Our London 2012 Journey “As Someone Born and Bred in Coventry, I Am So Proud of the City’S Contribution to the Success of London 2012

Our London 2012 Journey “As someone born and bred in Coventry, I am so proud of the city’s contribution to the success of London 2012. The city really embraced the spirit of the Games with the Torch Relay and an array of arts, sporting and cultural projects. It proved it could deliver on the biggest stage and do so with a big smile.”

David Moorcroft, Chair, West Midlands 2012

Coventry’s Spectacular Summer in Numbers: 12 Olympic football matches 170,596 spectators at City of Coventry Stadium 14,262 paid accommodation visits to the city 42,000 people saw the Olympic Torch in Coventry 95 local businesses won Olympic contracts 360 schools took part in Get Set 530,699 saw Godiva ‘awake’ and travel to London Over £50 million to the Coventry economy

“The Games have had a massive impact on us, at what is normally a quiet time of year. Our restaurants have done really well too. My figures for last week were 94 per cent up against my budget which is just amazing. Most spend is from the Olympic guests.”

Local hotel operator

2 Cultural Coventry Message from Cllr John Mutton, Leader of Coventry City Council

The West Midlands region embraced the Cultural Olympiad with an amazing 964 projects taking place “We had such an amazing summer of 2012 in Coventry. I am so proud of what we achieved, between 2008 and 2012. More than 2.7 million the fantastic welcome we gave our visitors and the legacy our Olympic experience leaves us people attended Cultural Olympiad events and with. Many spectators will have enjoyed their only Olympic experience in Coventry and activities in the West Midlands. Godiva Awakes, one I am confident it will have been a memorable and happy one. I have never seen of the higher profile projects in the Cultural Olympiad, such colourful, noisy and excited crowds as those who flocked to the city for the football. was a £2.4 million project, including £1.35 million from private sector funding and was seen by was full with more than 1,800 people and many more audiences of more than 530,000 raising the profile watching on the screen in Millennium Place. Coventry played a unique role in helping to deliver a successful London 2012 Olympic of Lady Godiva and the city. The project brought Games. As a co-host city for the Olympic Football we welcomed the world for 12 Coventry’s iconic Lady Godiva into the modern era Award-winning classical composer James MacMillan football matches over eight days. But it wasn’t just the football. Coventry was also with Imagineer, a Coventry based performance was commissioned to celebrate the Cathedral’s Golden home to the Cultural Olympiad project Godiva Awakes and host for a Torch Relay company staging a re-awakening followed by a Jubilee as part of the London 2012 Festival and his evening event and Paralympic Flame celebration. In fact we were the centre for more remarkable journey to London. Godiva awoke to a piece, Gloria, featured in a special Jubilee Concert Olympic and Paralympic activity than any other city outside London. spectacular performance from the Godiva Choir, held in July that was attended by 2,000 people. dancers, carnivalists and 220 young people in a procession, marking the unveiling of a Godiva for the The Olympic flags and banners may have gone but the memories live on and the impact that London modern age. After leading the city’s carnival, the next “The reception we received from all the 2012 has brought to so many in the city – be it businesses, schools, volunteers, or communities – will day Godiva left the streets of Coventry powered by places we passed through each day was continue. I am delighted, but not surprised, that the economic impact to the city is well over £50 million. 100 cyclists to London, home of the Olympic and fantastic.” The improvements to the city’s infrastructure are ongoing and are making a huge difference to all who live Paralympic Games. On route thousands came to see Stuart Berry, Godiva cyclist or work in the city.“ her and many communities held special celebrations.

The 70 day London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay was a international footballer, Kanu. Then it was the turn of huge opportunity to help get the Olympic message Debbie Horton to carry the Flame into the park and across the country, raise awareness and anticipation light the cauldron. Debbie was put forward for her of the forthcoming Games, and develop a sense of campaigning work to ensure that young people’s pride for people in all areas of the country. In addition voices are heard in their local communities. the Torch Relay provided tourism and economic benefits. During the build up to the Flame’s arrival the crowds were entertained by local dancers, Freeman Dance Coventry hosted one of 66 evening celebrations on performing ‘Gangsters’ as well as Morning Parade day 44 and more than 40,000 people lined the streets and Twist and Pulse. Seventeen children, all born on of the city to celebrate our moment to shine. 20 December 2004, were welcomed onto the stage as part of the Children’s Promise - a London 2012 The city had already celebrated those honoured to be initiative. Local theatre company Talking Birds torchbearers with a reception hosted by the Leader of performed a specially commissioned finale, ‘Song for the Council, Cllr John Mutton, and Olympian and Chair Phoenix’, described as a love letter to the city of of West Midlands 2012, David Moorcroft. Coventry. torchbearer, was a Somalian asylum seeker when he arrived in this country aged 13. He was fostered by On Sunday 1 July 20,000 gathered in the sunshine in The evening celebration was the largest event in the local couple, Mary and Dave Hart and the War Memorial Park to welcome the Olympic Midlands with Radio One broadcasts saying the achieved numerous qualifications. Flame to the city. Thousands had lined the route as the crowds were the biggest seen so far! Torch Relay arrived in Coventry after visiting In a moving moment, Ali carried the Olympic Flame Kenilworth, Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon earlier Despite grey skies and the early morning start, through the Cathedral grounds to the sounds of the in the day. Crowds outside the park saw 16 year old thousands lined the streets the following day to see the Three Spires Choir and into the newly refurbished Chanel Carter - nominated for her resilience and Olympic Flame leave the city. At just before 7am the Broadgate. Schoolchildren lined the route and determination following the amputation of part of her first torchbearer, 18 year old Ali Abdillahi, left the businesses heeded advice to open early. This right leg - hand over the Olympic Flame to former Transport Museum in Millennium Place heading for contributed to a great atmosphere in the city and along the city’s Cathedral. Ali, the council’s nominated the route. Before leaving the city, the flame paid a visit to the City of Coventry Stadium where triathlete Tim Don carried the torch and was welcomed by pupils from John Shelton Primary School, Daniel Gidney, former Chief Executive of the City of Coventry 42,000 saw the Olympic Torch in Coventry - or 13 per Stadium and Council Leader, Cllr John Mutton. cent of the population

