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Region celebrates the two-year countdown to London 2012 Games

August 2010

The two-year countdown to the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games was celebrated by hundreds across South West England last weekend when they took up the challenge to try a new activity during national London 2012 Open Weekend.

Georgina Harland, modern pentathlon bronze medallist at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, launched the 2,012-second activity challenge at Saltash Leisure Centre – one of 18 Cornwall leisure centres challenging people to try something new or a achieve a new personal best.

In Dorset, Wenlock, one of the Olympic Mascots, greeted walkers who completed the 17-mile Ridgeway Charity Challenge - in aid of the British Heart Foundation. Other events across the region included festivals, discovering more about the environment, and orienteering.

July 27 also marked the launch of the first phase of the London 2012 Volunteer Programme which is directed at specialist volunteers such as medics, timekeepers and people with language skills. The generalist Volunteer Programme – looking for people to help with driving, issuing uniforms, stewarding – will take applications from September 15. To find out more or register your interest, go to www.london2012.com/volunteering

The South West RDA leads Team South West, the partnership of regional organisations ensuring that the South West takes advantage of the many opportunities offered by the 2012 Games.

These include business contracts, schools being part of the London 2012 education programme ‘Get Set’ and everyone having the opportunity to be part of the Cultural Olympiad.

Find out more about Team South West and how to get involved at www.teamsouthwest.co.uk