Schools and colleges across the UK are being encouraged to celebrate the athletes and cultures of the world as part of London 2012 World Sport Day, which will take place on Monday 25 June 2012.
The celebration, which will open National School Sport Week in England and Wales, will give thousands of young people across the UK the chance to learn about the athletes and cultures of the world.
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) will provide resources to schools through the official London 2012 'Get Set' education programme, including tips from the London 2012 Ceremonies team of producers on how to host an opening ceremony for World Sport Day.
LOCOG will also be releasing and promoting new resources every month to help schools plan their day and decorate their school for the celebrations. Schools can request their free event pack on the World Sport Day website; the pack is full of materials and decorations, with schools in the Get Set network receiving access to extra materials and opportunities.
Said Seb Coe, London 2012 chair, "With the Games almost here, World Sport Day is a fantastic opportunity to bring the young people of the UK together on one day to celebrate our amazing athletes from all over the world, and their nations and cultures. The day will showcase all the work young people are doing on the teams they have been supporting – whether as a class, a year group or a whole school community.
"We want to encourage schools to involve parents, governors, members of the wider community and other local schools to join together on 25 June for what will be a great celebration of sport and cultures of the world."
Some schools are already planning their celebrations. Said Roger Mitchell, headteacher at Ripple Primary School in Barking and Dagenham, "Here at Ripple Primary School we are proud to hold a yearly Cultural Diversity fortnight. During this time, each class learns about a particular country and then puts on a showcase to celebrate that country's culture.
"World Sport Day gives us the opportunity to both celebrate the London 2012 Games and incorporate the Cultural Diversity work and sports activities that our young people enjoy so much. Because we have a wonderful samba band at our school, we will be supporting Team Brazil on London 2012 World Sport Day and joining thousands of other schools across the UK in this occasion."