Local television and radio covered the events and the An estimated total economic spend of £214,000 torchbearers were in demand for interviews and including £52,800 from outside the area was generated photographs as they returned with their families to the Transport Museum to be met by Lord Mayor Cllr Tim Twenty torchbearers from Coventry carried the Olympic Sawdon, many of the city’s Olympians and Paralympians, Flame during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay and some of the Coventry Ambassadors. 4 5 SportingCoventry’s city moment to shine Legacy League A new league for girls’ football was one of many positive results of the city hosting women’s football SomeThe 70 29 day talented London athletes 2012 wereOlympic awarded Torch Relaybursaries was in a Theinternational Hall of Fame footballer, celebrates Kanu. the Then Coventry it was and the turn of during London 2012. The initiative saw The Ricoh 2012huge opportunityto help them to develop help get their the Olympicsporting potential.message A WarwickshireDebbie Horton Olympic to carry andthe FlameParalympic into the legends park and and Arena and Coventry City Council joining forces with totalacross of the125 country, bursaries raise had awareness been awarded and anticipation leading up theirlight achievementsthe cauldron. Debbiein a comprehensive was put forward database for her of the Birmingham County FA to inspire girls at schools in toof thethe Gamesforthcoming by the Games, Coventry and and develop Warwickshire a sense of2012 biographiescampaigning and work competition to ensure thatresults young dating people’s back to Coventry and Warwickshire to play football. Partnership,pride for people supported in all areasby Warwickshire of the country. County In addition 1900.voices areMore heard than in100 their legends local communities. were given a Councilthe Torch and Relay Coventry provided City tourism Council and to supporteconomic commemorative medal in recognition of their The league, for year nine and ten students also earned coaching,benefits. equipment and travel costs. achievementDuring the build and up many to the were Flame’s involved arrival in Londonthe crowds 2012 an Inspire Mark from London 2012 and ran from events.were entertained The project by has local enabled dancers, past Freeman and present Dance September to November in 2012 and then February Coventry hosted one of 66 evening celebrations on Olympicperforming and ‘Gangsters’ Paralympic as athletes well as to Morning share their Parade Celebrating Our Sporting Greats to April in 2012. With support from Coventry City day 44 and more than 40,000 people lined the streets experiencesand Twist and by Pulse. becoming Seventeen ambassadors children, through all born talks, on Football Club, 176 girls from 15 schools participated. Coventryof the city is to proud celebrate of its our sporting moment heroes to shine. and its tradition athlete20 December mentoring 2004, and were promoting welcomed the benefits onto the of stage sport. of producing world-class athletes. London 2012 was as part of the Children’s Promise - a London 2012 an opportunity to celebrate Olympians and The city had already celebrated those honoured to be Joininitiative. In Local theatre company Talking Birds Community Games Paralympianstorchbearers with from a the reception past and hosted use them by the to Leaderinspire ofthe performed a specially commissioned finale, ‘Song for nextthe Council, generation Cllr of John local Mutton, sporting and hopefuls. Olympian and Chair SportsPhoenix’, clubs described across the as citya love got letter involved to the in citythe ofnational Local communities across Coventry hosted more than of West Midlands 2012, David Moorcroft. initiativeCoventry. ‘Join In’ encouraging people to consider 40torchbearer, events with was funding a Somalian from the asylum Coventry seeker Community when he joining a sports club and taking up sport after watching Gamesarrived inFund. this Thecountry fund aged encouraged 13. He localwas fosteredcommunities by “It has been lovely to have our achievements On Sunday 1 July 20,000 gathered in the sunshine in LondonThe evening 2012. celebration Nationally, was an theestimated largest 250,000event in the tolocal celebrate couple, London Mary and 2012 Dave at grassroots Hart and level by therecognised War Memorial and Park celebrated to welcome through the Olympic the peopleMidlands turned with upRadio at open One days broadcasts at 6,000 saying sports the events providingachieved numeroussporting and qualifications. cultural activities to local FlameLegends to the Programme. city. Thousands But had most lined of the all route I have as the acrosscrowds Britain were thewith biggest 40 opening seen sotheir far! doors in Coventry. people. Grants of up to £1,500 were available from Local athletics club, Coventry Godiva Harriers, were Legacy Trust UK and a toolkit provided tips and Torchenjoyed Relay meeting arrived in old Coventry friends after as visiting well as In a moving moment, Ali carried the Olympic Flame inundated with enquiries from young people wanting advicethrough on the organising Cathedral thegrounds event. to the sounds of the Kenilworth,inspiring youngWarwick people and Stratford-upon-Avon and encouraging earlier Despite grey skies and the early morning start, in the day. Crowds outside the park saw 16 year old tothousands take up thelined sport. the streets the following day to see the Three Spires Choir and into the newly refurbished Chanelpeople Carter of all - nominatedages to get for herinvolved resilience in andsport. ” Olympic Flame leave the city. At just before 7am the ThousandsBroadgate. ofSchoolchildren people took part lined in the the route Community and Gamesbusinesses events heeded in Coventry advice towith open almost early. half This a million determinationSheila Carey, Olympian,following the1968 amputation and 1972 of part of her “Forfirst torchbearer,the first time 18 inyear the old club’s Ali Abdillahi, 133 year left the history right leg - hand over the Olympic Flame to former Transport Museum in Millennium Place heading for involvedcontributed across to a thegreat West atmosphere Midlands. in the city and along wethe city’shave Cathedral. had to introduceAli, the council’s a waiting nominated list for the route. Before leaving the city, the flame paid a visit young athletes!” to the City of Coventry Stadium where triathlete Tim InDon a survey,carried 22the pertorch cent and of wasresidents welcomed or family by pupils members have been inspired to take part in more sport and leisure Bill Adcocks, Secretary of Coventry Godiva Harriers activitiesfrom John as Shelton a result Primary of the School,Olympics Daniel Gidney, Athletics Club former Chief Executive of the City of Coventry 42,000 saw the Olympic Torch in Coventry - or 13 per 40Stadium sports and clubs Council across Leader, Coventry Cllr supported John Mutton. the ‘Join In’ weekendcent ofinviting the population people to take up their sport

Local communitiestelevision and across radio Coventrycovered thehosted events 40 andCommunity the GamesAn estimated events total economic spend of £214,000 torchbearers were in demand for interviews and including £52,800 from outside the area was generated 29photographs bursaries wereas they awarded returned to with young their elite families athletes to thein 2012 taking the Bursary Scheme total to 125 bursaries over five years Transport Museum to be met by Lord Mayor Cllr Tim Twenty torchbearers from Coventry carried the Olympic Flame during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay SevenSawdon, Coventry many ofpeople the city’s who Olympians worked in and grassroots Paralympians, sport were nominated to attend the Olympic Games opening and some of the Coventry Ambassadors. 164 and closing ceremonies 175

Backing local business

Securing economic benefits for the city and region East and one for Coventry North West. Another 11 from London 2012 was always a key focus. It is were awarded to companies within North estimated that a minimum of 367 different Warwickshire. organisations in the West Midlands region won tenders to supply London 2012 directly, or projects “The Olympic Torch is the most prestigious order related to London 2012. There will be numerous the firm has ever worked on and it has been an benefits buried in the supply chains of the many buildings on Olympic Park, and other 2012 honour for the whole team. Working on the related projects. biggest contract in the public eye, you can’t tell Lord Coe it’s going to be late! I have to admit From 2009, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of there have been a few sleepless nights but it has Commerce supported businesses to make the most of the opportunities that the Games could bring. As well been worth it.” as pitching for contracts, businesses were urged to Gez Halton, The Premier Group gear up for an influx of tourists from around the world.

The biggest contract won by a Coventry firm was awarded to The Premier Group to manufacture the Olympic and Paralympic torch, secured through the official Olympic procurement system. Coventry and the West Midlands are famed for its expertise in precision engineering and manufacturing and companies such as the Premier Group continue this tradition. Through the Torch Relay, this skill and expertise was seen by millions of people across the UK, and also millions more from around the world through international broadcasting of the event.

The torch’s triangular, gold-coloured form is perforated by 8,000 circles representing the 8,000 torchbearers and their stories of personal achievement and/or contribution to their local community. The design, engineering and manufacture 95 businesses in the area (21 within the city of of the torch celebrates the best of British talent. Coventry) secured Olympics related contracts worth over £30m to Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Each of the city’s three parliamentary constituencies secured Games-related contracts with 15 contracts for The Premier Group won the high profile contract to companies in Coventry South, five for Coventry North manufacture over 9,000 Olympic and Paralympic 6 torches Passionate about the Paralympics

Coventry was chosen as one of 36 communities Fellow Paralympians, shooter Keith Morriss, swimmer across the country to host Flame Celebrations for the Mark Butler, alpine skier Anna Turney and equestrian London 2012 Paralympic Games. More than 600 star Liz Stone joined in the celebrations. The event people showed their burning passion for the also showcased the seven local Paralympians Paralympics when they gathered to welcome the competing in London 2012. Paralympic Flame to the city on Saturday 25 August. The flame was brought to the city’s Millennium Place Following the end of London 2012, the Paralympic for a special celebration by the city’s Paralympic Lantern was presented to Coventry City Council to Ambassador, Rita Thompson. keep as a memento of the exciting summer.

