Schools Get Set for London 2012 with Grants to Plan Their Games

"Members of the Get Set network are brilliant advocates for London 2012 - demonstrating what a positive difference linking learning to the Games can make to young people.

"Participating in 'Plan your 2012’ gives engaged schools a fantastic opportunity to take the lead in supporting other schools and their local community, enabling them to make the most of London 2012."

Schools across England that are engaged with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are invited to apply for a grant of up to £8,800 to support other schools in their area to also get involved in London 2012 and make the most of opportunities available through the official London 2012 education programme ‘Get Set’.

The London Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) have worked closely with the Department for Education, who are funding the scheme, called ‘Plan your 2012’. ‘Plan your 2012’ will offer schools that join the London 2012 ‘Get Set network’ reward and recognition scheme the chance to share their passion for the Games, inspiring and engaging other schools, young people and building partnerships across their community.

The scheme was announced today by LOCOG Chair, Seb Coe and Children’s Minister, Tim Loughton at Leytonstone Business and Enterprise Specialist School in Waltham Forest. The school is a member of the Get Set network and is one of 42 schools who have already been awarded a grant in a pilot of the scheme - applications are now open for all qualifying schools that want to apply.

Leytonstone Business and Enterprise Specialist School in Waltham Forest will use their grant to engage pupils in primary schools within their community and develop the leadership skills of their own students.

LOCOG Chair, Seb Coe said: "We are delighted to be working even more closely with DfE, and the ‘Plan your 2012’ programme of grants will mean that more schools and more young people can be inspired by and benefit from local leadership and best practice in their area.

"Members of the Get Set network are brilliant advocates for London 2012 - demonstrating what a positive difference linking learning to the Games can make to young people.

"Participating in 'Plan your 2012’ gives engaged schools a fantastic opportunity to take the lead in supporting other schools and their local community, enabling them to make the most of London 2012.’

Children’s Minister, Tim Loughton said: "Sport can bring out the best in everyone and the London 2012 Games is a great opportunity for us to inspire a generation of young people. Through funding for Get Set we are helping schools spread the Olympic and Paralympic values across their local communities, as well as providing more opportunities for competitive sport."

Schools can find out more about the scheme and how to apply on the London 2012 ‘Get Set’ website www.london2012.com/getset. The second round of applications will open on 28 November and close on 6 January 2012.

Schools that join the ‘Get Set’ network before Friday 16 December 2011 will also secure an allocation of tickets to the Games at no cost through the London 2012 Ticketshare initiative, as well as other exclusive rewards and opportunities.

Get Set is the official London 2012 education programme for schools and colleges across the UK. More than 20,500 schools have already registered with the programme. It provides students and teachers with access to free resources including films, activity and fact sheets to support young people to explore the Olympic and Paralympic Values and play their part in the London 2012 Games.

Over 8,000 have gone one step further to join the Get Set network reward and recognition scheme by demonstrating their commitment to living the Olympic and Paralympic Values.