Press Release 06 July 2011

Eight schools across Nottinghamshire came together to celebrate links with their Brazilian partner schools through International Inspiration, London 2012’s international sporting legacy programme for children and young people around the world.

More than 120 pupils demonstrated their leadership skills developed through the programme during a two-day celebration event at Nottingham Trent University on 4 - 5 July 2011. Since teachers from Nottinghamshire first visited Brazil in 2008, Brazilian dance and sport have reached new levels of fame throughout the county. Today, Young Leaders are inspiring other young people to take part in sports and dance that they have learnt from their Brazilian partner schools such as capoeira, frevo, boccia and handball, motivating more young people to engage in PE and sport across Nottinghamshire.

As well as showing the benefits of International Inspiration school links for young people, teachers and the community, the event is also the first step in establishing a mutually beneficial link between the schools and Nottingham Trent University – helping to ensure that the benefits of the school links continue well beyond the London 2012 Games.   

This is the first time that an Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee has launched a programme like this with the London 2012 Games as the catalyst for this ambitious engagement through sport programme.

Launched in India, International Inspiration aims to use the power of physical education, sport and play to enrich the lives of millions of children and young people of all abilities in twenty countries across the world. From Azerbaijan to Zambia, International Inspiration empowers young people, many in difficult situations in their countries, to become leaders in their schools and communities, building their confidence and self esteem, as well as encouraging them to realise their ambition and full potential. They then become powerful advocates for change, helping others to improve their lives.

Julie Foster, Head of PE at Minster School in Southwell said: “Before International Inspiration one of our students wouldn’t make eye contact and found communication with others difficult. He is now fully engaged in school life and even leading sports sessions for adults. It has been an inspiration to see.”

School partnerships are an integral part of International Inspiration, providing an opportunity for teachers, children and young people to develop and share innovative approaches to PE, sport and play in the classroom and their local community - as well as learning about and understanding each other’s cultures, experiences and international development issues. These schools in Nottinghamshire are part of over 200 schools in the UK currently linked to a school overseas through International Inspiration.

The school partnerships are managed by the British Council, which has long experience of linking schools internationally, working in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, which utilises its expertise in developing teachers and young leaders through sport.

Jackie Barnett, Teacher, St Giles School in Retford said “The links we have made with our partner school in Brazil have been fantastic – integrating children with impairments into school through sport is a massive undertaking, but this is now taking shape.”

Seb Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committtee said: “Our vision is to use the power of the London 2012 Games to inspire lasting change – and changing lives is the driving force behind our plans. We took a very clear promise to Singapore – to encourage the youth of the world to choose sport – and the involvement of the schools in Nottinghamshire is another key step towards delivering that promise. Sport can be a great force for good, and the International Inspiration programme will play a real role in improving the lives of young people around the world through sport.”  

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