Rita, 86, was the first person from Coventry to win a Paralympic Gold Medal when she was successful at “It’s a fitting tribute to be able to receive the the Arnhem Paralympics in the women’s pairs lawn bowling event. Lantern as a parting gift from London 2012 and display it for Coventry’s citizens to enjoy.” She had travelled to London the previous day along Lord Mayor, Cllr Tim Sawdon with the Lord Mayor, Cllr Tim Sawdon, to collect the flame in a handover in Trafalgar Square. It was brought back to the city in a special miner’s lantern and welcomed by fellow Paralympians including 2012 wheelchair rugby star, Mandip Sehmi at a civic reception in the Council House.

The event was a celebration of disability sport, art and culture and visitors were invited to try their hands at a range of Paralympic sports, including wheelchair basketball, blind football and tandem cycling. Freefall Dance Company performed ‘We Dance’, a specially commissioned Olympic themed dance, while opera singer Victoria Oruwari and local bands The Ripps and The Notables entertained the audience.

600 attended the Paralympic Flame Celebration in Millennium Place

Seven local athletes competed in the 2012 Paralympic Games 7 Dressed for the occasion St George, the tours featured all the city’s historical and modern day landmarks including the Cathedral, Coventry’s city centre saw some dramatic St Mary’s Guildhall, Holy Trinity Church, the Time improvements over the 18 months prior to London Team Site and Coventry Transport Museum. There 2012. Although the bunting, flags and banners were was also a music tour that focused on Coventry’s temporary, much of the change is permanent and is diverse music scene from The Specials to The Enemy. benefiting shoppers, businesses and visitors.

The city centre now has a pedestrian friendly access route from the railway station to the shops and Broadgate has been transformed into a large, pedestrianised space with trees, seating and lighting suitable for events and outdoor entertainment. All the TV coverage of the Olympics and Paralympics A 20mph zone has been introduced in the city centre, was shown live on the big screen and a number of improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians. Seven floral sculpted footballers, created to celebrate events took place including ‘have a go’ sessions of the Olympic Football, will be replanted to be enjoyed triathlon. The Olympic Games Opening Ceremony A packed programme of events took place in the city year after year. Twelve new metre high footballers was watched by some 500 people who were during July and August with footfall in the city centre were also constructed out of metal and dressed in provided with flags, chairs and bean bags. up three per cent and in the Upper Precinct up by 11 Olympic colours. London 2012 flags, lamp-post per cent. pennants, giant building wraps and bridge banners During the run up to London 2012, a series of tours all gave the city a real Olympic feel. These have and trails that delved into the city’s past and present A large set of Olympic Rings outside the stadium on not been lost as many went to schools, community were provided for visitors. Led by guides including Rowley Green roundabout provided a spectacular groups and members of the public as a memento of a modern day Lady Godiva and Coventry’s own backdrop to Coventry’s London 2012 celebrations. the excitement of London 2012.

