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 - all you need do is sign up to become a Local Leader and run your own Games-linked events.

That's the message from the Royal Borough which is backing London 2012 plans to get everyone involved in the Games at a local level.

Cllr Simon Dudley, cabinet lead member for the Games, said: "This one is right up our street. Local Leaders are people who are natural organisers and doers - the ones you go to when you want something done. The Royal Borough is full of energetic people, organisations, sports clubs and charities and we want as many as possible to plan Olympic and Paralympic-themed events this year, particularly linking to the Torch Relay and during the Games themselves.

"The aim is to celebrate the Games across the country and I know there will be residents and organisations with some really bright ideas to create a real party atmosphere here in the Royal Borough."

Being a Local Leader is simple. All people need is an idea to celebrate the Games, sign up to Games organiser LOCOG's* Local Leaders' programme and then get cracking. There are lots of ideas at www.london2012.com/get-involved/local-leaders/ as well as hints and tips on the kinds of events that could work well, materials to help advertise them and news about events being run by other Local Leaders around the UK.

Registering with Local Leaders means official London 2012 endorsement of events - whether running an event for three friends or a whole community.

Here are some ideas to get residents 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 big 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 a VIP 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.

Find out more and sign up at www.london2012.com/get-involved/local-leaders/ or email Local.Leaders@London2012.com

Note:
*LOCOG - London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games

How do you rate this information/service?