A nationwide campaign which aims to use the inspirational power
of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to motivate the British
public to give time in their communities was unveiled today.
The 25th Hour campaign, which has received the London 2012
Inspire Mark, will build over the next 28 months to create a
lasting legacy that will touch all parts of the UK. It will be
launched at the Olympic Park in East London by Olympics Minister
Tessa Jowell, LOCOG Chair Seb Coe and Terry Ryall, Chief
Executive of v, the National Young Volunteers' Service.
The 25th Hour, which is separate to the official London 2012
Volunteer programme, is based on the idea that we can all find
the extra hour and more to make a difference.
It will tap into the existing enthusiasm among individuals to
give time to the places where they live and work. A recent survey
on attitudes to London 2012 for DCMS showed that a third of
people in the UK say they would give up their time for an
Olympic-inspired activity - with even greater enthusiasm among
young people, 48 per cent of whom say they would give up their
time.
The 25th Hour will also celebrate the outstanding contributions
of exceptional time givers with a range of London 2012-themed
awards, including 2,012 pairs of tickets to a unique money can't
buy moment the chance to see the dress rehearsal of the 2012
Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.
And because the 25th Hour is a national movement, the campaign
will use one day every year to celebrate our achievements
together. In October, when the clocks go back and we are all
given a real 25th Hour, there will be a national celebration of
giving time.
25th Hour supporters will be able to pledge their time via the
campaign's website http://www.the25thhour.org/ - developed by v, the
National Young Volunteers' Service. From June this year the site
will link people directly to opportunities to give time in their
area. People can sign up now to show their support for the 25th
Hour and receive updates on campaign activity.
Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tessa 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."
Chair of LOCOG Sebastian Coe said:
"Our vision is to use the power of the Games to inspire lasting change. They offer a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something extraordinary, to
inspire everyone to use their passion to help others. The 25th
Hour will allow all of us to make a contribution and achieve our
own personal best and leave a lasting legacy in our communities."
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: "The London 2012 Games
bring with them a once in a lifetime opportunity to tap into
people's enthusiasm for giving their time. 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".
Dame Tanni-Grey-Thompson, Britain's most successful ever
paralympian and trustee of The National Young Volunteers'
Service said:
"We're delighted to be supporting the 25th hour
campaign, using the power of 2012 to harness the talents, energy
and enthusiasm of new generation of young volunteers. The 25th
Hour will inspire all of us, and especially young people, to make
a contribution and achieve our own Personal Best. Together we can
achieve something extraordinary if we find a little extra time."
Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe said:
"Volunteers are often seen as the unsung heroes of our
communities, but this is about to change. From coaching to
helping out with kit and catering, people who give their time for
the good of their local area will not only feel personally
rewarded but will be in with a chance to be the first to see the
dress rehearsal of the Opening Ceremony in 2012. I would urge
everyone across the country to get involved and play their part
in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
The 25th Hour is already backed by a coalition of national sports
organisations, charities and voluntary organisations.
In the coming months coalition members will create bespoke
projects and opportunities inspired by 2012, enabling individuals
to give their time to causes they care about in their local area.
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.
To find out more about how to give time visit http://www.the25thhour.org/