The Live Site in Millennium Place, one of just 22 across the UK, was the result of a unique partnership between the BBC and London 2012. The open space Two thirds of local people have increased levels of pride in the city as a result of the city hosting the outside Coventry Transport Museum made it ideal for Olympics combining visual broadcasts on the big screen with events. The venue was used for the London 2012 More than £7.5 million of funding was generated from external sources including the European Festival commission “All the Bells” that gave a ringing Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games endorsement to the Olympic Games at 8.12 am on (LOCOG) and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), to provide infrastructure and environmental Friday 27 July 2012, the day of the Opening improvements, and leaving a lasting benefit to local people Ceremony. The event was part of a new work by Turner Prize-winning artist Martin Creed and saw 780 lamp post banners, 40 flags, seven privet footballers and five giant building wraps dressed the city thousands of people across the UK ring a bell as quickly and as loudly as possible for three minutes. £2,000 has been raised for the Lord Mayor’s Heart of England Community Foundation from the sale of More than 100 people took part in Coventry’s event the Olympic bunting with the city’s contribution featured on BBC Breakfast News. 8 9 DressedVolunteers for – the proud occasion to play their part St George, the tours featured all the city’s historical “What a fantastic experience, wouldn’t and modern day landmarks including the Cathedral, ItCoventry’s has been citywidely centre documented saw some that dramatic one of the success The Coventry Ambassadors were recruited via an have missed it for the world. It’s been great! St Mary’s Guildhall, Holy Trinity Church, the Time storiesimprovements of London over 2012 the 18 were months the volunteers. prior to London And no exciting promotional campaign using posters, ”Team Site and Coventry Transport Museum. There more2012. so Although than in Coventry,the bunting, where flags more and thanbanners 300 were postcards, social media and online advertising with Ian Clare, Coventry Ambassador was also a music tour that focused on Coventry’s Coventrytemporary, Ambassadors much of the changewere recruited is permanent to welcome and is the 7,000 people visiting the website and 575 diverse music scene from The Specials to The Enemy. worldbenefiting to the shoppers, city. In addition businesses some and 2,000 visitors. gamesmakers applications received. After a rigorous selection During the Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, the were based at the City of Coventry Stadium throughout programme the 330 ambassadors were appointed Coventry Ambassadors came together in Millennium theThe games-timecity centre nowperiod, has supporting a pedestrian the friendly venue’s access catering, and trained. Many supported the Olympic Football Place to watch and celebrate the Games and reflect transport,route from press the railway operations, station spectator to the shops services and and qualification event held at the City of Coventry on their role in putting the city on the map. security.Broadgate has been transformed into a large, Stadium in April, the two days the London 2012 pedestrianised space with trees, seating and lighting Olympic Torch Relay was in the city and the Since London 2012 the work of the Coventry Thesuitable Coventry for events Ambassadors and outdoor Programme entertainment. was a Paralympic Flame Celebration event. During the eight AmbassadorsAll the TV coverage has continued of the Olympics with over and 80 Paralympicssupporting partnershipA 20mph zone between has been the City introduced Council in and the Coventry city centre, match days the ambassadors provided a warm thewas city’s shown half live marathon on the bigevent screen in October. and a number of Universityimproving withsafety support and accessibility from Voluntary for pedestrians. Action Coventry welcomeSeven floral to thesculpted city as footballers, well as information created to and celebrate advice events took place including ‘have a go’ sessions of and CSW Sport. It was coordinated, along with tothe spectators Olympic Football,arriving at will all be the replanted key transport to be hubs enjoyed and Atriathlon. social enterprise, The Olympic Positive Games Youth Opening Foundation, Ceremony similarA packed schemes programme at the tenof events other localtook placeauthority in the venues city aroundyear after the year. stadium. Twelve new metre high footballers recruitedwas watched 12 young by some people, 500 agedpeople 15 who to 18 were years, to outsideduring JulyLondon, and Augustby the Governmentwith footfall inOlympic the city centre were also constructed out of metal and dressed in beprovided young ambassadors.with flags, chairs These and young bean peoplebags. Executiveup three per (GOE). cent and in the Upper Precinct up by 11 Olympic colours. London 2012 flags, lamp-post welcomed visitors to the city as part of their role and per cent. “pennants,Great atmosphere giant building wrapsoutside and thebridge stadium, banners helpedDuring tothe deliver run up mini-Olympic to London 2012, events a acrossseries ofa numbertours Volunteers who gave their time, boundless allfans gave commenting the city a real Olympic we had feel. a Thesegreat have city. ” ofand sites trails in thethat city. delved into the city’s past and present “ A large set of Olympic Rings outside the stadium on not been lost as many went to schools, community were provided for visitors. Led by guides including Deb Hunt, Coventry Ambassador enthusiasmRowley Green roundaboutand goodwill provided have a spectacular the right to groups and members of the public as a memento of a modern day Lady Godiva and Coventry’s own say:backdrop I made to Coventry’s London London 2012. 2012” celebrations. the excitement of London 2012. Throughout London 2012 a total of 14,000 volunteer “Coventry should be really proud of all Lord Sebastian Coe, KBE, hoursThe Live were Site provided in Millennium by the Place, Coventry one Ambassadors,of just 22 the Olympic volunteers and your whole Chair of London 2012 whichacross isthe an UK, equivalent was the to result an economic of a unique value partnership of community who gave the whole Games £163,800between the (source: BBC and Volunteering London 2012. England). The open space a wonderfulTwo thirds atmostphere. of local people” have increased levels of pride in the city as a result of the city hosting the outside Coventry Transport Museum made it ideal for Olympics Thecombining work of visual the Coventry broadcasts Ambassador on the big scheme screen notwith Spectator at the Olympic Football onlyevents. supported The venue the wasOlympic used eventsfor the butLondon also 2012helped More than £7.5 million of funding was generated from external sources including the European developFestival commissionthe volunteers, “All with the 83Bells” per that cent gave of Coventry a ringing Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games Ambassadorsendorsement tostating the Olympic they had Games personally at 8.12 gained am onfrom (LOCOG) and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), to provide infrastructure and environmental theFriday experience 27 July 2012,by, for theexample, day of feelingthe Opening appreciated, improvements, and leaving a lasting benefit to local people increasingCeremony. confidence, The event was gaining part ofexperience, a new work feeling by 14000 volunteer hours at an equivalent value of £163,800 proudTurner orPrize-winning making new artist friends. Martin In addition, Creed and 97 saw per cent 780 lamp post banners, 40 flags, seven privet footballers and five giant building wraps dressed the city rated thousands their experienceof people across as very the good UK ringor excellent a bell as and 100quickly per and cent as stated loudly they as possiblewould consider for three volunteering minutes. 83 per cent of ambassadors stated they had gained from their experience; 97 per cent rated £2,000their has experience been raised as very for goodthe Lord or excellent;Mayor’s Heart and 100of England per cent Community would consider Foundation volunteering from the again sale of again.More than 100 people took part in Coventry’s event the Olympic bunting with the city’s contribution featured on BBC Breakfast News. The programme captured the prestigious Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award for Volunteering 2012 128 139 Olympic Football : kicking it off in Coventry 170,596 people attended Olympic Football in Coventry Coventry became the first city in England to host an In addition 2,518 paid for accommodation visits were Olympic Games competition since 1948 when the made to the city for those games. The economic first of 12 matches of the London 2012 Olympic impact of hosting Olympic Football events provided a 87,766 were from outside the local area with Football tournament kicked off on 25 July. Seven massive shot in the arm to the local economy where it 14,262 in paid for accommodation women’s matches and five men’s games were played was estimated that a massive £4 million pounds was at the City of Coventry Stadium (Ricoh Arena) with the spent in the local area directly as a result of hosting 16 nations training at the University of Warwick and the events. More than £4m was spent in the local area of which staying in local hotels. £1.7m was new money injected into the local economy Analysis of the attendees showed that people travelled resulting in more than £2m worth of economic impact The city had always wanted to make the most of from all over the Midlands and UK to come to the hosting Olympic Football and worked with the games alongside our international guests supporting More than a third of the 170,596 spectators said Olympic organisers, LOCOG and the Ricoh Arena their own country at the stadium. their perception of the area had improved as a result marketing team to help attract ticket sales, especially of their experience the hospitality packages. More than 170,000 people Local hoteliers, restaurants, bars and travel providers attended the games, including the final qualifying were some of the main beneficiaries of the summer event held in the Stadium in April as a test event. This with many visitors highlighting their positive views of was the biggest football attendance outside London. the city and the great welcome they received. Fans from across the world made the city centre and There was huge excitement, anticipation and a rush the City of Coventry Stadium come alive in support of for tickets when Team GB women qualified to play their team and provided an incredible atmosphere no their quarter-final in the city. Despite loud, loyal and matter who was playing. The double-header men’s colourful support for the home nation, Canada proved games, Mexico v Gabon and Korea v Switzerland too strong, winning 2-0. They returned for the bronze were a sell-out with over 30,000 attending. medal play-off against France having lost to rivals USA in a hard fought semi-final. The final match at the City of Coventry Stadium was exciting and very close with Canada scoring to clinch victory deep into stoppage time.

Hundreds of the world’s media came to Coventry, giving the city the opportunity to showcase itself to the the world on a global scale like never before. Sepp Blatter (President, FIFA), Sir Bobby Charlton (Director, Manchester United FC), Sir Trevor Brooking “I have decided to support Senegal today. (Director of Football, Football Association), Hope There was a lady in a pink jacket directing Powell (Team GB and England Women Football us to the free shuttle bus from the train Manager) all attended matches in Coventry. station – it was really well organised.”

Senegal Fan 10 11 Olympic Football : kicking it off in Coventry 170,596 people attended Olympic Football in Coventry Coventry became the first city in England to host an In addition 2,518 paid for accommodation visits were Olympic Games competition since 1948 when the made to the city for those games. The economic first of 12 matches of the London 2012 Olympic impact of hosting Olympic Football events provided a 87,766 were from outside the local area with Football tournament kicked off on 25 July. Seven massive shot in the arm to the local economy where it 14,262 in paid for accommodation women’s matches and five men’s games were played was estimated that a massive £4 million pounds was at the City of Coventry Stadium (Ricoh Arena) with the spent in the local area directly as a result of hosting 16 nations training at the University of Warwick and the events. More than £4m was spent in the local area of which staying in local hotels. £1.7m was new money injected into the local economy Analysis of the attendees showed that people travelled resulting in more than £2m worth of economic impact The city had always wanted to make the most of from all over the Midlands and UK to come to the hosting Olympic Football and worked with the games alongside our international guests supporting More than a third of the 170,596 spectators said Olympic organisers, LOCOG and the Ricoh Arena their own country at the stadium. their perception of the area had improved as a result marketing team to help attract ticket sales, especially of their experience the hospitality packages. More than 170,000 people Local hoteliers, restaurants, bars and travel providers attended the games, including the final qualifying were some of the main beneficiaries of the summer event held in the Stadium in April as a test event. This with many visitors highlighting their positive views of was the biggest football attendance outside London. the city and the great welcome they received. Fans from across the world made the city centre and There was huge excitement, anticipation and a rush the City of Coventry Stadium come alive in support of for tickets when Team GB women qualified to play their team and provided an incredible atmosphere no their quarter-final in the city. Despite loud, loyal and matter who was playing. The double-header men’s colourful support for the home nation, Canada proved games, Mexico v Gabon and Korea v Switzerland too strong, winning 2-0. They returned for the bronze were a sell-out with over 30,000 attending. medal play-off against France having lost to rivals USA in a hard fought semi-final. The final match at the City of Coventry Stadium was exciting and very close with Canada scoring to clinch victory deep into stoppage time.

