25 February, 2008
What's on - Get Set London, GO!
February 2008 
Media Release
Get Set London, GO!
London 2012 Roadshow to arrive in Bexley
As part of the preparations for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to celebrate the fact that London's Olympiad begins in August 2008, the Get Set London Roadshow will arrive in Bexley on Monday 3 March 2008 from 10:00hrs to 17:00hrs at The Mall Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 7JN
London 2012, The Mayor of London and the London Development Agency (LDA) have created the roadshow to give Londoners a unique opportunity to find out how the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will increase jobs and skills opportunities and benefit culture, sport, business and regeneration in the capital and in their local borough.
The Deputy Mayor of the London Borough of Bexley, Councillor Nick O'Hare will officially launch the Roadshow at 11am.
Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee explained how the Games will benefit sport in the capital, "The London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are a once in a lifetime opportunity for our capital city. Winning the right to host the Games in 2012 brings a wide range of opportunities to the city both on and off the sporting field - and inspiring young people and changing lives is the driving force behind our plans. We want London 2012 to be 'Everyone's Games', with a wide range of opportunities for Londoners to get involved, not just in the summer of 2012, but starting now. Many of these opportunities already exist, and more will follow - and we are bringing to Get Set London Roadshow to every London borough to make sure residents are aware of the many ways they can join in and be part of 2012."
Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London commented on the legacy that London 2012 will bring to the capital, "The Games is already delivering its lasting legacy. We have seen a number of programmes start up providing support to businesses, improving skills, securing jobs and delivering infrastructure improvements, and it has been encouraging to see the eagerness of Londoners to realise their potential and get involved. Today's launch of the Five Legacy Commitment Document sets out our aims and achievements to developing this legacy further, and the London Roadshow is key in ensuring we up our game to give everyone, from all backgrounds, the opportunity to benefit from the once in a lifetime opportunity the 2012 Games offer."
Manny Lewis, the Chief Executive of London Development Agency expanded on the business and skills opportunities at the Games, "The Roadshow is a fantastic tool to highlight how the LDA is delivering a legacy now through the Games. We want to engage as many people as possible with the training programmes and job opportunities. Our goal is to get 70,000 people across London into work by 2012.
"The borough visits will also reach out to local business communities. We will be able to offer advice in preparing their services for the Games and how to compete for contracts in everything from construction and tourism to hospitality and technology."
Councillor Peter Catterall, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Arts and Tourism in Bexley, adds that 'The Olympics are coming and the reputation of our country and city depends upon making them a resounding success. It is important that local people and businesses are aware of the opportunities that they may provide: whether through participating as volunteers; businesses pursuing the wide range of work a project as huge of this will generate; or through seeking to add to the Olympic legacy already secured for Bexley. I therefore hope that this roadshow will be very well-attended.'
Peter Sedge, General Manager of The Mall, Bexleyheath, was equally enthusiastic, saying that 'The Mall is delighted to be working in partnership with Council officers to highlight such fantastic opportunities to Bexley residents'.
Through a range of different sized pods this unique Roadshow is visiting all 33 London boroughs, between January - April 2008. These local events will take place in shopping centres, parks and town square and are aimed at the whole community. The pods will feature interactive sporting equipment, as well information on the opportunities for jobs, skills development and business in each local area. There will also be free dance and music workshops from China Arts and The Frititi African Drumming and Dance group.
As part of the roadshow event, musical acts have been auditioning for the incredible opportunity to perform during the Handover celebration in London in August 2008.
The Get Set London roadshow auditions were held in association with ITV London, who have been filming the audition process for their flagship daily news show, London Tonight.
ITV London viewers are invited to vote for the acts by going to http://www.itvlocal.com/london/2012vote
A final will be held in Newham on Saturday 6th April 2008, for the coveted chance to perform at the handover celebrations in London on behalf of our great city.
- Ends -
Notes to Editor:
• To find out when the 'Get Set London' Roadshow will be visiting each London borough and when the auditions will be taking place, please visit www.london2012.com
• The London Development Agency works to improve quality of life for all Londoners and drive sustainable economic growth
For further information please contact Freud Communications:
Alex Village
Freud Communications
020 3003 6376
alex.village@freud.com