A re-staging of the Shropshire Olympian Festival of 1864 has been granted
the Inspire Mark, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire Programme.
The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The granting of the Games to London has served as a reminder of the inspiration for the modern games and its roots in Shropshire. The festival in 1864 was proof that William Penny Brooke’s idea was gaining ground. Like Brooke’s original concept, the festival is all about public participation not just in sport but the arts too.
Seb Coe, Chair, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: “We want to use the power of the Games to inspire change. The Inspire programme is recognising the work our partners all round the UK are doing to help us achieve this vision now – three years out from the start of the Games. I congratulate everyone involved in the Shropshire Olympian Festival Re-enactment for securing the Inspire mark and wish you every success with your work.”
The recognition follows on from support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Cllr Steve Charmley, portfolio holder for Culture & Leisure, said: “We are delighted to have received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and recognition from the London 2012 Inspire Mark Programme to help our communities learn about their own cultural heritage and Shropshire’s place in the evolution of the Olympic movement”.
Over the coming months schools and communities across the county will get the opportunity to become involved. There will be a study pack for students and participation workshops for residents.
If you represent any community group, or simply want to volunteer as an individual, the organisers would like to hear from you.
Call Sarah Rollason on 01743 252305 or email sarah.rollason@shropshire.gov.uk
Please note, the re-enactment will take place on 17th, 18th & 19th June 2011 on the same historic site as the 1864 Festival. It will be a spectacular attraction and provide an educational and entertaining experience for spectators and participants, increasing understanding of the development of the Games and the historic role played by the United Kingdom in the modern Olympic movement.