One of Shropshire’s key links to London 2012 is the small market town of Much Wenlock, whose annual Games were the original inspiration for the Modern Olympic Games and the highly successful West Midlands Cultural Olympiad programme, Community Games. In fact London 2012 paid homage to Much Wenlock,and the role it played in shaping the Modern Olympic movement, by naming the London 2012 Olympic mascot “Wenlock”.
However Shropshire isn’t just a historical reference to the Olympics, in 2012 its playing a crucial role too!
Lilleshall National Sports Centre will see the likes of Beth Tweddle and Louis Smith train here in the months before the Games, alongside other members of the British Gymnastics and Archery teams, for what will undoubtedly be the biggest sporting event of their lives. Ironbridge will also welcome the Olympic Flame as the Olympic Torch Relay passes through this historical site and is home to the Festival 2012 digital art installation, CORE.
Telford and Wrekin too is playing its role for the greatest show on earth and will have a spotlight on the district as the Olympic Flame passes through on the 30th May. In the run up to this and the Games, residents across the district are being invited to have their own London 2012 experience through various programmes, activities and events including a torch lantern lit walk, cultural festivals, tea dance, art competitions, school holiday activities, community games and lots more.
To find out more you can visit www.telford.gov.uk/thegamesandme and www.shropshire.gov.uk/london2012
If you have a specific query about how you can get involved with London 2012 across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin you can contact:
Telford & Wrekin:thegamesandme@telford.gov.uk
Shropshire:customer.service@shropshire.gov.uk, 0345 678 9000