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Children and families will be able to join in the celebrations as London becomes the official Olympic Games Host City on Sunday 24 August. Camden Council will host an afternoon of family fun at Swiss Cottage library from 2pm, culminating in raising the Olympic flag simultaneously with other regions around the UK at 3.30pm. A first in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the iconic London Olympic Handover Flag will be raised in Swiss Cottage by Cllr Flick Rea and children taking part in free afternoon activities, which include storytelling and flag making. Cllr Flick Rea, Camden's Executive Member for Culture, said: "This is the first of many events across Camden to celebrate London becoming the official Olympic Games Host City. Although they aren't taking place in the borough, they will have a significant impact. We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to benefit from them, through job creation, taking part in creative activities, tourism, volunteering and healthier lifestyles or improvements to our streets, parks and open spaces." Camden Council is also organising a weekend of free activities and events across the borough to celebrate the launch of the Cultural Olympiad on 27 and 28 September. Details will be available at camden.gov.uk/olympics and partners include the British Museum, British Library and the Wellcome Collection. Camden is one of over 500 locations chosen to fly the Olympic Handover flag. HM Armed Forces, embassies around the world, City Halls, British Council offices and Foreign and Commonwealth offices have all received them. It will be raised in landmark areas such as the Unst in the Shetland Isles, the most northerly point in the UK and Land's End in Cornwall, the most southerly point. Flags will also be raised at Lowestoft, the most easterly town in England and the Isles of Scilly, the most westerly point. Chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee, Sebastian Coe said: "When the Mayor of London accepts the Olympic Flag on 24th August, the eyes of the world will turn to London and the UK as the next Summer Host City. It is a very important and exciting moment for us, and we want as many people as possible to join in the handover celebrations. We are delighted that so many local authorities share our excitement and are proudly displaying the Olympic Handover Flag to mark this very special moment on our journey to 2012." Councillor Chris White, Chair of the LGA's Culture, Tourism and Sport board, said: "While the Olympic Games in 2012 are happening in London, it's clear there's strong support for them throughout the length and breadth of the country. More than 400 councils have arranged parties and flag-raising events for August 24th to mark the start of an exciting four years. Authorities are already investing in sports facilities and promoting healthier living to ensure the legacy of the Olympic Games will be long-lasting. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for every part of the country to enjoy a boom in business, tourism and sporting excellence, and councils are ready to seize the opportunity." http://www.camden.gov.uk/ |
