opportunties for All

Our 'Inspire Wokingham: Living the Legacy' campaign is hosting many events in the run up to the 2012 London Olympics. Read the Inspire Wokingham booket to find out more.

Follow the Olympic Torch route

To follow the Olympic Torch route visit the Olympics Torch Relay route website.

Benefits of the Olympics 

The 2012 Games will be a huge event for the UK. Although the majority of events will be based in London, it will provide opportunities for every part of the country. The games will provide a wide range of 'legacy' benefits; benefits that will have a lasting impact for local communities well beyond the Olympics.

6 UK-wide legacy benefits have been identified:

• Inspiring children and young people – to try new sports and healthy activities and working with local schools to promote learning of other countries, cultures and the Olympic ideal.
• Raising our sporting game and influencing healthier lifestyles – promoting our local sporting facilities, healthy living and wellbeing.
• Volunteering – the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) estimate that 70,000 volunteers will be needed to help run the Games. Volunteering can help to improve skills, build self-confidence and meet new people.
• Championing culture – the Cultural Olympiad is part of the games and is already up and running – providing opportunities for local arts and community organisations and individuals to make a contribution.
• Generating and supporting tourism – although the Games are centred on London, Berkshire will be hosting events and training camps which will attract more visitors to the borough.
• Boosting the local economy – around 3,500 people will be directly employed for the games and there will be a wide range of contractors providing goods and services to the events. Local firms and individuals need good information to help them to compete for these opportunities.