Local Leaders

Bring the Games to your doorstep - sign up to be a Local Leader

You don't have to be a runner, rower or swimmer to be part of the Olympics and Paralympics this summer - be a Local Leader and run your own Games-linked events.

Visit the Local Leaders web pages to sign up and access further information on how you can play an active part now in preparing your community for when the Olympic Torch arrives in the UK and for the Games themselves.

Garden for the Games provides Local Leaders with hints and tips from gardening experts including Blue Peter's Chris Collins and Olympic Park Gardener Des Smith on how to plant seeds now that will turn window boxes down your street in red, white and blue, or 'grow gold' by planting marigolds.

Once the Olympic Torch flame arrives in the UK on 18 May, Local Leaders will be provided with ideas and tools to help bring the community together to welcome the flame and celebrate by lining the streets.

The Torch will be carried through the Royal Borough on Tuesday 10 July. Visit the Olympic Torch Relay web pages for more information.

Opening ceremony

On 27 July the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games will be watched by more than a billion people around the world, and Local Leaders will be given invitation cards, recipe tips, party sheets and more to help turn your screening of the event into an Olympic themed venue, whether it is in a village hall, pub or your own living room.

Super Saturday

Super Saturday is 4 August - the day when the most medals are awarded during the Games. Local Leaders will be able to access recipe ideas to help host barbeques and a day of activity in homes, gardens and community centres.

Paralympic Games

For the Paralympic Torch Relay, Local Leaders can help celebrate the lighting of the national flames in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales by lighting up every corner of the UK with a lantern. Local Leaders will be able to get hints and tips on how to take part in a lantern procession and decorate lanterns with good luck messages for their local Paralympic athletes.

For the last day of the Paralympic Games on 9 September Local Leaders will be provided with ideas for a Sunday get-together to see out an unforgettable summer in style.

By signing up to be a Local Leader you can get access to London 2012 branding, posters and toolkits. Whether you invite three friends or your whole community, London 2012 will provide you with the tools to make your celebration one to remember and create opportunities for family, friends and neighbours to join in.

You will also be able to put your celebration events on the London 2012 Join In listings website.

Here are some ideas to get you thinking:

• Line the streets
  The Olympic Torch is coming to Bisham, Maidenhead, Windsor and Ascot on 10 July. Get your friends and family together to welcome the flame as it passes through.
• Garden for the Games
  Spring into 2012 with gardening that marks this one-off occasion. Organise some themed planting in window boxes, indoor pots, gardens or allotments.
• Sports quiz
  Know your fencing from your football? Hold a sports quiz at home, your school, community group, church or pub to find the 'Brains of the Games'.
• Opening night in
  The opening ceremony is on Saturday 27 July so cook up a storm at home with themed recipes or create your own gala night as the Games get under way.
• Super Saturday
  Make Saturday 4 August a medal-winning weekend. Invite neighbours to a BBQ or other event and watch the Games together.
• Light a Lantern
  Glow with the glory of the Paralympic Games. Make a lantern and join a Flame Festival…or organise a lantern procession of your own.
• Last Day of the Games
  Sunday 9 September. Do something with friends, family, community, charity, church group or school to celebrate an extraordinary summer.
• Spread the word
  Do you know someone who's a natural organiser? Encourage them to become a Local Leader.

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