Senegal Fan 10 11 Volunteers – proud to play their part “What a fantastic experience, wouldn’t It has been widely documented that one of the success The Coventry Ambassadors were recruited via an have missed it for the world. It’s been great! stories of London 2012 were the volunteers. And no exciting promotional campaign using posters, ” more so than in Coventry, where more than 300 postcards, social media and online advertising with Ian Clare, Coventry Ambassador Coventry Ambassadors were recruited to welcome the 7,000 people visiting the website and 575 world to the city. In addition some 2,000 gamesmakers applications received. After a rigorous selection During the Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, the were based at the City of Coventry Stadium throughout programme the 330 ambassadors were appointed Coventry Ambassadors came together in Millennium the games-time period, supporting the venue’s catering, and trained. Many supported the Olympic Football Place to watch and celebrate the Games and reflect transport, press operations, spectator services and qualification event held at the City of Coventry on their role in putting the city on the map. security. Stadium in April, the two days the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay was in the city and the Since London 2012 the work of the Coventry The Coventry Ambassadors Programme was a Paralympic Flame Celebration event. During the eight Ambassadors has continued with over 80 supporting partnership between the City Council and Coventry match days the ambassadors provided a warm the city’s half marathon event in October. University with support from Voluntary Action Coventry welcome to the city as well as information and advice and CSW Sport. It was coordinated, along with to spectators arriving at all the key transport hubs and A social enterprise, Positive Youth Foundation, similar schemes at the ten other local authority venues around the stadium. recruited 12 young people, aged 15 to 18 years, to outside London, by the Government Olympic be young ambassadors. These young people Executive (GOE). welcomed visitors to the city as part of their role and “Great atmosphere outside the stadium, helped to deliver mini-Olympic events across a number fans commenting we had a great city.” of sites in the city. “Volunteers who gave their time, boundless enthusiasm and goodwill have the right to Deb Hunt, Coventry Ambassador say: I made London 2012.” Throughout London 2012 a total of 14,000 volunteer “Coventry should be really proud of all Lord Sebastian Coe, KBE, hours were provided by the Coventry Ambassadors, the Olympic volunteers and your whole Chair of London 2012 which is an equivalent to an economic value of community who gave the whole Games £163,800 (source: Volunteering England). a wonderful atmostphere.” The work of the Coventry Ambassador scheme not Spectator at the Olympic Football only supported the Olympic events but also helped develop the volunteers, with 83 per cent of Coventry Ambassadors stating they had personally gained from the experience by, for example, feeling appreciated, increasing confidence, gaining experience, feeling proud or making new friends. In addition, 97 per cent 14000 volunteer hours at an equivalent value of £163,800 rated their experience as very good or excellent and 100 per cent stated they would consider volunteering 83 per cent of ambassadors stated they had gained from their experience; 97 per cent rated again. their experience as very good or excellent; and 100 per cent would consider volunteering again The programme captured the prestigious Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award for Volunteering 2012 12 13 Volunteers – proud to play their part “What a fantastic experience, wouldn’t It has been widely documented that one of the success The Coventry Ambassadors were recruited via an have missed it for the world. It’s been great! stories of London 2012 were the volunteers. And no exciting promotional campaign using posters, ” more so than in Coventry, where more than 300 postcards, social media and online advertising with Ian Clare, Coventry Ambassador Coventry Ambassadors were recruited to welcome the 7,000 people visiting the website and 575 world to the city. In addition some 2,000 gamesmakers applications received. After a rigorous selection During the Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, the were based at the City of Coventry Stadium throughout programme the 330 ambassadors were appointed Coventry Ambassadors came together in Millennium the games-time period, supporting the venue’s catering, and trained. Many supported the Olympic Football Place to watch and celebrate the Games and reflect transport, press operations, spectator services and qualification event held at the City of Coventry on their role in putting the city on the map. security. Stadium in April, the two days the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay was in the city and the Since London 2012 the work of the Coventry The Coventry Ambassadors Programme was a Paralympic Flame Celebration event. During the eight Ambassadors has continued with over 80 supporting partnership between the City Council and Coventry match days the ambassadors provided a warm the city’s half marathon event in October. University with support from Voluntary Action Coventry welcome to the city as well as information and advice and CSW Sport. It was coordinated, along with to spectators arriving at all the key transport hubs and A social enterprise, Positive Youth Foundation, similar schemes at the ten other local authority venues around the stadium. recruited 12 young people, aged 15 to 18 years, to outside London, by the Government Olympic be young ambassadors. These young people Executive (GOE). welcomed visitors to the city as part of their role and “Great atmosphere outside the stadium, helped to deliver mini-Olympic events across a number fans commenting we had a great city.” of sites in the city. “Volunteers who gave their time, boundless enthusiasm and goodwill have the right to Deb Hunt, Coventry Ambassador say: I made London 2012.” Throughout London 2012 a total of 14,000 volunteer “Coventry should be really proud of all Lord Sebastian Coe, KBE, hours were provided by the Coventry Ambassadors, the Olympic volunteers and your whole Chair of London 2012 which is an equivalent to an economic value of community who gave the whole Games £163,800 (source: Volunteering England). a wonderful atmostphere.” The work of the Coventry Ambassador scheme not Spectator at the Olympic Football only supported the Olympic events but also helped develop the volunteers, with 83 per cent of Coventry Ambassadors stating they had personally gained from the experience by, for example, feeling appreciated, increasing confidence, gaining experience, feeling proud or making new friends. In addition, 97 per cent 14000 volunteer hours at an equivalent value of £163,800 rated their experience as very good or excellent and 100 per cent stated they would consider volunteering 83 per cent of ambassadors stated they had gained from their experience; 97 per cent rated again. their experience as very good or excellent; and 100 per cent would consider volunteering again The programme captured the prestigious Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award for Volunteering 2012 12 13 Inspiring a Generation

In keeping with London 2012’s mission to ‘Inspire a Get Set Africa Inspires Opportunity 2012 - Young Ambassadors Generation’ Coventry delivered a range of initiatives The official London 2012 education programme ‘Get Supporting London 2012’s promise to inspire the The social enterprise, Positive Youth Foundation, to engage children and young people in sporting Set’ was designed to get school pupils thinking about youth of the world, Africa Inspires linked schools from identified 12 young people, aged 15 to 18 years, activities. the Olympic and Paralympic values – with games, Coventry with schools in Kampala, Uganda for an 18 referred by agencies, and supported them to be fact sheets, films, news articles and much more. The month project around the themes of sports Young Ambassadors. The young people welcomed Festival of Sport vast majority (82 per cent) of schools across the city development and access to clean drinking water. visitors to the city and helped with sports events in the Providing year 7 pupils with the chance to try Olympic became part of the Get Set network. build up to London 2012. Participants were very and Paralympic sports, the Festival of Sport The five secondary schools - Caludon Castle, Lyng inspired by their experiences with Opportunity 2012 Hall, Stoke Park, Foxford and Westwood, as well as with three now taking formal sports coaching encouraged young people to adopt the Olympic and We have had loads of Olympic themed activities Paralympic values of respect, excellence, friendship, “ five primary schools - Wyken Croft, Stoke Heath, qualifications and two invited to join the Youth courage, determination, inspiration and equality and that have motivated the pupils to really get Stoke, Grangehurst and Cannon Park - came up with Advisory group for the national Positive Futures to apply them positively to their everyday lives. The involved and celebrate London 2012. creative and entrepreneurial ideas to raise funding for programme. five day event was supported annually by coaches Our participation in Get Set and London 2012 a water harvesting system in their twinned school. and sports clubs giving youngsters a direct route into has encouraged our whole school community to Support for the project was also secured from the these sports. try out new sports and become active.” Rotary Clubs in both Coventry and Kampala.

