Olympics minister Tessa Jowell is offering thousands of people the opportunity to preview the London 2012 Opening Ceremony in a bid to encourage people to give up a little of their time.
Jowell has launched the new nationwide scheme, The 25th Hour campaign, attempting to encourage people to help give a little more towards the Olympics.
The idea is based on the notion we could all give an extra hour to make a difference.
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The campaign will hand out rewards to exceptional givers, including 2,012 tickets to see the dress rehearsal of the opening show. It will also take one day a year celebrate peoples achievements.
The 25th hour has already been launched in East London at the Olympic park and has received the London 2012 Inspire Mark.
Jowell said: “Millions of people want to be involved in the Olympics when it comes.
“This campaign will give them a chance to do that by pledging their time to get involved in their communities and by doing so having the chance to go see the dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony.
“It’s not just for people who like sport either.
“Whether you love culture, education or the environment, this is a movement everyone can be a part of.”
The scheme is backed by a number of sporting organisations and charities, all volunteers.
In the next few months opportunities will be created to enable individuals who would like to get involved and to give their time towards local tasks.
The campaign will continue to recruit more organisations as it builds towards summer 2012 and the website will develop to direct people to available opportunities, allowing them to search by postcode and personal interest as well as post their personal experiences of giving time.
London Mayor Boris Johnson, “Most people don’t realise the positive impact one hour can make and the 25th hour campaign will help the many organisations in the capital and across the country that are looking for people to devote their time, energy and skills.
“There is great work in promoting volunteering already underway in London and I am championing at every opportunity the important role volunteers have to play before, during and after the Games.”
Erin Healey, Sportsister
The Women´s Sports Magazine
