How does the region benefit?

It was clear during the bidding process that the benefits would be far reaching and highly prestigious for regions involved in the 2012 Games.

It is expected that the event has the potential to provide a multi-million boost to business in the North East, particularly with the region's expertise in a number of sectors such as construction.

It is also expected to raise aspirations among the region's sportsmen and sportswomen.

The massive influx of visitors for the 2012 Games to the UK gives the North East an ideal promotional opportunity to attract more tourists to the region.

And there are also huge benefits to be gained from showcasing the region's cultural assets to the international visitors.

As well as obvious economic and tourism benefits, hosting the 2012 Games in London and potentially bringing training camps to the region is expected inspire young people to get involved in sports; this means the region may potentially produce Olympic heroes of the future.

How do we ensure the region is involved and opportunities are maximised?

A Regional Forum has been established, and will work on a Regional Plan for the 2012 Games. This plan will focus on themed areas, and specific actions will be led by Sport England and Regional Development Agency One NorthEast.

One NorthEast led themes:

• Business: to ensure that regional businesses are best placed to access the range of contracts associated with the 2012 Games and to build regional capacity in relation to other major sporting contracts.
• Tourism/Image: to ensure that North East England attracts a share of the overseas visitors expected to visit London before, during and after the 2012 Games.
• Culture: to ensure full engagement and representation of North East England communities, individuals and talent in the cultural celebrations associated with the 2012 Games.
• Skills and Volunteering: to ensure that regional communities and individuals are given the opportunity to develop talent and skills.

For further information about One NorthEast led themes email Tanya Gray.

Sport England led themes:    

• Facilities: to ensure that the North East maximises on the world class regional facilities that  exist and creates propositions capable of attracting visiting teams and events both in the lead up to and following on from the 2012 Games.
• Performance Sport: to ensure that the region’s talented performers have every opportunity and are given appropriate support to participate in the 2012 Games.
• Children and Young People: to ensure that the educational and aspirational spirit of the 2012 Games inspires and informs the region’s children and young people.
• Health: to ensure that the 2012 Games acts to inspire regional communities and individuals to make positive improvements to their general health and well being through sport and physical activity.

For further information about Sport England led themes email Ian Thurlbeck.

Who are the key people involved in maximising these opportunities?

The Regional Forum members and the organisations they represent are as follows:

• Tim Cantle Jones – Chair of the Regional Sports Board  
• Judith Rasmussen – Regional Director, Sport England
• Stacy Hall – Director of Communications, One NorthEast 
• Andrew Hailwood – Chair of regional National Governing Body Network
• Jonathon Blackie – Regional Director, Government Office for the North East
• Olivia Grant – Chair of Culture NE, Culture North East
• Helen Weston – Chair of North East Federation of Sport & Recreation 
• Ruth Lewis – Chair of Regional Equity Network
• Melanie Laws – Director, Association of North East Councils
• Jo Boaden – Chief Executive, NorthEast Assembly
• Helen Pickering – Universities for the North East
• John Lowther – Tees Valley Partnership     
• George Snaith – Tyne Wear Partnership
• John Litherland – Northumberland Strategic Partnership
• Chris Roberts – Regional Director, Learning and Skills Council
• Bill McGawley – representing Northern Business Forum
• Meryl Dodd – representing Northern Business Forum

The Regional Forum meet on a six-monthly basis. 

For further information about Regional Forum meetings, email Tanya Gray from One NorthEast.

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