Since 2009, the Festival, which was awarded the Rebecca Bollands, Park Hill Primary School, Teachers and students from the Coventry schools London 2012 Inspire Mark, has been enjoyed by more Guard of Honour at Opening Ceremony visited Kampala to join their Ugandan partners and than 7,500 children. Sports included track and field provide sports coaching in the lead up to an Olympic athletics, volleyball, handball, fencing and wheelchair Sportivate style tournament at Makerere University, with more basketball. Youngsters have also been able to hone The lottery funded project, Sportivate, gave more than than 1,200 young people taking part. Over the 18 their dance moves by creating opening and closing 6,000 young people across Coventry, Solihull and month project, Africa Inspires provided five new ceremonies for the Festival to provide a realistic Warwickshire the chance to receive six weeks of water tanks and new IT equipment as well as Games experience for those involved. The Festival has coaching in a sport of their choice. The £660,000 sports coaching for teachers. been supported by Coventry Primary Care Trust, Sport England programme gave the 14 to 25 year Centro, Coventry Sports Foundation, Coventry School olds opportunities to receive coaching in activities Sports Partnership and the City Council. including archery, dance, judo, ice hockey, sailing, 360 schools registered for the Get Set Education programme across Coventry and Warwickshire with 82 per cent windsurfing and table tennis. of Coventry schools becoming part of the network

44 Coventry projects awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark, given to projects that embrace the Olympic and Paralympic values

More than 7500 children participated in the Festival of Sport project, over four years, raising awareness of Olympic and Paralympic sport

Three Coventry schools - Edgwick, Limbrick Wood and Park Hill Primary schools - were chosen by London 2012 organisers to be part of the Guard of Honour at the Opening Ceremony

Five schools were awarded Plan Your 2012 Funding as part of the London 2012 Education Programme 14 15 BackingInspiring local a Generation business

InSecuring keeping economic with London benefits 2012’s for themission city andto ‘Inspire region a GetEast andSet one for Coventry North West. Another 11 Africa Inspires Opportunity 2012 - Young Ambassadors Generation’from London Coventry2012 was delivered always a keyrange focus. of initiatives It is Twerehe official awarded London to companies 2012 education within Northprogramme ‘Get Supporting London 2012’s promise to inspire the The social enterprise, Positive Youth Foundation, toestimated engage thatchildren a minimum and young of 367 people different in sporting Set’Warwickshire. was designed to get school pupils thinking about youth of the world, Africa Inspires linked schools from identified 12 young people, aged 15 to 18 years, activities.organisations in the West Midlands region won the Olympic and Paralympic values – with games, Coventry with schools in Kampala, Uganda for an 18 referred by agencies, and supported them to be tenders to supply London 2012 directly, or projects “factThe sheets,Olympic films, Torch news is articles the most and prestigious much more. order The month project around the themes of sports Young Ambassadors. The young people welcomed Festivalrelated to Londonof Sport 2012. There will be numerous vastthe firmmajority has (82 ever per worked cent) of on schools and itacross has beenthe city an development and access to clean drinking water. visitors to the city and helped with sports events in the benefits buried in the supply chains of the many Providing year 7 pupils with the chance to try Olympic becamehonour partfor theof the whole Get Setteam. network. Working on the build up to London 2012. Participants were very andbuildings Paralympic on Olympic sports, Park, the Festivaland other of Sport2012 The five secondary schools - Caludon Castle, Lyng inspired by their experiences with Opportunity 2012 related projects. biggest contract in the public eye, you can’t tell Hall, Stoke Park, Foxford and Westwood, as well as with three now taking formal sports coaching encouraged young people to adopt the Olympic and We have had loads of Olympic themed activities Paralympic values of respect, excellence, friendship, “Lord Coe it’s going to be late! I have to admit five primary schools - Wyken Croft, Stoke Heath, qualifications and two invited to join the Youth From 2009, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of that have motivated the pupils to really get courage, determination, inspiration and equality and there have been a few sleepless nights but it has Stoke, Grangehurst and Cannon Park - came up with Advisory group for the national Positive Futures Commerce supported businesses to make the most of involved and celebrate London 2012. creative and entrepreneurial ideas to raise funding for to apply them positively to their everyday lives. The been worth it.” programme. fivethe opportunitiesday event was that supported the Games annually could bybring. coaches As well Our participation in Get Set and London 2012 a water harvesting system in their twinned school. andas pitching sports clubsfor contracts, giving youngsters businesses a weredirect urged route tointo hasGez encouragedHalton, The Premier our whole Group school community to Support for the project was also secured from the gear up for an influx of tourists from around the world. these sports. try out new sports and become active.” Rotary Clubs in both Coventry and Kampala.

SinceThe biggest 2009, contract the Festival, won whichby a Coventry was awarded firm was the Rebecca Bollands, Park Hill Primary School, Teachers and students from the Coventry schools Londonawarded 2012 to The Inspire Premier Mark, Group has tobeen manufacture enjoyed bythe more Guard of Honour at Opening Ceremony visited Kampala to join their Ugandan partners and thanOlympic 7,500 and children. Paralympic Sports torch, included secured track through and field the provide sports coaching in the lead up to an Olympic official Olympic procurement system. Coventry and athletics, volleyball, handball, fencing and wheelchair Sportivate style tournament at Makerere University, with more the West Midlands are famed for its expertise in basketball. Youngsters have also been able to hone The lottery funded project, Sportivate, gave more than than 1,200 young people taking part. Over the 18 precision engineering and manufacturing and their dance moves by creating opening and closing 6,000 young people across Coventry, Solihull and month project, Africa Inspires provided five new companies such as the Premier Group continue this ceremonies for the Festival to provide a realistic Warwickshire the chance to receive six weeks of water tanks and new IT equipment as well as tradition. Through the Torch Relay, this skill and Games experience for those involved. The Festival has coaching in a sport of their choice. The £660,000 sports coaching for teachers. expertise was seen by millions of people across the been supported by Coventry Primary Care Trust, Sport England programme gave the 14 to 25 year UK, and also millions more from around the world Centro, Coventry Sports Foundation, Coventry School olds opportunities to receive coaching in activities through international broadcasting of the event. Sports Partnership and the City Council. including archery, dance, judo, ice hockey, sailing, 360 schools registered for the Get Set Education programme across Coventry and Warwickshire with 82 per cent windsurfing and table tennis. of Coventry schools becoming part of the network The torch’s triangular, gold-coloured form is perforated by 8,000 circles representing the 8,000 44 Coventry projects awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark, given to projects that embrace the Olympic and torchbearers and their stories of personal Paralympic values achievement and/or contribution to their local community. The design, engineering and manufacture 95 businesses in the area (21 within the city of More than 7500 children participated in the Festival of Sport project, over four years, raising awareness of of the torch celebrates the best of British talent. Coventry) secured Olympics related contracts worth Olympic and Paralympic sport over £30m to Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Each of the city’s three parliamentary constituencies Three Coventry schools - Edgwick, Limbrick Wood and Park Hill Primary schools - were chosen by London 2012 secured Games-related contracts with 15 contracts for The Premier Group won the high profile contract to organisers to be part of the Guard of Honour at the Opening Ceremony companies in Coventry South, five for Coventry North manufacture over 9,000 Olympic and Paralympic Five schools were awarded Plan Your 2012 Funding as part of the London 2012 Education Programme 146 torches 15 Sporting city Legacy League A new league for girls’ football was one of many Some 29 talented athletes were awarded bursaries in The Hall of Fame celebrates the Coventry and positive results of the city hosting women’s football 2012 to help them develop their sporting potential. A Warwickshire Olympic and Paralympic legends and during London 2012. The initiative saw The Ricoh total of 125 bursaries had been awarded leading up their achievements in a comprehensive database of Arena and Coventry City Council joining forces with to the Games by the Coventry and Warwickshire 2012 biographies and competition results dating back to the Birmingham County FA to inspire girls at schools in Partnership, supported by Warwickshire County 1900. More than 100 legends were given a Coventry and Warwickshire to play football. Council and Coventry City Council to support commemorative medal in recognition of their coaching, equipment and travel costs. achievement and many were involved in London 2012 The league, for year nine and ten students also earned events. The project has enabled past and present an Inspire Mark from London 2012 and ran from Olympic and Paralympic athletes to share their September to November in 2012 and then February Celebrating Our Sporting Greats experiences by becoming ambassadors through talks, to April in 2012. With support from Coventry City Coventry is proud of its sporting heroes and its tradition athlete mentoring and promoting the benefits of sport. Football Club, 176 girls from 15 schools participated. of producing world-class athletes. London 2012 was an opportunity to celebrate Olympians and Paralympians from the past and use them to inspire the Join In Community Games next generation of local sporting hopefuls. Sports clubs across the city got involved in the national Local communities across Coventry hosted more than initiative ‘Join In’ encouraging people to consider 40 events with funding from the Coventry Community joining a sports club and taking up sport after watching Games Fund. The fund encouraged local communities “It has been lovely to have our achievements London 2012. Nationally, an estimated 250,000 to celebrate London 2012 at grassroots level by recognised and celebrated through the people turned up at open days at 6,000 sports events providing sporting and cultural activities to local Legends Programme. But most of all I have across Britain with 40 opening their doors in Coventry. people. Grants of up to £1,500 were available from Local athletics club, Coventry Godiva Harriers, were Legacy Trust UK and a toolkit provided tips and enjoyed meeting old friends as well as inundated with enquiries from young people wanting advice on organising the event. inspiring young people and encouraging to take up the sport. people of all ages to get involved in sport.” Thousands of people took part in the Community Sheila Carey, Olympian, 1968 and 1972 Games events in Coventry with almost half a million “For the first time in the club’s 133 year history involved across the West Midlands. we have had to introduce a waiting list for young athletes!” In a survey, 22 per cent of residents or family members have been inspired to take part in more sport and leisure Bill Adcocks, Secretary of Coventry Godiva Harriers activities as a result of the Olympics Athletics Club 40 sports clubs across Coventry supported the ‘Join In’ weekend inviting people to take up their sport

Local communities across Coventry hosted 40 Community Games events

29 bursaries were awarded to young elite athletes in 2012 taking the Bursary Scheme total to 125 bursaries over five years

Seven Coventry people who worked in grassroots sport were nominated to attend the Olympic Games opening 16 and closing ceremonies 17

SportingCoventry’s city moment to shine Legacy League A new league for girls’ football was one of many positive results of the city hosting women’s football SomeThe 70 29 day talented London athletes 2012 wereOlympic awarded Torch Relaybursaries was in a Theinternational Hall of Fame footballer, celebrates Kanu. the Then Coventry it was andthe turn of during London 2012. The initiative saw The Ricoh 2012huge opportunityto help them to develop help get their the Olympicsporting potential.message A WarwickshireDebbie Horton Olympic to carry andthe FlameParalympic into the legends park and and Arena and Coventry City Council joining forces with totalacross of the125 country, bursaries raise had awareness been awarded and anticipation leading up theirlight theachievements cauldron. Debbiein a comprehensive was put forward database for her of the Birmingham County FA to inspire girls at schools in toof thethe Gamesforthcoming by the Games, Coventry and and develop Warwickshire a sense of 2012 biographiescampaigning and work competition to ensure thatresults young dating people’s back to Coventry and Warwickshire to play football. Partnership,pride for people supported in all areasby Warwickshire of the country. County In addition 1900.voices areMore heard than in100 their legends local communities. were given a Councilthe Torch and Relay Coventry provided City tourism Council and to economicsupport commemorative medal in recognition of their The league, for year nine and ten students also earned coaching,benefits. equipment and travel costs. achievementDuring the build and up many to the were Flame’s involved arrival in Londonthe crowds 2012 an Inspire Mark from London 2012 and ran from events.were entertained The project by has local enabled dancers, past Freeman and present Dance September to November in 2012 and then February Coventry hosted one of 66 evening celebrations on Olympicperforming and ‘Gangsters’ Paralympic as athletes well as to Morning share their Parade Celebrating Our Sporting Greats to April in 2012. With support from Coventry City day 44 and more than 40,000 people lined the streets experiencesand Twist and by Pulse. becoming Seventeen ambassadors children, through all born talks, on Football Club, 176 girls from 15 schools participated. Coventryof the city is to proud celebrate of its our sporting moment heroes to shine. and its tradition athlete20 December mentoring 2004, and were promoting welcomed the benefits onto the of stage sport. of producing world-class athletes. London 2012 was as part of the Children’s Promise - a London 2012 an opportunity to celebrate Olympians and The city had already celebrated those honoured to be Joininitiative. In Local theatre company Talking Birds Community Games Paralympianstorchbearers with from a the reception past and hosted use them by the to Leaderinspire ofthe performed a specially commissioned finale, ‘Song for nextthe Council, generation Cllr ofJohn local Mutton, sporting and hopefuls. Olympian and Chair SportsPhoenix’, clubs described across the as citya love got letter involved to the in city the ofnational Local communities across Coventry hosted more than of West Midlands 2012, David Moorcroft. initiativeCoventry. ‘Join In’ encouraging people to consider torchbearer,40 events with was funding a Somalian from the asylum Coventry seeker Community when he joining a sports club and taking up sport after watching arrivedGames inFund. this Thecountry fund aged encouraged 13. He waslocal fostered communities by “It has been lovely to have our achievements On Sunday 1 July 20,000 gathered in the sunshine in LondonThe evening 2012. celebration Nationally, was an theestimated largest 250,000event in the localto celebrate couple, London Mary and 2012 Dave at grassrootsHart and level by therecognised War Memorial and Park celebrated to welcome through the Olympic the peopleMidlands turned with upRadio at open One daysbroadcasts at 6,000 saying sports the events achievedproviding numeroussporting and qualifications. cultural activities to local FlameLegends to the Programme. city. Thousands But had most lined of the all route I have as the acrosscrowds Britain were thewith biggest 40 opening seen so their far! doors in Coventry. people. Grants of up to £1,500 were available from Local athletics club, Coventry Godiva Harriers, were Legacy Trust UK and a toolkit provided tips and Torchenjoyed Relay meeting arrived in old Coventry friends after as visiting well as In a moving moment, Ali carried the Olympic Flame inundated with enquiries from young people wanting throughadvice on the organising Cathedral thegrounds event. to the sounds of the Kenilworth,inspiring youngWarwick people and Stratford-upon-Avon and encouraging earlier Despite grey skies and the early morning start, in the day. Crowds outside the park saw 16 year old tothousands take up thelined sport. the streets the following day to see the Three Spires Choir and into the newly refurbished Chanelpeople Carter of all - nominatedages to getfor herinvolved resilience in andsport. ” Olympic Flame leave the city. At just before 7am the Broadgate.Thousands ofSchoolchildren people took part lined in the the route Community and businessesGames events heeded in Coventry advice towith open almost early. half This a million determinationSheila Carey, Olympian,following the1968 amputation and 1972 of part of her Forfirst torchbearer,the first time 18 inyear the old club’s Ali Abdillahi, 133 year left the history right leg - hand over the Olympic Flame to former “Transport Museum in Millennium Place heading for contributedinvolved across to a thegreat West atmosphere Midlands. in the city and along thewe city’shave Cathedral. had to introduceAli, the council’s a waiting nominated list for the route. Before leaving the city, the flame paid a visit young athletes!” to the City of Coventry Stadium where triathlete Tim DonIn a survey,carried 22the pertorch cent and of was residents welcomed or family by pupils members have been inspired to take part in more sport and leisure Bill Adcocks, Secretary of Coventry Godiva Harriers fromactivities John as Shelton a result Primary of the School,Olympics Daniel Gidney, Athletics Club former Chief Executive of the City of Coventry 42,000 saw the Olympic Torch in Coventry - or 13 per Stadium40 sports and clubs Council across Leader, Coventry Cllr supported John Mutton. the ‘Join In’ weekendcent ofinviting the population people to take up their sport

Local televisioncommunities and across radio Coventrycovered thehosted events 40 andCommunity the GamesAn estimated events total economic spend of £214,000 torchbearers were in demand for interviews and including £52,800 from outside the area was generated photographs29 bursaries aswere they awarded returned to with young their elite families athletes to thein 2012 taking the Bursary Scheme total to 125 bursaries over Transportfive years Museum to be met by Lord Mayor Cllr Tim Twenty torchbearers from Coventry carried the Olympic Sawdon, many of the city’s Olympians and Paralympians, Flame during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Seven Coventry people who worked in grassroots sport were nominated to attend the Olympic Games opening and some of the Coventry Ambassadors. 164 and closing ceremonies 175

Cultural Coventry

The West Midlands region embraced the Cultural Olympiad with an amazing 964 projects taking place between 2008 and 2012. More than 2.7 million people attended Cultural Olympiad events and activities in the West Midlands. Godiva Awakes, one of the higher profile projects in the Cultural Olympiad, was a £2.4 million project, including £1.35 million from private sector funding and was seen by was full with more than 1,800 people and many more audiences of more than 530,000 raising the profile watching on the screen in Millennium Place. of Lady Godiva and the city. The project brought Coventry’s iconic Lady Godiva into the modern era Award-winning classical composer James MacMillan with Imagineer, a Coventry based performance was commissioned to celebrate the Cathedral’s Golden company staging a re-awakening followed by a Jubilee as part of the London 2012 Festival and his remarkable journey to London. Godiva awoke to a piece, Gloria, featured in a special Jubilee Concert spectacular performance from the Godiva Choir, held in July that was attended by 2,000 people. dancers, carnivalists and 220 young people in a procession, marking the unveiling of a Godiva for the modern age. After leading the city’s carnival, the next “The reception we received from all the day Godiva left the streets of Coventry powered by places we passed through each day was 100 cyclists to London, home of the Olympic and fantastic.” Paralympic Games. On route thousands came to see Stuart Berry, Godiva cyclist her and many communities held special celebrations.

In total Godiva Awakes consisted of 37 performances, 596 workshops with 11,700 participants, watched by 530,699 people and producing some £1.2 million in Eleven per cent of West Midlands Cultural Olympiad audiences were at Coventry projects advertising value. It also created numerous jobs, apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities. 4,000 people watched the spectacular opening performance of Godiva Awakes in University Square Cathedral Golden Jubilee and Broadgate Coventry is known as a city of Peace and Godiva Awakes was watched by 530,699 spectators Reconciliation and 2012 acted as a catalyst to raising the profile of Lady Godiva and the city celebrate the city’s heritage and Coventry Cathedral's 19 of Coventry’s twin cities provided a special Golden Jubilee. In May, a special service marked 50 piece of cloth as a contribution to the Godiva Awakes years to the day when Queen Elizabeth II attended project the consecration of the new cathedral in 1962. The service, attended by HRH The Princess Royal, was 294,800 people attended or took part in Cultural led by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Cathedral Olympiad projects in Coventry 18 Going global “As someone born and bred in Coventry, I am so proud of the city’s contribution to the success of London 2012. The city really embraced the spirit of the Games with the Widespread media coverage – local, regional, Torch Relay and an array of arts, sporting and cultural projects. It proved it could national and international – was overwhelmingly deliver on the biggest stage and do so with a big smile.” positive and Coventry featured in articles across the world, such as in the Oman Tribune, All Africa, Bahamas Weekly, Panamanian News, Prensa Latina David Moorcroft, Chair, West Midlands 2012 and Washington Post. Three film crews from the Far East filmed extensively in Coventry and interviewed key city figures for broadcast on national TV stations.

Coventry’s Spectacular Summer in Numbers: The website www.coventry.gov.uk/london2012 received more than 105,000 unique visitors in just 12 Olympic football matches three months leading up to the Games and the target of 2,012 followers on twitter @coventry2012 was “Whether the feelgood factor generated by 170,596 spectators at City of Coventry Stadium achieved by the beginning of the Games. co-hosting the Olympics is sustained or not, the 14,262 paid accommodation visits to the city city is now in a better position than it was before A London 2012 in Coventry mobile app was the Olympics, having a purpose built events area, 42,000 people saw the Olympic Torch in Coventry developed locally and launched across seven platforms with 60,000 downloads from more than a pool of volunteers and an enhanced track record 95 local businesses won Olympic contracts 150 countries. of hosting major events.” 360 schools took part in Get Set Representatives from several of Coventry’s twin cities Corporate Research, Coventry City Council 530,699 saw Godiva ‘awake’ and travel to London visited Coventry from 28 to 30 July to attend the Olympic Football and the spectacular Godiva Awakes. Over £50 million to the Coventry economy Over £7.1m worth of PR value through media coverage

Some 870 journalists from around the world attended the Olympic Football in Coventry sending copy, photos “The Games have had a massive impact on us, at what is normally a quiet time of year. Our and film footage across the world restaurants have done really well too. My figures for last week were 94 per cent up against Coventry’s London 2012 mobile app achieved my budget which is just amazing. Most spend is from the Olympic guests.” 60,000 downloads from more than 150 countries

Local hotel operator More than 600 ‘likes’ on Facebook (www.facebook.com/coventry2012), more than 2,012 Twitter followers (@coventry2012) and 7871 hits on YouTube

Sources: ‘Analysing the impact of London 2012 on the city of Coventry and surrounding area’ Coventry City Council Corporate Research, Nov 2012

‘London 2012 Nations and Regions Group End of Games Report’ West 2 Midlands for 2012 19 “The City of Coventry Stadium is a superb venue for football and the local people’s enthusiasms as shown by the excellent attendances at matches really contributed Our London 2012 Journey to the tournaments’ overall success.”

Joseph S. Blatter, Fifa President

www.coventry.gov.uk/london2012 [email protected]

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